If I have a pump, can I also have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)?
The programmable pump will not be damaged by therapy pulses from the pacemaker or ICD. However, it is recommended to keep the programming head for the pacemaker or ICD at least 10cm (4 inches) away from the pump to minimise any potential interference. It also is important to keep the programming head of the pump programmer away from the pacemaker or ICD because the programming head contains a large magnet. Most pacemakers and some ICDs respond to a magnet and will change modes if the programming head is placed near the pacemaker or ICD. An electronic circuit controls the programmable pump. The EMI/RFI emitted from the programmer for an ICD could potentially alter information stored in the pump’s memory. It also may directly affect the operation of one or more of the pump’s internal components. However, it will not damage the pump. The microprocessor inside the pump contains a self-test that checks the pump program a few times a minute. If the pump memory is a ffected, this circuit will
