PaceMakers and Diving

[GCParris]

Hi all, anyone on here dive with a pace maker fitted? I need to draw a comparison between the Medtronic and St. Jude models as apparently the Medtronic models are limited to 10m max depth, where the St. Jude models have a much greater depth rating to about 70m.

PM me if possible or reply below.

Many thanks,
Gareth.

[Gene_Hobbs]

Originally Posted by GCParris

Medtronic and St. Jude models

The manufacturers are the ones to talk to on this as these things change continuously. The abstract below does talk about the Medtronic ICD but not their pacemaker (unknown model number). Dr. Weaver is easy to get in touch with though. Hope this help a little.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN IN PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTED CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATORS AND PACEMAKERS.
Schmitz, Churchill, and Weaver. 2006 UHMS Abstract.
RRR ID: 3668

BACKGROUND: Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or pacemakers may need hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. These devices may not be suitable for pressurization or may expose the patient to increased risk during HBO. METHODS: Survey of ICD and cardiac pacemaker manufacturers to determine which devices were approved for HBO. RESULTS:<TABLE NOT AVAILABLE> Some ICD and pacer devices have been tested/approved for HBO2 exposures. We could find no in vivo ICD testing in hyperbaric conditions. Titanium pacemakers/ICDs will deform at 5 atm abs. Some pacing rates can be affected by sudden changes in pressure. Faulty ICDs and pacemakers, identified by recalls, may increase patient risk during HBO2. If ICD leads are damaged, ignition could occur if the ICD discharges (personal communication with Medtronics, 2005). It is unknown if ignition could cause patient combustion. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Approved pressures are up to 8.0 atm abs for pacemakers and 4.9 atm abs for ICDs, but vary by manufacturer and model. 2) ICD defibrillation during HBO2 has not been reported, nor tested. 3) If there is an ICD discharge (defibrillation) in the presence of lead damage, ignition could occur. We advise that present-day ICDs should be deactivated before HBO2 therapy (monitoring the patient and the capability for defibrillation would therefore be important).

RRR search for "pacemaker".