Effects of radiation on pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Attention has come to be paid to the influence of the electromagnetic wave on pacemakers (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). As for the treatment of irradiation using the high energy X-ray and gamma ray which is a kind of the electromagnetic wave, the countermeasure is necessary. We studied about the effects of radiation on PM and ICD, and the way of prevention of dysfunction by irradiation, and carried out 4 examinations as follows: Experimental examination about the PM, the cut of the irradiation field by the lead block on PM, experimental examination about ICD, effects of radiation on ICD in vivo. Various effects were recognized due to the irradiation, and a permanent dyafunction was noted as for PM. When PM is contained in the irradiation field, the cut of irradiation field based on the calculation by phantom. Dysfunction of ICD was not noted by irradiation. However, it is the point which the mis-recognition which it can think about by the radiofrequency wave is presumed and which it should be careful of. (author)