Cardiac pacemakers. Does radiation therapy affect performance?
Representative deman cardiac pacemakers were tested with several common radiation therapy devices and ancillary equipment. The experimental set-up essentially duplicated the dosimetric and electroconductive environment of the radiation therapy patient bearing a pacemaker. Observations of pulse width and interval confirmed that pacemaker output was generally not appreciably affected by the simulated treatments. Occasionally, changes were caused by ancillary equipment and start-up of treatment. We conclude that although interference hazards are sometimes seen, radiation therapy is not contraindicated in patients wearing pacemakers.
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011674:Pulse / Q000528:radiation effects; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011878:Radiotherapy