Understanding electromagnetic safety

Tens of thousands of patients worldwide rely on Boston Scientific technology for life-changing medical solutions, implants, and pain relief therapies.The goal of subcutaneous and transvenous implantable defibrillators (ICD and S-ICD) is to get you back to the things you enjoy in everyday life. Understand the facts about electromagnetic interference and your device to stay safe in every situation. 

All items that use electricity or transmit wireless signals have invisible electromagnetic fields around them that may temporarily interfere with your device. This is called electromagnetic interference, or EMI for short.

Boston Scientific ICDs and S-ICDs devices are designed to work properly around most appliances and tools. However, some appliances and tools may affect how your device works. While these effects are usually temporary, we recommend using the following guidelines for safe interaction with many common household items.

Your device has built-in features that protect it from interference from most electrical or wireless household items. However, some electrical and wireless items must be kept a certain distance away from your implanted device to avoid interaction with your device.

Know the sound

An ICD device may deliver a beeping sound to let you know you are near a large magnet or source of EMI.
Listen to the sound

Safety ratings

Avoid use Avoid use
Use with caution Use with caution
Safe to use Safe to use

Household tools that are not safe for use

The following items are not safe to use if you have an ICD or S-ICD device:
Avoid use Avoid use
Avoid use Avoid use

Household tools that are safe to use at a distance (use with caution)

If you use any of the following items, it’s important to keep them the recommended distance away from your implanted device to avoid interaction.

Items that should not be placed directly over your ICD or S-ICD, but are otherwise safe to use

Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution

Items that should remain at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your ICD or S-ICD

Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution

Items that should remain at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from your ICD or S-ICD

Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution

Items that should remain at least 24 inches (60 cm) away from your ICD or S-ICD

Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution
Use with caution Use with caution

Household tools that are safe under normal use

The following household items are generally safe to use with ICDs and S-ICDs as long as they are in good working condition and used as intended:
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use
Safe to use Safe to use

Using cell phones safely

Your cellular phone is a source of EMI and could affect your ICD or S-ICD’s operation. This interaction is temporary, and moving the phone away from your device will return it to proper function. To reduce the chance of interaction, follow these precautions:

  • Maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 cm) between the cell phone and your device. If the phone transmits more than 3 watts, increase the distance to 12 inches (30 cm)
  • Hold the cellular phone to your ear on the opposite side of your body from your ICD or S-ICD
  • Do not carry a cell phone in a breast pocket or on a belt if that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your device

These precautions apply only to cell phones, not to household cordless phones. However, you should avoid placing your household cordless phone receiver directly over your ICD or S-ICD.

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