Owais Crawford
Can I go through an airport scanner with a pacemaker?
Body scanners at airport security do not interfere with pacemakers, according to several studies. Patients with pacemakers can safely pass through full-body scanners, which use advanced imaging technology (AIT) and do not harm or change the settings of pacemakers. However, the metal parts in pacemakers may set off metal detector alarms, so it is recommended to avoid walk-through metal detectors and consult with a physician before flying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety of airport scanners for pacemakers | Safe according to multiple studies |
| Metal detectors | Should be avoided |
| Walk-through metal detectors | Should be avoided |
| Wand metal detectors | Should not be placed over the pacemaker |
| Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) | Safe to use |
| Millimeter wave body scans | Safe according to a study at the German Heart Centre Munich |
| Medical Device ID Card | Should be carried at all times |
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What You'll Learn
Body scanners are safe for pacemaker patients
Body scanners used at airports and other public places for security screening are safe for patients with pacemakers. This has been confirmed by multiple studies, including one published in 2019 in Heart, Lung, and Circulation, which found no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during the scans.
One of the largest studies, conducted by the German Heart Centre Munich, included 300 patients with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. During the millimeter-wave body scan, an electrocardiogram was recorded to detect any cardiac device malfunctions caused by electromagnetic interference. The overall findings showed no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction, leading the study author, Carsten Lennerz, MD, to conclude that "scanning is safe for patients with implanted cardiac devices."
Another study, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Scientific Sessions in 2019, analyzed more than 1,000 scans and found no negative interference with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers or defibrillators. This study addressed the concerns of many patients, with 80% expressing fears or concerns about passing through body scanners at airports.
When travelling with a pacemaker, it is recommended to carry your Medical Device ID Card and inform the TSA officers of your device. While body scanners are safe, it is advised to avoid walk-through metal detectors and wand metal detectors, which may interfere with pacemakers.
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Metal detectors may set off alarms
If you have a pacemaker, it is recommended that you do not go through a walk-through metal detector at airport security. Instead, inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker and request to be screened by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). This technology is safe for people with pacemakers, and it will reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.
The AIT full-body scanner will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings, according to Boston Scientific. However, the metal parts in the pacemaker may set off the metal detector alarm. This is why it is important to inform the TSA officer beforehand so that they can direct you to the appropriate screening technology.
In addition to informing the TSA officer, it is recommended that you carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device, and it can be helpful in an emergency. Boston Scientific also offers a security card specifically for international travel, which explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms in 13 languages.
Research has shown that body scanners used at airports do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers. A 2019 study published in Heart, Lung, and Circulation confirmed that people with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can safely undergo airport screenings without harm. Additionally, a study presented at the ESC Congress in 2018 found no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during body scans of 300 patients with pacemakers.
In summary, while metal detectors may set off alarms if you have a pacemaker, this is not a cause for concern. You can safely undergo screening by informing the TSA officer and utilizing the appropriate technology, such as Advanced Imaging Technology.
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Medical Device ID Cards should be shown
It is understandable to be concerned about the impact of airport scanners on pacemakers. While it is generally safe to go through airport scanners with a pacemaker, it is advisable to carry a Medical Device ID Card and inform the TSA officer about your internal medical device. This card will identify you as a patient with an implanted device, and security staff may then decide to send you through a full-body scanner or perform a hand-pat search.
The full-body scanners used at airports are safe for individuals with pacemakers, as confirmed by several studies, including one presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Scientific Sessions in 2019. This particular study analysed over 1,000 scans and found no negative interference with pacemakers or other cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Another study from 2018, conducted at the German Heart Centre Munich, reached similar conclusions, finding no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during full-body scans.
Despite these reassurances, some individuals with pacemakers may still feel anxious about passing through airport scanners. To address this, it is recommended to always carry your Medical Device ID Card, which serves as an important form of identification in case of an emergency. Additionally, this card can inform security personnel about your implanted device, potentially triggering alarms during security screenings.
In summary, while airport scanners are considered safe for individuals with pacemakers, it is essential to carry and show your Medical Device ID Card at the security checkpoint. This card will help security staff make informed decisions about the screening process and ensure your peace of mind throughout your travel journey.
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Pacemakers won't be damaged by scanners
It is understandable to be concerned about the impact of airport scanners on pacemakers. Rest assured, pacemakers will not be damaged by airport scanners.
Several studies have been conducted to test the safety of airport scanners for individuals with pacemakers, and the results consistently indicate that there is no cause for concern. One such study, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Scientific Sessions in 2019, analysed more than 1,000 scans and found no negative interference with pacemakers or other cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
Another study, published in Heart, Lung, and Circulation in 2019, specifically examined the impact of airport-style body scanners on 302 patients with cardiac devices. The researchers found no electromagnetic interference, and the devices maintained their regular pace throughout the scanning process.
Based on these findings, there is no need for specific protocols or restrictions on the use of body scans for individuals with pacemakers. However, it is recommended to inform the TSA officer about your pacemaker and carry your Medical Device ID Card, as the metal parts of the pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms.
In summary, while it is natural to have concerns, the extensive research conducted in this area confirms that pacemakers will not be harmed or affected by airport scanners.
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No electromagnetic interference found in studies
If you have a pacemaker, you can go through an airport scanner, but you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can facilitate your screening and reduces the likelihood of a pat-down. The AIT full-body scanner will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings, but the metal parts in your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms. You should inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker and show them your Medical Device ID Card.
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of pacemakers to electromagnetic interference (EMI). One study exposed pacemakers to electromagnetic fields with frequencies of 2–200 Hz using a Helmholtz coil, as well as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate, an induction cooktop, and a metal inert gas (MIG) welding machine. None of the pacemakers experienced interference in any of the exposure situations. Another study evaluated the effect of 50-Hz EMFs on pacemaker function, finding that EMI occurred in 61% of pacemakers at maximum sensitivity and 16% at nominal sensitivity. However, at the US general public EMF limit of 5 kVm-1 and 904 μT, only 34% and 4.4% of pacemakers, respectively, were disturbed at maximum and nominal sensitivity.
While these studies suggest that EMI may occur under daily life exposure conditions, it is important to note that pacemakers have been continuously improved to increase their electromagnetic compatibility. Modern pacemakers with bipolar settings have been found to perform better in rejecting EMI compared to older pacemakers with unipolar settings. As a result, pacemakers with unipolar configurations are more susceptible to EMI and should be avoided in environments with high electromagnetic fields. Overall, while there may be some risk of EMI with pacemakers, the studies suggest that the risk is relatively low, especially for modern pacemakers with bipolar settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to several studies, body scanners at airport security do not interfere with pacemakers.
Yes, it is recommended that you inform the TSA officer about your pacemaker. You should also carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times.
Yes, the full-body scanner will show your pacemaker, but it will not sound an alarm.
No, the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanner will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings.
No, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have a pacemaker.
