Maglev train and pacemaker

Is there interference between  Maglev train and pacemaker.  I will travel to China. Should I avoid this kind of transportation there?

1 Comments

Maglev trains and pacemakers

by Selwyn - 2016-07-04 19:38:55

I am in debt to https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2bulmi/would_the_magnetic_field_created_by_a_maglev/

for this :.
All implantable cardiac rhythm devices are affected by external magnetic and RF fields. Potential problems include: movement and torque of the device and/or lead(s); electrical current induction with potential myocardial capture or tissue damage; electrical noise resulting in pacing inhibition, inappropriate anti tachycardia pacing or shocks; abnormal functioning of the reed switch.
All implantable cardiac rhythm devices have a switch (mostly of the reed variety) that closes when an external magnetic field is applied to it, resulting in the device to switch to a programming mode, mostly with asynchronous pacing. The switches in modern pacemakers tend to close at 0.9 milli Tesla, with the other hazards mentioned above occurring at much higher field strengths.
According to some answers below, the field inside the train is about 100 micro Tesla, unlikely to cause any inadvertent reed switch closures or any of the other effects, though one would hope this has been thoroughly tested.

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If your pacemaker and leads are MRI safe, then all will be well.

Enjoy China. We went on the pressurised train that goes to 5000 metres altitude ( with oxygen in the cabin) and ends in Tibet. I needed a letter from my cardiologist to travel!

Kind regards,

Selwyn

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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