Laser Surgery

Ask manufacturer

by Lavender - 2024-08-16 17:21:59

You didn't list your pacemaker model in your bio so I can't point you to the contact number for that device. However, you can ask your EP, cardiologist, or call your device manufacturer for a concise answer. 

I too am struggling with this one!

by Gemita - 2024-08-17 04:16:14

Beaker, as a matter of fact, I am facing eye (YAG) laser treatment following cataract surgery, so your post is timely.  I have made a few enquiries and have read that eye laser therapy is not usually contraindicated with pacemakers.  Pacemakers are encapsulated in metal and therefore should not be affected by light and laser light therapy doesn't induce ultra-sonic vibration which causes metal to heat up.  Perhaps our knowledgeable members could reassure us both?

In my Medtronic guidelines, I see that Eye Laser Surgery is an acceptable, safe procedure with a pacemaker, providing the laser equipment is used as intended and is in good working condition: 

Please copy and paste all links into your main browser to open if you wish to read more:

https://www.medtronic.com/uk-en/patients/electromagnetic-guide/medical-dental.html

I would consult with your medical teams and also get your pacemaker manufacturer’s advice as already suggested by Lavender, since different manufacturers may have different guidelines depending on device and patient's heart condition;  whether for example you have a defibrillator and might need any device adjustment prior to laser treatment or whether you need to have a cardiac technician with you for the duration of the procedure?  All questions for your team.

I see that Boston Scientific has very detailed guidelines in their Electromagnetic (EMI) Compatibility Table for pacemaker devices (see pages 36, 37 for advice on eye laser treatments):

https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/lifebeat-online/en/documents/BSC_Electromagnetic_Compatibility_Guide.pdf

Major manufacturers have in the past discouraged laser eye treatments in patients with CIEDs until more recently when Medtronic and St. Jude, the two largest manufacturers of such devices, approved LASIK surgery with recommendations to shielding the implanted device with a magnet and closely monitoring the heart rate during the surgery.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6825699/#:~:text=Major%20manufacturers%20have%20discouraged%20laser,heart%20rate%20during%20the%20surgery.

Hope your laser treatment is a success.

Re: Laser Surgery

by H van Dyk - 2024-08-17 07:11:13

Not quite the same, but a couple of months after I had my eyes done I needed a so-called 'after-cataract' procedure for my left eye. This was done by a laser and took only one minute or so. In my case it was done at the same hospital as where my pacemaker was installed. No problems whatsoever.
Laser equipment works with light. I don't think that even strong lights can affect or harm a pacemaker. I think pacemakers are only sensitive to electro-magnetic radiation from other frequenties than a light source.
However, your medical team knows best!