X-ray effects on pacemaker type circuits
Queries have been raised concerning the potential hazards of X-ray irradiation on patients using the new generation of heart pacemakers based on digital circuitry. The present study was undertaken to provide some answers to these queries. The work was conducted in two parts. First, a literature search was done and, second, circuits using current state of the art digital technology were irradiated with X-rays. Watch circuits were chosen because of their availability and built-in facilities by which their function could be tested. Doses up to 330 rads were administered to them using energies of 46, 114, and 141 KeV. The conclusion drawn from both parts of the study was that X-rays used for diagnostic purposes were unlikely to affect the performance of this type of circuit in any way. It was accepted that for therapeutic purposes doses far in excess of this are administered and circuit malfunctions are likely to occur. To assess the probability of a digital pacemaker malfunctioning, samples of that particular type would have to be irradiated at the relevant dose.
- Research Organization:
- Instrumentation and Applied Physics Division, A.E.R.E., Harwell, England
- OSTI ID:
- 6817855
- Journal Information:
- PACE, Pac. Clin. Electrophysiol.; (United States), Vol. 5:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
RADIATION HAZARDS
CARDIAC PACEMAKERS
RADIATION EFFECTS
DIAGNOSIS
DIGITAL CIRCUITS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
EXTERNAL IRRADIATION
RADIATION DOSES
RELIABILITY
SIDE EFFECTS
X RADIATION
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
RADIATIONS
RADIOLOGY
440200* - Radiation Effects on Instrument Components
Instruments
or Electronic Systems