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Traveling With a Cardiac Device

LifeBeat Online wants to help patients with cardiac devices enjoy their lives. You may be concerned about how your device could affect your freedom to travel. You can take certain steps to travel safely with a cardiac device—don’t feel that your device limits you.

To help you with any traveling concerns, LifeBeat Online interviewed Ali Naughton, a technical consultant at Guidant. Her advice can help you travel with less worry.

Tips to Remember When Traveling

Some devices may set off airport security alarms, but your device will not be damaged by these alarms
Handheld security wands at airports should be avoided if possible—ask for a hand search instead

Naughton emphasizes that “the metal detector will not harm the device in any way. The part that we zero in on is the handheld wand. The issue there is that the wand is magnetic and may affect your device. Just remember to present your ID card. Walk through the metal detector at a normal pace. Avoid the wand. It’s that simple.”

Always carry your pacemaker/ICD ID card with you. This card identifies you as a pacemaker or ICD patient
Guidant can also provide an airport security card for you to carry with you when traveling

“The airport security card explains, in several languages, that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints, and that strong magnets can affect the function of the device,” says Naughton.

Unless your doctor says otherwise, traveling on an airplane will not harm your cardiac device

Your doctor may have specific recommendations for you regarding driving; ask your doctor when it is safe for you to drive again.

“Driving can be a source of anxiety for ICD patients,” says Naughton. “Whether or not someone can drive after receiving an ICD is specific to their condition. It has nothing to do with the device. Driving laws vary from state to state. Patients should always check with their doctor if they have questions about whether they can drive.”

Ask your doctor for emergency contact information

Talk to your doctor before you travel so you know what to do and who to call. “A game plan goes a long way. Know what to do if something comes up,” recommends Naughton.

Be prepared with the contact name and number of a nearby medical facility. The Guidant website can help you find a hospital that treats patients with Guidant devices: Travel With Your Device.

Remember, wherever you go, enjoy yourself!

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