Traveling with a pacemaker

Keeping pace with your life

As you get back to the rhythm of life, it’s natural to begin traveling again. It’s safe to travel with your pacemaker as long as you talk to your doctor, carry your Medical Device ID Card, and understand the following precautions before taking off.

Airport security

Going through airport security can be confusing even for people without an implanted device. To help make the process easier, be sure to show your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station. This card identifies you as an implanted device patient. After showing your card, follow the security staff’s directions. Depending on the airport, the staff may do one of the following:

Send you through the security full body scanner. The Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full body scanner will not harm your pacemaker or change the settings. However, your pacemaker’s metal parts may set off metal detector alarms.
Use a hand-held security wand. If it’s held over your pacemaker for too long, the wand could temporarily affect your pacemaker. If they must use a wand, tell them that the search must be done quickly and not to hold the wand over your pacemaker.
Do a hand-pat search. If you request a hand-pat search, you can ask them to do it in a private area.

Note: The full body scanner will show your pacemaker but it will not sound an alarm while you are inside. You may be asked to show your Medical Device ID Card or they may ask to do a hand-pat search.

Medical Device ID Card

Whether you’re running a quick errand or going away for an extended trip, it’s important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. In an emergency, your card will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device. In addition to your Medical Device ID Card, Boston Scientific offers a security card for international travel. The card explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in 13 languages. To get a Medical Device Patient Security Card, call us at 1-866-484-3268.

Find a heart specialist while you’re traveling

You can search for facilities nationwide and internationally that treat patients with Boston Scientific CRT devices should you need assistance while traveling.

Find a heart specialist

We’re here to help

Our patient services team is here to support you throughout your journey.

(866) 484-3268

Pacemakers
Important Safety Information

A pacemaker system is designed to monitor and treat your heart rhythm problems, greatly reducing the risks associated with them. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. Some of the risks encountered during the implant procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: Bleeding, formation of a blood clot, damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves), puncture of a lung or vein, damage to the heart (perforation or tissue damage), dangerous arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, death. Some of the risks encountered after the system is implanted may include, but are not limited to, the following: Infection, erosion of the skin near your device, lead(s) may move out of place in the heart, device may move from the original implant site, difficulty coping with having an implanted device. The device might be prevented from pacing due to electromagnetic interference. Electrodes on the lead or the pacing pulses may cause an irritation or damaging effect on the surrounding tissues, including heart tissue and nerves. You may receive pacing therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy). The device might not be able to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms. The device may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. With all medical procedures there are risks associated. In rare cases device failure or death can occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of this system. To obtain a copy of the device Patient Handbook for more detailed device safety information, go to www.bostonscientific.com, or you can request a copy by calling 1-866-484-3268 or writing to Boston Scientific, 4100 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55112. Rx only

Device Quality and Reliability

It is Boston Scientific’s intent to provide implantable devices of high quality and reliability. However, these devices may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. Refer to Boston Scientific’s CRM product performance report on www.bostonscientific.com for more information about device performance, including the types and rates of malfunctions that these devices have experienced historically. While historical data may not be predictive of future device performance, such data can provide important context for understanding the overall reliability of these types of products. Also, it is important that you talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of a device.

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