FDA Probing RFID Interference in Pacemakers, ICDs

The FDA has done some basic research suggesting that radio frequency identification readers (RFID) may electronically affect Pacemakers and ICDs.

Extremely low risk of interference but ... worthy of an investigation by manufacturers for current devices and mitigating the issue for future devices.

For more information visit:

www.heartrhythmjournal.com

St. Jude Medical Sponsors SCD-HeFT 10 Year Study

St. Jude Medical has announced its intentions to support a 10 year follow-up for those patients previously enrolled in the SCD-HeFT Trial.

Many of those patients went on to receive an ICD.

The purpose is to follow those study patients since the close of the follow-up section of the trial dated October 31, 2003.

If you or someone you know may have been part of this study, contact your doctor. They may be looking for you regarding this additional research.

Psychology of a Pacemaker / ICD Patient

Once a person receives an implanted device, i.e., pacemaker or ICD, their life can begin to revolve around the fact that they have a device .... that they're somehow different from their friends and family.

Unique maybe. Different? No.

Hopefully, before implantation and definitely after, the patient needs to have in place an external positive influence such as a wife/husband/partner or Support Group, self-confidence in the technology implanted in them and a renewed attitude that the device should improve their quality of life.

If they do these little things, research has shown that both their longterm outcomes and quality of life typically improve.