[bronzemaster]

My problem is that I have a new ICD as the result of having a cardiac arrest. I've read all the information from the devices manufacturer. It all sounds as if it is related to stick welding. Doctors and technicians are all specialists in their fields and don't know anything about electric welding processes. Their easy advice is don't do it.
The ICD is similar to a pacemaker except it has the additional capability of shocking the heart if a cardiac arrest occurs.
I've been told that if something sets the ICD off, it will result in a shock that will feel like I've been kicked in the chest by a horse. I'd rather avoid that. Comments about chainmail are interesting, but I want to know if it works.
If there are any ICD carrying welders out there, I'd like to hear about your experiences.
Bill

[Coldman]

Welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about your health.
Cardiologists are amazing people. Most of them see things ordinary people can’t . Assuming they don’t understand the welding process risk relative to your health would be a mistake.
If they say don’t do it, maybe it’s time to switch to clay sculpture and oxy acet welding.
My 2c worth.



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[Farmwelding]

I know one guy who has the same problem as you do and he avoids welding like the plague. Even small shocks may become an issue now and again. I definitely wouldn't reccomend tig welding. The high frequency would set it off for sure. I agree with cold man. Oxy acetylene is always an option.

[Poland308]

In the nuke plant they equip everyone inside with an electronic detector\recorder for keeping track of radioactive exposure. About the size of a pager. If you tig weld with one of these on it will pick up the magnetic electric field and give false readings. No idea what your installed med equipment would do around it. But the frequencies and mag fields are undeniable.

[Farmwelding]

In the nuke plant they equip everyone inside with an electronic detector\recorder for keeping track of radioactive exposure. About the size of a pager. If you tig weld with one of these on it will pick up the magnetic electric field and give false readings. No idea what your installed med equipment would do around it. But the frequencies and mag fields are undeniable.

I know sometime i hit myself with the high frequency or get it through the filler rod if i accidentally hit the pedal. Im sure that can't be good.

[Poland308]

Then again sometimes I need a kick in the head.

[Farmwelding]

What exactly did your doctor say? Was this all verbal or was there like a pamphlet or something?

[Artie F. Emm]

I've read all the information from the devices manufacturer. It all sounds as if it is related to stick welding. Doctors and technicians are all specialists in their fields and don't know anything about electric welding processes. Their easy advice is don't do it.

{snip}

If there are any ICD carrying welders out there, I'd like to hear about your experiences.
Bill

I doubt any medic or even the device manufacturer will go out on a limb to say "Sure, go for it."

WW has similar threads you may want to read. The chain mail idea is interesting but sounds untested. When you get an x-ray you wear a lead shroud to minimize exposure, so maybe a similar kind of jacket would help? Hate to say it, but the gas welding alternative may be a strong consideration.

[bronzemaster]

Trying to sort the situation out, I went to the AWS web site and they have given specific reference to arc welding with active implanted medical devices. Their information outlines safety procedures for welding or cutting, if you have such a device. They reference material from Medtronic, the manufacturer of these devices. I contacted Miller the maker of my TIG and MIG machines and they gave me the information, again from Medtronic.
It seems that with proper procedure, anyone who has one of these devices can arc weld.
Of course, there is the caveat that if you do it and suffer ill effect, stop doing it.
Since my driver's license was suspended for medical reason and since the device records its activity, I won't be testing until I have my license back.