Dremels and ICDs?

[KimHoJo]

Anyone happen to know if Dremels or other power tools can cause problems with an ICD? I've heard to steer clear of arc welders, ham radios and the like, and to keep cell phones at least 6' away. Never occured to me to worry about my Dremel until I was sanding a carving while listening to AM radio and heard the tool interfere with the signal.

(For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, ICD stands for 'implantable cardioverter defibrillator'. I figured no one on an ICD message board would have a clue what a Dremel was, and there are enough [s]old farts[/s] mature individuals here who carve that someone else has an ICD.)

[AlArchie]

Was the radio a plug in type or a battery operated one? If it was a plug in, it may have been emf feedback through the 120VAC cord into the radio, and of far less concern than if it was a portable radio picking up the emf through the air. Maybe one of our 'engineer types' could answer that, givin all the info.

Al

dremels use a static charge so may interfer with ICD s if not in good working order if you feel a change in heart rate when using it stop and have it tuned up
bob

[carver6]

Ya'll done got into waaay muddier water than I could get out of. Good luck!! :P

[KimHoJo]

The radio wasn't plugged in; it's a battery operated model. I've changed the way I use my Dremel to keep it as far away from my left side as possible, but I'm a little goosey about getting zapped. Guess the EP can tell me on the next visit if it ever came close to discharging!

[Baldy]

Kim:
I have had an ICD for many years now and so far have found little problem with power tools as long as they are kept at a reasonable distance from my left side. I still use my drill, dremels and other tools but do make sure they are kept a foot or so from my chest.
When I first got it we had someone come in and check the Microwave oven and my radio control transmitter to see if either would bother it as at that time I was flying radio control model airplanes. No problem but worth a check if you have older stuff.
Dick Berg