Is a Medallion wearable safe to use if I have a pacemaker?

[John99]

 

Is a Medallion wearable safe to use if I have a pacemaker, or other medical device?
The Medallion wearable includes magnets and RF technology that have been designed and manufactured to meet the radio frequency (RF) requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. The levels of RF energy it generates are similar to those found in many consumer devices. Manufacturers of Implantable Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) typically recommend that you keep your medical device 9 inches (23 cm) away from RF transmitters comparable to the one found inside the Medallion wearable. However, as every device differs, so you should check directly with the manufacturer of your medical device and physician for guidance.      Source:  Princess Website 

Recently, my wife had a Medtronic heart pacemaker implanted.  We have an Alaskan cruise booked for July, 2023.  Her cardiologist cleared her for travel but had no clear answer about the Medallion.  She needed additional info on the Medallion (frequency, etc.)  Based on the answer (above) from Princess – hanging a Medallion from your neck is not advisable.  Talking to Customer Service or Live Chat provided no additional information relative to our questions.

Cruisers -- What is your personal experiences when cruising?  What are your Pros and/or Cons?  Did you carry a Medallion in your pocket?  What did you do?  Or, did you store the Medallion in your safe?  Did you obtain a “cruise card” from the customer service desk?  If yes, how did that work out?  How about your husband or significant other?  What did they do with their Medallion?  John

[tobyt]

Be safe, get a cruise card, why even take the risk……

[SLC1954]

The warning is is just fine print like drinking hot coffee, yes there is a very weak magnet in the Medallion, My question to you is, have you removed every magnet in your home, including those that may be on your refrigerator.  Oh and don’t forget what will you do if everyone piles into the elevator with their medallions?  
Working in a Cardiology lab, it takes a very strong magnet to reset a pacemaker. 

[wheezedr]

Speaking from personal experience, having a pacemaker for over 20 years with the last 3 being ICD’s, I have had zero problems with the Medallion.  Now I must tell you that I carry it in a pants pocket, not because of the magnet issue but just because of not caring to wear a lanyard.

[san diego sue]

I was just going to ask the same question about pacemakers and safety with  medallion magnet.

I thought maybe I will get my husband a wrist band or ask for a card for him.He is having  heart surgery and was told looks like his chances of needing a pacemaker after is 30%.

Also how about the scanners we walk through  getting on the ship and the ports?

[wheezedr]

17 minutes ago, san diego sue said:

 

Also how about the scanners we walk through  getting on the ship and the ports?

I walk through scanners all the time. Never have an issue with my pacemaker. Bigger question is whether or not I trigger the alarm. Used to be only about 20% of the time but now more frequent, suggesting that they are setting the sensitivity higher. My electrophysiologist and I have discussed this at length and as a physician myself I have reviewed much of the relevant literature. The 1-2 seconds you might take to pass through the scanner is truly of NO significance.

[Sprocket]

I bought these from Amazon and attach it to a small purse I bought on the ship.  They are retractable so no awkward bending or trying to place my wrist in the right position.  Use them every cruise.  Actually its the top ones I have the medallion slips attaches with loop and snap.

 

 

Edited March 16, 2023 by Sprocket

[FritzG]

DH has a pacemaker/ICD, and he wears his medallion on a wrist band.  We took a 20 day cruise on Enchanted last winter, and we just finished 30 days this year with no issues.  I keep mine on a key chain on my purse.  He definitely doesn't wear it around his neck.

[jdacombe]

I've had 3 cruises with the medallion and have had no problem at all with my pacemaker.   I wear it with one of those watch strap accessories.

The only thing that I make sure I do is to let the security staff know that I have a pacemaker on embarkation and returning to the ship from the ports.

 

[Samkitty1]

10 hours ago, John99 said:

 

Is a Medallion wearable safe to use if I have a pacemaker, or other medical device?
The Medallion wearable includes magnets and RF technology that have been designed and manufactured to meet the radio frequency (RF) requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. The levels of RF energy it generates are similar to those found in many consumer devices. Manufacturers of Implantable Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) typically recommend that you keep your medical device 9 inches (23 cm) away from RF transmitters comparable to the one found inside the Medallion wearable. However, as every device differs, so you should check directly with the manufacturer of your medical device and physician for guidance.      Source:  Princess Website 

Recently, my wife had a Medtronic heart pacemaker implanted.  We have an Alaskan cruise booked for July, 2023.  Her cardiologist cleared her for travel but had no clear answer about the Medallion.  She needed additional info on the Medallion (frequency, etc.)  Based on the answer (above) from Princess – hanging a Medallion from your neck is not advisable.  Talking to Customer Service or Live Chat provided no additional information relative to our questions.

Cruisers -- What is your personal experiences when cruising?  What are your Pros and/or Cons?  Did you carry a Medallion in your pocket?  What did you do?  Or, did you store the Medallion in your safe?  Did you obtain a “cruise card” from the customer service desk?  If yes, how did that work out?  How about your husband or significant other?  What did they do with their Medallion?  John

iI didn't want to wear a lanyar either, so I put the medalion on a silver link bracelet that I wore all week. The medallion is  waterproof, so did no need to take it off to swim or shower. My friend put hers on a watchband type holder that she got on a previous cruise with a different line.  

My husband carried his in his pocket, 

[Sprocket]

2 hours ago, Sprocket said:

I bought these from Amazon and attach it to a small purse I bought on the ship.  They are retractable so no awkward bending or trying to place my wrist in the right position.  Use them every cruise.  Actually its the top ones I have the medallion slips attaches with loop and snap.

 

 

Wow those pictures are huge couldn't edit them sorry.  Just to clarify I ordered the 4 blingy ones and they clip not only on the side of my purses, but belt loop and bra strap when I wear a dress.  

[John99]

Thanks for the information.  I will check Amazon. 

[cruzsnooze]

Why tempt fate, just get a cruise card. Does anyone really know if there could be an issue that pops up later? There is a warning for a reason, to release liability so yes there is a risk. Is it an acceptable risk? 

[VibeGuy]

An ICD/pacemaker magnet weighs a ton - the magnet in a medallion is barely as strong as refrigerator magnet.  Given that you can “hear” when your device is in “magnet mode” and the magnet is VERY weak, I wouldn’t worry about that. 
 

It’s putting RF energy into the leads that is the bigger risk - but there’s not much energy coming out of a Medallion. The emissions are at 13.56 MHz (active only when tapping, with a return power of about 2mW), and at 2.4GHz at 10mW for beaconing/Bluetooth LE operation.  This is substantially lower than a modern smartphone in these ranges.  
 

Your wife’s EP should be able to confirm this safety with the device rep given this data.  Modern leads and modern devices are pretty tolerant because everybody has mobile phones and tablets radiating like mad.  

[John99]

   @VibeGuy    Thanks for the detailed information.  Good to know.  I always enjoy reading your commentary.

 

DW pacemaker was implanted about 8 weeks ago.  So this is all new to my wife and me as well.   I will try to talk to the certified device specialist for additional info.

 

My wife has the next generation in pacemakers – called the Micra AV pacemaker.   This device is implanted in the heart chamber.  It’s the world’s smallest pacemaker.  A cosmetically invisible device is about the size of a very large multivitamin.  The pacemaker — leaves no bump under the skin, no chest scar and requiring no wire leads which can break or malfunction.  The chance of an infection is very low. It’s completely self-contained within the heart.  Life expectancy is 8/10 years.  The Micra AV automatically adjusts the heart rate appropriately for that activity.  A cardiologist and/or certified tech can reprogram the pacemaker without the need for further surgery at any time.  DW has a monitor near her bed (must be within 6 ft).  The monitor collects cardio data which has the ability to send it to the cloud.  Amazing! Then the data is finally sent to the cardiologist office.  The cardiologist wants DW to send the data to the cloud every 3 weeks.  So far everything is working great.  Today, the advancements in the medical field keep on coming.  Truly amazing.   Sorry is I got carried away with my response.   If this information help’s even one CC member I’m happy.  John

[san diego sue]

6 minutes ago, John99 said:

   @VibeGuy    Thanks for the detailed information.  Good to know.  I always enjoy reading your commentary.

 

DW pacemaker was implanted about 8 weeks ago.  So this is all new to my wife and me as well.   I will try to talk to the certified device specialist for additional info.

 

My wife has the next generation in pacemakers – called the Micra AV pacemaker.   This device is implanted in the heart chamber.  It’s the world’s smallest pacemaker.  A cosmetically invisible device is about the size of a very large multivitamin.  The pacemaker — leaves no bump under the skin, no chest scar and requiring no wire leads which can break or malfunction.  The chance of an infection is very low. It’s completely self-contained within the heart.  Life expectancy is 8/10 years.  The Micra AV automatically adjusts the heart rate appropriately for that activity.  A cardiologist and/or certified tech can reprogram the pacemaker without the need for further surgery at any time.  DW has a monitor near her bed (must be within 6 ft).  The monitor collects cardio data which has the ability to send it to the cloud.  Amazing! Then the data is finally sent to the cardiologist office.  The cardiologist wants DW to send the data to the cloud every 3 weeks.  So far everything is working great.  Today, the advancements in the medical field keep on coming.  Truly amazing.   Sorry is I got carried away with my response.   If this information help’s even one CC member I’m happy.  John

Thanks for the information. I have no idea what kind of device my husband will be getting . Sound like your wife has the state of the arts . Hope that is what he gets.

[VibeGuy]

3 hours ago, John99 said:

   @VibeGuy    Thanks for the detailed information.  Good to know.  I always enjoy reading your commentary.

 

DW pacemaker was implanted about 8 weeks ago.  So this is all new to my wife and me as well.   I will try to talk to the certified device specialist for additional info.

 

My wife has the next generation in pacemakers – called the Micra AV pacemaker.   This device is implanted in the heart chamber.  It’s the world’s smallest pacemaker.  A cosmetically invisible device is about the size of a very large multivitamin.  The pacemaker — leaves no bump under the skin, no chest scar and requiring no wire leads which can break or malfunction.  The chance of an infection is very low. It’s completely self-contained within the heart.  

Leadless and that small?  Wow.  
 

Medtronic thinks of *everything*.  In the manual at https://wwwp.medtronic.com/crs-upload/letters/401/401_Micra_AV_Implant_Manual_with_Medical_Procedure_and_EMI_Precautions.pdf, there’s a set of tables starting at page 30  There’s a specific answer!  Table 9 references the Disney Magic Band (same tech for the tap function) - no restriction on the band itself,  six inches on the reader.  An earlier table does confirm that small magnets also have a six inch restriction.  I’m most impressed you can have an MRI with it in place and there’s not a whole lot of technical restrictions.
 

For what it’s worth, I keep mine in my trouser pocket.  I don’t like things around my neck or on my wrist and I don’t need to advertise my loyalty status - but this has been an interesting read and I am glad Medtronic has even addressed the most commonly worn NFC device!

[John99]

@VibeGuy  Thanks again for the Medtronic information.  Wow 80 pages.  I did a cursory review starting at page 30 thru 38.   I agree -- very specific answers on distance restriction.   I saved the download for future reference.  A very good read.  John

[John99]

5 hours ago, san diego sue said:

Thanks for the information. I have no idea what kind of device my husband will be getting . Sound like your wife has the state of the arts . Hope that is what he gets.

Sue - I hope everything works out for your husband.  Medically, the person must qualify for the Micra pacemaker based on a list of factors.  In DW situation -- the cardiologist had an added factor to consider.  She had her aortic valve replaced 15 years ago.  Extensive testing and analysis were required.  She qualified and is very happy with her new pacemaker.   John

[san diego sue]

1 hour ago, John99 said:

Sue - I hope everything works out for your husband.  Medically, the person must qualify for the Micra pacemaker based on a list of factors.  In DW situation -- the cardiologist had an added factor to consider.  She had her aortic valve replaced 15 years ago.  Extensive testing and analysis were required.  She qualified and is very happy with her new pacemaker.   John

My husband is getting aortic valve replaced in a couple of weeks. Apparently 10% of people getting this procedure these days will need a pacemaker afterwards. My husband was told his chances are 30% that he will need pacemaker.His procedure for the valve is TAVR( will be going through groin).

[MissP22]

Has any one actually incurred a problem with their pacemaker while using the medallions ? It seems that someone would have posted something in all the years that they've been around.

[BuckeyeTraveler]

On 3/16/2023 at 8:53 PM, Sprocket said:

Wow those pictures are huge couldn't edit them sorry.  Just to clarify I ordered the 4 blingy ones and they clip not only on the side of my purses, but belt loop and bra strap when I wear a dress.  

Would you happen to know the name of these holders?  I went onto Amazon but can find only retractable holders for badges...I can't find anything that says it is for medallions. Thanks.

 

[Sprocket]

1 hour ago, BuckeyeTraveler said:

Would you happen to know the name of these holders?  I went onto Amazon but can find only retractable holders for badges...I can't find anything that says it is for medallions. Thanks.

 

Try searching blingy retactable badge holders lots of options show up.

[Sprocket]

1 hour ago, BuckeyeTraveler said:

Would you happen to know the name of these holders?  I went onto Amazon but can find only retractable holders for badges...I can't find anything that says it is for medallions. Thanks.

 

They won’t say they are for the medallions but the plastic piece at the bottom slips easily through the opening at the top of the medallion and it snaps securely.  I use mine everyday and all the colors work for me

[John99]

On 3/18/2023 at 9:02 AM, MissP22 said:

Has any one actually incurred a problem with their pacemaker while using the medallions? It seems that someone would have posted something in all the years that they've been around.

Good question.   My limited research provided no anecdotal info. 

This implant is more advanced than the original Micro AV approved in 2015.  This device was approved by the FDA on 02/20/2020.  The device is made out of titanium.  I read the Medtronic general guidance manual last night.  The device is made out of titanium.  Lengthy read - over 80 pages.  Very technical in nature. 

My takeaway is the following:

There are many household and professional items that do not interfere with the device.   Examples:  Dishwasher, heating pad, television, toaster, copy machine, casino slot machine, fax machine, etc.   

The list is very long.  

Also, Medtronic breaks down the restriction(s) for the implanted Micra AV pacemaker by category – 6 inches distance away, 12 inches distance away and 24 inches distance away.  The list for each category is very detailed.  Examples of 6 inch restrictions:  Electronic toothbrush, remote keyless entry and remote care starter key fobs, smart phones, refrigerator with magnetic closure strip, treadmill with electric motor, citizen band radio, OnStar technology, wireless computer keyboard, microwave, handheld hair dryer, wireless hear buds, etc. – the list goes on and on!  I will not get into the 12 & 24 restrictions.  Again, very lengthy. 

Important points for cruisers to consider: 

1)     Cruise ships have hot tubs and swimming pools.   All must be properly grounded.

2)     Security systems – metal detectors (walk-through archways and handheld wands) are unlikely to affect and implanted Micra AV pacemaker.  These are common in airports.  Advice from Medtronic – Do not stop or linger in the walk-through archway.  Simply walk through at a normal pace.

3)     If a handheld wand if use, ask the security operator not to hold it over your implant.

4)     If you have concerns about the screening methods, request an alternative screening.

 

Bottom line:  My wife will not wear the medallion around her neck.  Several options are available to her at this time.  TBD

Sorry if I got carried away again with my response.   My hope is this information may help someone.  I’m happy is that’s the case.    John     

 

PS  Today, over 50% percent of persons that need a pacemaker qualify for this new device.

 

PPS Those interested or need an implant – the wife’s doctor is a Cardiologist plus has a special certification – Electrophysiology.