European research mentions possible benefits of wearing device protection

In 2021 Vital Beat supplied products for research on Pacemaker and ICD Protection. This research was led by a sports cardiologist from the Czech republic.

In the paper that has been published following the research, it is mentioned how especially contact sports put the pacemaker and ICD wearer at risk of possible damage to the skin surrounding the device. As a possible solution to damage by impact, protection wear is mentioned. On top of that, the paper points out how American guidelines recommend considering the use of protective clothing when participating in contact sports.

If you wish to read the paper yourself you can find the original paper in Czech here.
A translated English version can be found here.

Disclaimer: The Czech text has been translated to English using Google Translate. Any descrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding. Vital Beat will not be held responsible for any incorrect or inaccurare translation that may result from using Google translate.

Traveling with a medical device

Traveling with a medical device

Traveling with a medical device

Summer holidays are coming up, so we can imagine you might have some questions and concerns on traveling with a medical device. Especially when this is your first holiday since receiving your pacemaker, ICD, S-ICD or other device. In this blogpost we will hopefully answer all the questions you might have. If there is anything we haven’t touched on, don’t hesitate to let us know. Leave a comment or send us a message on our socials.

Preparation and important documents to bring along

Whether you’re going on a daytrip, a long weekend or a trip that takes multiple weeks, always make sure to carry a medical device ID card. This card contains all information about you, your device and your hospital.

Another useful item to bring is a card that explains about your pacemaker, ICD or S-ICD in the language of the country you’re traveling to. You can make this yourself by using google translate or asking someone you know to help you translate.

If you use medication you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of all the medicines that have been prescribed to you. This list can serve as proof that you need them. You can find the specific rules on medication in your carry-on luggage on the website of your airline.

Lastly, many modern smartphones have the option to program ICE phone numbers. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency, and it enables other people to use your phone to make emergency calls when your screen is locked.  Click here to see how this is done on an Android phone, or click here to learn how to set ICE contacts on an iPhone.

At the airport; detection gates

Contrary to what some people believe, the detection gates at airports will not harm your medical device in any way. The scanner will be able to show your pacemaker or other device, but it won’t have a negative influence on it. Make sure to carry your medical device ID card at all times, the airport security might ask you to show it. You can also choose to let the security staff know about your device before stepping through the gate.

Crowded places and public transport

Another thing to keep in mind is the risk of getting a bag or elbow to your pacemaker, ICD or S-ICD when traveling on the subway or attending popular festivities. While we can recommend you to travel outside of rush hour, you can’t always avoid crowded places. In these cases you can use protection for your medical device. These products are designed give you peace of mind and protect you from any possible pain and discomfort during your travels. Click here to check out our range of protection products.

Be realistic

Being a heart patient, you might not be able to do everything your company is planning on doing. Don’t dwell on the things you won’t be able to do. Instead, explore new activities that are both fun and responsible to do. Also keep in mind that you might need a break a few times throughout your holiday. Holidays are meant for relaxing, so don’t see this as a bad thing.

Talk to your doctor about your travel plans

Everyone is different, which makes it difficult to supply the correct information for each person’s specific situation. We advise you to talk to your doctor about your personal travel plans. They can advise you on traveling with a medical device without any trouble.

 

So in short, make sure to bring along:

  • A medical ID card
  • A card that explains your condition in the language of the country you are traveling to
  • A list of all the medication that has been prescribed to you
  • Set phone numbers in your ICE contacts

And keep in mind:

  • Be realistic of what you can and can not do
  • Be prepared to explain about your device at the airport
  • Talk to your doctor about your specific travel plans
  • Look at the possibilities of protective wear if you are planning on visiting crowded places.

 

The team at Vital Beat wishes you a great holiday!

 

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below.

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What is an S-ICD?

What is an S-ICD? 

What is an S-ICD?

 

An S-ICD (subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin to help keep track of- and control your heartbeat. The difference with a standard ICD is that an S-ICD does not have the standard pacemaker function. It is implanted on the side of the chest on top of your ribs rather than under your collarbone. Besides that, the wires are under the skin instead of through the veins. This will keep your blood vessels and heart untouched and intact. Since the wires aren’t connected directly to the heart the electric pulse from an S-ICD does have to be quite a bit stronger. Because of this the box and battery of an the device are slightly bigger than those of a traditional ICD. 

 

When will you receive an S-ICD?

  • When you have a high risk of cardiac arrest. 

 

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is an ICD?

 

Vital Beat offers special comfort and protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below. 

Learn more

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

 

A pacemaker and an ICD look the same and both contain a small chip that tracks your heart rhythm. The main difference is that an ICD can send out an electric shock when your heart beats too much out of its normal rhythm. An ICD can use its defibrillation function to save your life in case of a life threatening abnormality.

 

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is an ICD?

 

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below. 

Learn more about Vital Beat pacemaker comfort and protection

Learn more about Vital Beat ICD comfort and protection

 

What is an ICD?

What is an ICD?

What is an ICD?

An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin to help keep track of- and control your heartbeat. The difference with a pacemaker is that an ICD can intervene in case of a life threatening heart rhythm abnormality. The ICD consists of a small box and one or two wires. In the metal box there is a small chip and a battery that powers the device and has a life span of many years. 

 

When will you receive an ICD?

  • In case of a life threatening heart rhythm disorder such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. 
  • When you have a high risk of a heart rhythm disorder or cardiac arrest. 
  • When medicines for your heart rhythm disorder don’t work or surgery isn’t possible. 

 

Placement

During surgery a small incision, approximately 5 cm or 2 inches long, is made on your chest underneath your collarbone. In general the device is placed under your left collarbone, but a surgeon might choose to place it under your right collarbone or elsewehere. The pacemaker is implanted at this location underneath the skin and the wires are led through a vein to the heart. Small electric pulses, that you won’t be able to feel, are sent through the wire to your heart when needed.

 

CRT-D

Like an ICD, a CRT-defibrillator is designed to intervene in case of a life threatening heart rhythm abnormality. Other than a normal ICD, a CRT-D has three wires instead of one or two and sends small electric pulses to your left and right ventricles to help your heart pump more efficiently. 

 

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

 

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below. 

ICD comfort and protection

What is a pacemaker?

What is a pacemaker?

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin to help keep track of- and control your heartbeat. It is used on people with an irregular heart rhythm, often caused by problems in the cardiac conduction system or heart failure. A pacemaker tracks and adjusts the heart rhythm. The device consists of a small box and one or two wires. In the metal box there is a small chip and a battery that powers the device and has a life span of many years. 

When will you receive a pacemaker?

  • In case of bradycardia, a heartbeat that is too slow. 
  • In case of tachycardia, a heartbeat that is too fast.
  • If your heart doesn’t beat regularly

 

Placement

During surgery a small incision, approximately 5 cm or 2 inches long, is made on your chest underneath your collarbone. The device is implanted at this location underneath the skin and the wires are led through a vein to the heart. Small electric pulses, that you won’t be able to feel, are sent through the wire to your heart when needed. 

 

CRT-P

A CRT-pacemaker is a version of a pacemaker, which besides treating an irregular heartbeat also sends small electric pulses to your left and right ventricles to help your heart pump more efficiently. 

 

Read more:

What is an ICD?

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

 

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below.

Learn more