Cardiac pacemakers. Does radiation therapy affect performance?

B. J. Walz, R. E. Reder, J. O. Pastore, P. Littman and R. Johnson

Representative deman cardiac pacemakers were tested with several common radiation therapy devices and ancillary equipment. The experimental set-up essentially duplicated the dosimetric and electroconductive environment of the radiation therapy patient bearing a pacemaker. Observations of pulse width and interval confirmed that pacemaker output was generally not appreciably affected by the simulated treatments. Occasionally, changes were caused by ancillary equipment and start-up of treatment. We conclude that although interference hazards are sometimes seen, radiation therapy is not contraindicated in patients wearing pacemakers.