Getting certified with a pacemaker

[oly5050user]

Really interesting information. Thanks. Never really thought about it. I'll be reading some more. Congtratulations on the family not keeping your daughter wrapped in cotton wool. Be really interesting to hear from her about the, dive shop scewed up vacation. Perhaps you could spend your refund money on pertinent literature and give it to the one who most needs the information. I think I once read somewhere, "number of dives does not a person make."

the dive shop did NOT screw up the vacation.The original doctor who wrote up the release did by writing limitations on the medical..All he/she should have done is "Individual is fit to dive"...I would not have accepted this person with a medical that had any type of limitation on it.I have seen releases with remarks like: "fit to dive only in warm water"-- "fit to dive to 30" ---"fit to dive if no allergies present"..ALL turned down..

 

[gasdiver]

I'm a cardiologist and a dive shop owner/instructor.

One of the major issues with diving with a pacemaker is not the pacemaker itself, but the medical condition that led to the need for the pacemaker, especially in a child. The major issue here would be if your daughter is "pacemaker dependent" or if it is in place simply as a "back-up" which on routine pacemaker clinic follow-up shows it actually being used very infrequently. A large number of cardiologists would have quite a bit of trepidation "clearing" someone to dive who was pacemaker dependent.

As far as the pacemaker itself, most have been tested to around 100 fsw and performed flawlessly. This could be checked by her cardiologist contacting the device manufacturer. There are some features, however, which can be problematic like some of the rate-responsiveness programs as an example.

So, this is a complex issue and one that needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Meaning no disrespect to anyone here, it's never a good idea to listen to anecdotes like "I dive with one and have never had a problem..." or "I have a friend who......".

The other thing to be aware of is that even the best of electrophysiologists (cardiologists specializing in abnormal rhythms), most of the time have absolutely no knowledge of diving medicine. It is simply not a part of medical school/internal medicine residency/cardiology fellowship training. Therefore, it's always a good idea to contact DAN so they can put you in contact with a cardiologist knowledgeable in cardiology AND diving medicine.

Just my 2 cents.

Doug

Doug,
Thanks for your insightful reply. My daughter is not 'pacemaker dependent'. If she were, I'm sure the cardiologist would not have approved her for diving. You might find the Medtronic statement interesting. Medtronic Statement on Pacemaker

Yes, it is true that I did not check with the local dive shop regarding my daughter's condition prior to the trip. I made the assumption that the cardiologist letter was enough. The dive shop was unwilling to take DAN's word that it is the cardiologist who determines her suitability to dive. They insisted that I see a local hyperbaric physician who agreed with my assumption and DAN's recommendation. Live and learn.

Once I had the local hyperbaric physician's approval, the shop bent over backward to see that the rest of our stay met our expectations. In the end it was a good trip and my daughter got to experience the wonderful world of SCUBA diving.

As a parent of a child with a pacemaker, I want her to go through life enjoying the world as if this were not a limitation on what she can achieve. Fortunately, there are people in the diving community who can see beyond the litigious nature of our society and allow her to enjoy our sport.

 

[StevenN]

Doug,
Thanks for your insightful reply. My daughter is not 'pacemaker dependent'. If she were, I'm sure the cardiologist would not have approved her for diving. You might find the Medtronic statement interesting. Medtronic Statement on Pacemaker

Yes, it is true that I did not check with the local dive shop regarding my daughter's condition prior to the trip. I made the assumption that the cardiologist letter was enough. The dive shop was unwilling to take DAN's word that it is the cardiologist who determines her suitability to dive. They insisted that I see a local hyperbaric physician who agreed with my assumption and DAN's recommendation. Live and learn.

Once I had the local hyperbaric physician's approval, the shop bent over backward to see that the rest of our stay met our expectations. In the end it was a good trip and my daughter got to experience the wonderful world of SCUBA diving.

As a parent of a child with a pacemaker, I want her to go through life enjoying the world as if this were not a limitation on what she can achieve. Fortunately, there are people in the diving community who can see beyond the litigious nature of our society and allow her to enjoy our sport.

While I still stand my my origional statement I would like to also add that I'm very happy you and your Daughter ended up having a good vacation and I'm glad that the shop did what they could to help you with it once they were satisfied that it was safe to do so.
All the best to you in the future.

 

[pdenoble]

Subjects wanted for a research study
Investigation of diving experience of divers with implanted cardiac devices



Divers Alert Network (DAN) is conducting a research study about divers with an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator who are choosing to dive with or without medical clearance. The study consists of an on-line survey which takes about 10 minutes to complete and possible follow-up interview if additional clarifications are needed.
If this pertains to you, please contact DAN Research (919-684-2948 or research@dan.org).Participants will not be compensated for participation.

IRB# 017-13 Expiry date: 6/05/2014