Pacemaker Failure Due to Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Pacemaker malfunction occurred after a patient was given 3000–3600 rads to an area occupied by an A‐V sequential pacemaker. Analysis of the removed generator showed that there was malfunction of the large scale integrated circuit and the type of damage was consistent with radiation‐induced effects. The newer muJtiprogram‐mable units may be more sensitive to ionizing radiation than those previously available. (PACE, Vol. 5, March‐April, 1982)