21
implant site. Manipulation may cause device
inversion, inhibiting the ability to use the magnet to
start or stop stimulation.
Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Avoid scuba
diving below 30 m (100 ft) of water or entering
hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres
absolute (ATA). Pressures below 30 m (100 ft) of
water (or above 4.0 ATA) could damage your
neurostimulation system. Before diving or using a
hyperbaric chamber, contact your physician to
discuss the effects of high pressure.
Skydiving, skiing, or hiking in the mountains. High
altitudes should not affect the neurostimulator;
however, the patient should consider the movements
involved in any planned activity and take precautions
to avoid putting undue stress on the implanted
system. Patients should be aware that during
skydiving, the sudden jerking that occurs when the
parachute opens may cause lead dislodgement or
fractures, which may require surgery to repair or
replace the lead.
Household appliances. Household appliances that
contain magnets (e.g., refrigerators, freezers,
inductive cooktops, stereo speakers, mobile
telephones, cordless telephones, standard wired
telephones, AM/FM radios, and some power tools)
may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation
system to turn on or turn off.