Well it might have to go - SOB
Well I have been told I need to have a Pacemaker/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator due to a worsening cardiac problem. The magnetic heated bed on my Mk3S could effect the Pacemaker and could possibly effect the working of the ICD so it's very possible I will need to move my MK3S on to pastures new.
So if anyone knows of someone who wants one with very little use with a supply of some PLA, ASA. Clearly money will need to change hands.
I'm based in the UK, Worcestershire, little way south of Birmingham. please let me know of any interest.
Norman
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Sorry about your health problems, but my own suggestion would be to relocate the printer away from you - like in the garage.
Run it using OctoPrint from your house. You never need be present when the printer is running, if you can get someone to load filament for you.
Bad enough having health problems without giving up the things you enjoy.
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Technically I don't think anything would stop you from removing the magnets (folks have had them fall out and were told to superglue them back in, as I recall) and from then on using binder clips to hold the build plate in place, like on other, worser printers that we've all used..
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Norman,
First I'll say that I am very sorry to hear about your medical issues, as you know getting old is not for sissies! 😊 That being said, while I am an engineer and not a medical professional, it seems extremely unlikely that the magnetic heatbed of the Prusa printers would be a threat to your medical device implants. I would suggest seeking a more expert opinion from someone who better understands the issues before you uproot your hobbies. While the magnets in the heatbed are extremely powerful from a small magnet perspective the magnetic field produced by them still "falls off" quickly with distance from the magnets (note how near the steel sheet needs to be before you can feel the "tug" when installing it). It takes quite a strong magnetic field to interfere with an electronic device. Unless you make a habit of leaning on your printer or laying on your heatbed 😎 the medical devices will not notice the magnets, now a cell phone in your shirt pocket on the other hand...
Regards,
Steve
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
I second getting that second opinion from your medical professional.
Typically the magnetic field needs to be within 6 inches of implanted device and kept there for 30 seconds or longer to have an impact. Even then, removing the magnetic field will restore the device back to normal operation.
So the 3D printer maybe ok, but it is best to get the data from your doctor instead of someone from the internet.
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Well I've an appointment with my cardiologist next month, I suspect this isn't a question he has been asked before so I'm going to see if I can talk to the techies involved with the pacemaker and get their view!
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
The issue with pacemakers vs. magnets isn't with magnets interfering with the electronics so much as at least the earlier ones use magnets to "press buttons" for starting, stopping, configuring, etc while implanted. I don't know if modern pacemakers have similar magnetic buttons, but because there is a history (and one really doesn't want something as important as a pacemaker malfunctioning) this is definitely something the OP should check out with his cardiologist.
See my (limited) designs on:
Printables - https://www.printables.com/@Sembazuru
Thingiverse - https://www.thingiverse.com/Sembazuru/designs
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Hi Norman,
somebody with a bit of a medical background here...
Pacermakers (not AICDs) go into a backup of safe mode when in very close proximity to a magnet (normally a strong ring magnet placed directly above the device). This is used to protect them from high frequency radio interference within the body. As used in surgical cauterization devices. The magnet switches off the function that is used to program the devices from the outside and they go into a backup mode. Modern devices go back into the previous mode once the magnet is removed.
AICDs (Automated Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators) are a different kettle of fish. They respond to a magnet by turning off their defibrillator mode. This is done to protect the person from unwanted shocks again triggered by interference. Depending on the manufacturer and the settings the defibrillator mode does NOT turn back on once the magnet is removed. There are many different models out there. Therefore I support the idea of having a chat with your cardiologist about this.
It is still a bit early to give away your printer. But bear in mind that a common response of a doctor to an unusual question is to err on the side of caution. Which in your case might be: I can not safely exclude any interference from those magnets therefore I advise against being in the vicinity of them.
In theory there should be a data sheet for the device that states the thresholds for interference and the safety margins. The cardiac physiologist or technician who does the actual programming should in all likelihood know more about that.
Good luck with the implantation.
Hansjoerg
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Thanks Hansjoerg
It is the AICD they are talking about and I’m already planning to speak to the physiologist or technician but your comments from a medical background are appreciated
Norman
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Norman, very sorry about your health. I hope you get good news from the cardiologist and physio/tech and are able to carry on using your 3D printer. Fingers crossed for you.
Nathan
RE: Well it might have to go - SOB
Hi Norman,
I'm sorry to hear about your health problems. I can't reply to your PM, I guess because I'm too new. Not sure if they have a time limit or post count before being able to PM?