Parker Waichman LLP

CT Scans Interfering with Some Medical Devices

CT (Computer Tomography) scans can cause some electronic medical devices, such as pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators and insulin pumps to malfunction.  According to a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alert issued yesterday, CT scans have caused such medical devices to shock patients, or to emit inaccurate signals. According to the alert, the FDA has confirmed six […]

CT (Computer Tomography) scans can cause some electronic <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/defective_medical_devices">medical devices, such as pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators and insulin pumps to malfunction.  According to a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alert issued yesterday, CT scans have caused such medical devices to shock patients, or to emit inaccurate signals.

According to the alert, the FDA has confirmed six reports of devices that malfunctioned after a CT scan and another nine reports of suspected problems.   No deaths have been reported as a result of the malfunctions.   Devices that could be affected by CT scans include cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, neurostimulators, drug infusion and insulin pumps, cochlear implants and retinal implants, the FDA said.  People with these devices are already prohibited from undergoing MRI procedures because of similar risks.

In the reports received by the FDA, the following adverse events were likely to have been caused by x-rays from CT scans:

  • Unintended “shocks” (i.e., stimuli) from neurostimulators
  • Malfunctions of insulin infusion pumps
  • Transient changes in pacemaker output pulse rate

Problems with electronic medical devices that might be caused by CT scanner interference include:

  • generation of spurious signals, including cardiac defibrillation pulses
  • misinterpretation of signals produced by the x-rays as actual biological signals
  • missed detection of actual biological signals
  • resetting or reprogramming of device settings

The agency recommends that CT operators use the least amount of X-ray exposure possible and stand prepared to treat adverse reactions, among other measures.  Patients with affected devices should:

  • Discuss the risks and benefits of CT scans versus other types of medical imaging with your doctor.
  • If  device has external parts, ask your doctor whether the device can safely be turned off or temporarily moved if the area of your body where it is located needs to be scanned. Remember to turn on and reposition the device once the CT scan is complete.
  • Remind the technologist or physician performing the CT scan that you have an electronic medical device.
  • Report any pain, such as sudden shocks, that occur during a CT scan. CT scans should be painless. A sudden shock could mean there is a problem with your electronic medical device.
What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Since the start of my case with the firm. Ms. Joanne, my assigned Nurse as been making that am being treated properly in terms of my injury.
Kirk Stevens
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value My attorney, Joanna Lambridis is a true professional! Highly recommend her if you want a "Winner" ! She has a "pitbull" mentality. Dawn Kielbasa the paralegal is a pleasure to speak with on the phone!
R. Meyer
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My sister was exposed to 9/11 toxins and developed several types of cancer. She chose Parker Waichman to engage the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and was assigned Tina Morace as her paralegal. Tina was helpful, professional and compassionate in helping us gather medical records and other important information required for the case. Tina was clear and concise in followup queries from the Fund and was quick to respond to our questions. When my sister's condition deteriorated and she passed, Tina was so thoughtful, patient and helpful when I had to address continued Fund followup questions. I will always be thankful for having Tina in our lives. She helped make my sister's last years easier in this aspect. And she was a knowledgeable friend to me, assisting in information gathering and consoling me in my loss. Thank you Parker Waichman. Thank you Tina Morace. Thank you Tina Morace.
Karen Carr
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038