Influence of radiotherapy on the latest generation of pacemakers

The influence of radiotherapy on 19 new, modern pacemakers has been determined. Seven pacemakers lost output at 120 Gy. Eight pacemakers showed inhibitions during irradiation in the direct beam. Five pacemakers did not show any malfunction at all. Most malfunctions were observed at dose levels exceeding 20 Gy. Although the newest generation of pacemakers exhibit a variety of defects, AAPM taskgroup 34 guidelines still seem to be valid.