health question

admin

I just bought a new MIG and am wondering if it could pose a health risk to a person with a mechanical heart valve? I cant have a MRI for example. dont know it the machine generater a very high powered field or not--company cant seem to give a good answer, mostly familiar with pacemakers.
Reply:I wouldn't think so.  The reason pace makers are a problem is that their electronics are prone to HF interference and some welders emit HF (tig, for example).  A mechanical valve (if I understand it right) is just a ball in a wire cup that opens and closes with the beating of the heart.  No electronics.  But, the ball or something else in the valve may be made of a metal that is suseptible to magnets.  (isn't there magnetic stainless now?  Seems like I heard someone talking about it on refrigerators, anyway...)  MRI's use really strong magnets.  I guess maybe those MRI technicians dont want to yank you out of a reclining position by a heart valve in your chest.  YAOCH!!!  For added safety, you might want to check with your doctor as to the composition of the valve (or with the maker of the valve).Last edited by smithboy; 08-09-2005 at 10:39 AM.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Sailor:I have had a mechanical heart valve in me for over 30 years, March 26 1975 to be exact.   I have been in the welding repair and fabrication business for over 27 of those years, I started my own shop in August of 1981 so I have been around the welders on a daily basis for all those years, With no ill effects as far as the heart valve goes from using or being around the welders. good luck:J.W.
Reply:Smithboy & JWthanks for your info--think I'll just keep on weldin and not worry anymore
Reply:Weldor's should always get an X Ray first before getting an MRI.  A worst case scenario is that piece of metal that hit you in the eye and irritated you for a couple of days fifteen years ago has now worked it's way to the back of your eye.When they crank on the forces in the MRI that piece of steel is pulled out, through your eye.The same thing goes for your hands or arms where you have pieces of steel lodged from working around metal all these years.My father had to go through heck because they wouldn't do an MRI on his wrist because there was metal fragments in it.  He said the first question they asked him was if he'd ever welded or been around a fabrication shop.When he said yes they went with plan B instead of plan A.life is good