Before radiotherapy
There is a small risk that the radiotherapy treatment will affect your device. For this reason, it is important that you have had a recent device check; please ensure that you have had an appointment with your device clinic within the last six months prior to your radiotherapy treatment.
During radiotherapy
We will closely monitor you during radiotherapy. Some patients are required to have a magnet placed over their device during their radiotherapy treatment. Some devices may emit a sound when the magnet is applied - please do not be alarmed, this is normal.
It is important that you tell the Radiographer if you have any unusual sensations during treatment. You may feel an extra heartbeat or a missed beat as the machine is turned on and off, or when the magnet is placed on (if required). This is normal, but please tell the Radiographer if it happens. The magnet causes the device to pace the heart at around 100 beats per minute. Sometimes this can feel uncomfortable - please let your Radiographer know if this is the case.
After radiotherapy
In the unlikely event that you feel discomfort associated with your device either during or after treatment, you should get in touch with your device clinic urgently. If you are very concerned, attend your local A&E department.
Your Radiographer will inform you of the checks required during the course of treatment, e.g. daily ECG monitoring.
Please also ensure you have an appointment with the device clinic approximately two weeks after completion of your radiotherapy treatment, so that your device can be checked.