PAST ISSUE

Navigating Security

Homeland security is a priority in our nation, especially since 9/11. It has become part of our daily lives at a local and national level. Everyone now experiences increased security screening at airports, stores, schools, libraries, courthouses, and many other public places. These security measures are intended to provide safety and protection.

As you probably know, increased security measures may impact people with implanted medical devices, including neurostimulation and drug delivery systems. Additionally, your implanted medical device may set off the theft detector or security screening system. When traveling or visiting places with security screening systems, please allow yourself extra time.

The following tips will help you navigate through security screening systems and educate others about implanted medical devices:

Tips specifically for Neurostimulation Systems

Use care when approaching security screening systems. These systems may interact with your implanted system and cause inappropriate or additional stimulation if you pass through them. If the electrical stimulation is turned too high or if stimulation becomes too strong (which may occur when passing through the security gates), the tingling sensation (paresthesia) may increase or feel like a shock or jolt. When approaching security screening systems, please do the following:

1. Inform security personnel that you have an implanted medical device. Show your Medtronic patient identification (ID) card to security personnel. Some of the major airports have special security gates for patients with implanted medical devices. These gates are usually labeled "Travelers with Medical Implants". Please use this special security gate if it is available.
2. Request a manual search. Inform security personnel you will need to adjust your implanted medical device. Show the security personnel where your device is implanted and where the system (lead and extension) is located in your body. Turn down your neurostimulation system to the lowest setting and then turn it OFF. Please note that security personnel may be required to use a handheld security wand to complete the manual search. Ask them not to hold the security wand near or over the neurostimulator any longer than needed because there is a possibility the security wand may cause the tingling sensation (paresthesia) to become stronger. Once the manual search is complete, inform security personnel you will need to again adjust your implanted medical device. You may then turn ON the neurostimulation system.
3. In today's society, security personnel may insist that you go through the security screening system. If this is the case, inform security personnel you will need to adjust your implanted medical device. Turn down your neurostimulation system to the lowest setting and then turn it OFF.
   1. Try not to walk near the security gate. If two security gates are present, walk through the middle to keep as far away as possible from each gate.
   2. Proceed through the security gates. Do not stand near or lean on the security gates.
   3. Once you have moved through the security gates, you may turn ON the neurostimulation system.
4. If you have concerns about your neurostimulation system after going through the security screening, please contact your physician.
5. Your patient programmer can safely go through x-ray screening and other security screening systems.

**Please Note: Some physicians prefer that individuals with neurostimulation systems do not go through security gates at all. If this is the case for you, please ask your physician to write a brief letter on their letterhead with their contact information stating that you have an implanted medical device for pain management and request a manual or handheld security wand search.

Tips specifically for Drug Delivery Systems

Theft detectors and security screening systems are unlikely to affect the operation of your drug delivery system. However, it is possible for security systems to detect the presence of the metal parts in your implanted medical device. This may "set off" a metal detector. Inform security personnel that your implanted medical device may set off the detector. Show your Medtronic patient identification (ID) card to security personnel.

Please Note: Security personnel may not be familiar with an implanted medical device for pain management. It is important that you have your Medtronic patient identification (ID) card with you at all times, and that you keep it updated with your correct address and physician name. To update your ID card, please contact Medtronic Device Registration at (800)-510-6735, option 2 or log on to www.medtronic.com/corporate/neuro1.jsp. ID cards are provided free of charge.

When traveling, remember to PLAN for increased security measures.

Prepare	Keep your Medtronic patient identification (ID) card updated. Present your ID card and any letters from your physician to security personnel. Keep these papers with you at all times.
Learn	Listen and learn about the requirements for security screening systems.
Allow	Allow extra time when going through security screening systems.
Notify	Notify your physician when you will be traveling. Notify Patient Services at least one month prior to travel to receive a list of possible referral/refill physician's at your destination.

Although the increased security may take more time and planning on your part, security personnel are providing a service for the safety of everyone.