Re: Pu-238 Pacemakers

[Bernard L Cohen <blc+@pitt.edu>]

	I believe that Pu-238 was being considered as a power source for 
an entire artificial heart, not just a pacemaker. I would think it would 
be a very expensive over-kill to use it for a pacemaker. I believe the 
artificial heart program is dead except for a temporary device while 
waiting for a transplant. 

Bernard L. Cohen
Physics Dept.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Tel: (412)624-9245
Fax: (412)624-9163
e-mail: blc+@pitt.edu


On Mon, 4 Mar 1996, Albert Lee Vest wrote:

> I'm asking this on behalf of a (HP) non-subscriber.  Please respond to me
> directly.
> 
> Are heart pacemakers powered by Pu-238 still manufactured in the U.S.?
> Whether they are or not - are the in use in the U.S.?
> When they were/(are) in use - How much Pu-238 is in a pacer unit?
> 
> Thanks in advance, as usual.
> 
> Albert Lee Vest           The Ohio State University
> Health Physicist    Room 103 1314 Kinnear Road Bldg
> (614)292-1284                     1314 Kinnear Road
> avest@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu   Columbus OH 43212
> My employer did not review or approve this message.
>