Can Patients with Implanted Vascular Devices Use Body Fat Scales During Chemotherapy?

Is it safe to use a body fat scale during chemotherapy if there is an artificial blood vessel implanted in the body?

My mother is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and has an artificial blood vessel implanted in her body.
I have noticed that commercial body fat scales indicate that they should not be used if there are implanted medical devices, as they may affect the devices.
I would like to ask the doctor if an artificial blood vessel is considered an implanted medical device, and whether it is advisable to avoid using body fat scales during the treatment period?

Danxin de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/10

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Concerned individual / 20 years old / Woman.
Cannot use body fat scale before the artificial blood vessel is removed.
Wishing for a smooth treatment at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2021/05/10

More Info

When it comes to using body fat scales during chemotherapy for patients with implanted vascular devices, such as a PowerPort or other types of implanted catheters, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is essential to clarify that an implanted vascular device is indeed classified as an implantable medical device. These devices are designed to remain in the body for extended periods and are used for various medical purposes, including administering chemotherapy, medications, or drawing blood. The concern with using body fat scales in patients with such devices arises from the technology these scales employ. Most body fat scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body composition. This method involves sending a small electrical current through the body and measuring the resistance encountered.
The primary concern with using these scales in patients with implanted devices is that the electrical current could potentially interfere with the functioning of the device or cause discomfort. While the current used in these scales is typically very low and considered safe for most individuals, the presence of an implanted device may pose unique risks. For instance, the electrical current could theoretically disrupt the function of the device or lead to complications, especially if the device is not designed to withstand such currents.

Moreover, during chemotherapy, patients often experience various side effects, including changes in body composition, fluid retention, and weight fluctuations. These factors can affect the accuracy of body fat scales, making them less reliable for tracking changes in body composition during treatment. Therefore, even if the use of the scale does not pose a direct risk to the implanted device, the results may not provide meaningful information about the patient's health status during chemotherapy.

Given these considerations, it is generally advisable for patients with implanted vascular devices to avoid using body fat scales during chemotherapy. It is always best to consult with the healthcare team, including oncologists and nurses, who can provide personalized advice based on the patient's specific medical condition and treatment plan. They can offer alternative methods for monitoring body composition or overall health that do not involve the use of body fat scales.

In summary, while body fat scales can be useful tools for assessing body composition in healthy individuals, their use in patients with implanted vascular devices during chemotherapy is not recommended due to potential risks and the possibility of inaccurate readings. Patients should prioritize their safety and consult their healthcare providers for guidance on monitoring their health during treatment.

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