Do ASD & PFO Closure Devices Set Off Metal Detectors?

The short answer is no. If you have had an atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) closed with a catheter device, such as the Amplatzer septal occluder, it will not set off standard airport walk-through metal detectors. You can safely travel without worrying that your heart implant will trigger security alarms ^[1].

Additionally, changes in airplane cabin pressure or altitude have absolutely no effect on your device. Once placed, the device is held securely by the tissue of your heart. It cannot “pop out” or be dislodged by the pressure changes of commercial flying ^[2].

Why Your Device Is Safe for Travel

Modern closure devices are extremely small and made from specialized materials designed to be durable and safe inside your body. The most common material used is Nitinol, a non-magnetic alloy made of nickel and titanium. Because Nitinol is non-ferromagnetic and the device itself has very little overall mass, it falls well below the sensitivity threshold required to trigger standard airport metal detectors ^[1][3].

It is important to know that structural heart devices like ASD or PFO occluders do not carry the same strict security restrictions as electronic heart implants (like pacemakers or defibrillators) ^[4].

Furthermore, newer airport security machines often use millimeter-wave full-body scanners. These scanners are specifically designed to look for objects hidden on the outside of your clothing or resting against your skin. They cannot “see” inside your body and will not detect an internal heart implant ^[1][5].

Navigating Security with Your Implant Card

Even though your closure device will not trigger standard security alarms, your care team will provide you with a patient identification card (often called an implant card) after your procedure. You should keep this physical card in your wallet and consider saving a clear photograph of both sides on your smartphone as a backup ^[6].

When going through airport security, you do not need to proactively present your card to the security agent or announce your implant before walking through the standard scanner. However, carrying your card is helpful for a few specific situations:

• Secondary Screenings: If you are randomly selected for a secondary screening and an agent uses a highly sensitive hand-held metal detector wand very close to your chest, there is a small chance it might detect the device. If the wand beeps, simply state, “I have a non-electronic heart implant,” and show your card to quickly clear up the situation ^[6][7].
• Medical Emergencies: The card contains vital information about your specific implant, including the manufacturer, model, and serial number.
• Future Imaging (MRIs): Most modern septal occluders are MRI Conditional. This means they are completely safe for MRI scans, but only under specific machine settings. Your card tells imaging technicians exactly what those safe settings are.

General Travel Reminders Post-Procedure

While the device itself won’t restrict your travel, always clear your travel timeline with your doctor. Most cardiologists recommend waiting a few days to a week before flying to ensure your entry site (usually in the groin) has healed properly ^[2]. When you do travel, avoid lifting heavy luggage until your doctor confirms your puncture site is fully recovered.