Details
 

September 7, 2023
4:00PM - 5:00PM EST

OFDA Webinar: Implanted Medical Devices and What You May Need to Know

Online Registration is Open!

Online Program

Registration:

Online Registration is Open!

Price:

• Member: $45.00
• Non-Member Member: $65.00

Continuing Education:

• 1 CE Hour, approved with the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Summary:

Medical advancements in patient care are changing the death care landscape. Sophisticated mobile therapies allow an increasing number of patients to die outside of health-centered facilities. During postmortem care, some of these implantable therapies, such as radioactive pharmaceuticals and battery-operated devices can pose a risk to funeral home and crematory personnel.

Objectives:

• More and more patients carry their treatments and therapy with them as implanted devices. These devices may be located in almost any area of the body. These devices (Implants) may pose risks to the embalmer, cremation tech and the general public.
• Identify implanted devices that can be a potential risk to providers and families.
• Know the difference between an implanted pacemaker and an implanted defibrillator and how to manage these devices. Identification, handling, and methods of disposal will be discussed. Some devices may be returned to the family as part of memorialization.
• Decedents with radioactive implants may require special considerations up to two years after implantation. Burial vs cremation and prep room protocol suggestions will be highlighted.
• Will discuss the importance of getting a pertinent medical history to help identify decedents with implanted devices. Documentation at the arrangement conference is suggested.
• Ultimately, the goal is to put the Funeral Directors/ Embalmer in the best position to expertly manage decedents with cutting edge medical therapies.

Presenters:

Jeffrey P. Bellefleur, B.S., M.S., M.D.
Anesthesiologist

Dr. Bellefleur graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1990. After two years in an OB/Gyn residency, he completed a residency in Anesthesiology, followed by a Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesia at Children's Hospital of Michigan. He remained on staff at CHM as a member of both the cardiac team and the spinal fusion team. Dr. Bellefleur was recruited to William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan where he practiced for twenty years until his retirement in 2020. During his tenure at Beaumont, he was the Division Chief for several years. Dr. Bellefleur’s interest in funeral service and embalming began at the age of ten. In 2013, his passion was further fostered when he became friends with Sharon Gee-Mascarello after a chance meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Bellefleur was selected by Gee-Mascarello to serve as an Editorial Consultant to “Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice, Sixth Edition”. Dr Bellefleur is an advocate for enhancing a better relationship between medicine and funeral service in hopes of providing excellent care for patients at the end of their lives.

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