Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Electronic security systems and active implantable medical devices.

Werner Irnich1

  • 1Department of Legal Medicine, University Hospital, Giessen, Germany. werner.irnich@technik.med.uni-giessen.de

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|October 3, 2002
PubMed
Summary

This study models how electronic security systems (ESS) magnetic fields affect active implantable medical devices (AIMDs). It establishes a mathematical model to predict interference, enabling safer device and system design for AIMD wearers.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A Model of Electrostimulation Based on the Membrane Capacitance as Electromechanical Transducer for Pore Gating.

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2015
Same author

An engineering commentary on "Interference of avalanche transceivers".

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2013
Same author

Who should control postmortem explantation?

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2013
Same author

Appropriate parameters for pediatric-specific implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2013
Same author

PACE DATA CARD*

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2013
Same author

To the editor.

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·2013

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electromagnetism
  • Medical Device Safety

Background:

  • Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) like pacemakers and defibrillators can be affected by magnetic fields from electronic security systems (ESS).
  • Existing literature often discusses the possibility of interference but lacks a detailed physical mechanism or predictive model.
  • Understanding the conditions under which magnetic fields influence AIMDs is crucial for wearer safety and technological mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physical mechanisms of magnetic field interference between ESS and AIMDs.
  • To develop a mathematical model predicting interference under various conditions.
  • To establish safety thresholds and guide technological improvements for both AIMDs and ESS.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Development of an interference coupling model based on unipolar and bipolar pacemaker systems, considering lead geometry and magnetic field orientation.
  • Analysis of worst-case scenarios, including a left-sided unipolar pacemaker with a 225 cm² lead area.
  • Compilation and analysis of interference threshold data from recent studies and the CETECOM study across ELF to RF frequencies.

Main Results:

  • A mathematical model was derived, quantifying interference voltage based on coupling area, field homogeneity, and device type (unipolar vs. bipolar).
  • Unipolar systems, particularly left-sided pacemakers, exhibit higher sensitivity; bipolar systems require 17x stronger fields, and ICDs 1.7x stronger fields than sensitive unipolar pacemakers.
  • A 'maximum allowed field' curve was generated, below which AIMD interference is unlikely, validating the model against existing literature and measurements.

Conclusions:

  • The developed model accurately predicts AIMD interference from ESS magnetic fields, allowing for the determination of safe operating limits.
  • Technological advancements in AIMD interference immunity (e.g., 50% better than current standards) could allow significantly higher ESS magnetic field levels.
  • Both AIMD manufacturers and ESS designers must consider these findings to ensure patient safety and minimize interference risks.