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Cellular phone interference with the operation of mechanical ventilators
Cheryl I Shaw1, Robert M Kacmarek, Rickey L Hampton
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Critical Care Medicine
|April 9, 2004
Summary
Cellular phones can interfere with mechanical ventilators, causing malfunctions like cessation of ventilation when placed too close. Keeping phones at least 3 feet away is recommended for safety in intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
- Electromagnetic Compatibility
Background:
- Mechanical ventilators are critical life support devices in intensive care units (ICUs).
- The increasing prevalence of mobile devices in healthcare settings raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for cellular phone interference with the operation of mechanical ventilators.
- To assess the risk of malfunction in intensive care ventilators due to proximity to cellular phones.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory study was conducted at a university medical center.
- Fourteen mechanical ventilators were tested for operational changes and malfunctions when exposed to a cellular phone.
- The cellular phone was computer-controlled and operated at various power outputs and distances from the ventilators.
Main Results:
- Six out of 14 ventilators malfunctioned when a cellular phone at maximum power was within 15 cm.
- One ventilator (Puritan Bennett 840) ceased ventilation when the phone was within 30 cm.
- Other malfunctions included doubled ventilatory rates and significant increases in displayed tidal volume, even in infant ventilators.
Conclusions:
- Cellular phones can cause critical malfunctions in some intensive care ventilators when in close proximity, particularly when ringing.
- Current electromagnetic compatibility standards for ventilators are insufficient.
- Recommendations include maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet between cellular phones and medical devices and urging manufacturers to improve device shielding.