Programmable shunts and headphones: Are they safe together?

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Programmable shunts are crucial for hydrocephalus treatment.
• External magnets can inadvertently reprogram shunts, posing a risk.
• Headphones contain electromagnets near the shunt valve location.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate magnetic field emissions from headphones.
• To assess the effect of these emissions on programmable shunt valves.
• To determine if headphones are safe for patients with programmable shunts.

Main Methods:

• In vitro analysis of three headphone models (Apple, Beats, Bose) and three programmable shunts (Codman Hakim, Medtronic Strata II, Aesculap proGAV).
• Measurement of electromagnetic field emissions using a gaussmeter at varying distances (0-50 mm).
• Testing of shunt valve response to headphone magnetic fields at different distances and with rotational force.

Main Results:

• All tested headphones emitted magnetic fields exceeding manufacturer recommendations within 5 mm.
• Shunt reprogramming occurred only at direct contact (0 mm) with Bose headphones and with rotational force.
• No shunts were affected by headphone magnetic fields at distances greater than 0 mm; the Aesculap proGAV was unaffected at all distances.

Conclusions:

• Programmable shunt valve settings were only altered upon direct contact with certain headphones.
• The magnetic fields from headphones do not persist beyond 5 mm.
• It is highly unlikely that headphones can reprogram shunts due to their typical usage distance from the valve.