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Deep brain stimulation and electromagnetic interference
Shervin Rahimpour1, Musa Kiyani1, Sarah E Hodges1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|March 4, 2021
Summary
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can harm deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices and patients. This review examines EMI sources and real-world cases, highlighting the need for better understanding and guidelines for safe DBS therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuromodulation
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a vital therapy for neurological disorders.
- External electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses risks to DBS device function and patient safety.
- Limited literature exists on EMI effects and mitigation strategies for DBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles of EMI relevant to DBS.
- To identify and categorize sources of unintentional and intentional EMI.
- To analyze real-world EMI incidents affecting DBS devices using the MAUDE database.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on EMI principles and DBS.
- Categorization of EMI sources (unintentional and intentional).
- Analysis of the MAUDE database for reported EMI events impacting US-implanted DBS devices.
Main Results:
- Identified various EMI sources, including stray fields, MRI, and electrosurgery.
- MAUDE database analysis revealed real-world EMI events associated with airport scanners, MRI, and electrosurgery.
- Documented instances of DBS device malfunction and potential patient harm due to EMI.
Conclusions:
- EMI presents a significant, under-addressed risk to deep brain stimulation therapy.
- Understanding EMI sources and their impact is crucial for patient safety.
- Further research and clear guidelines are needed to manage EMI risks in DBS patients.
