State of the science: pacemaker and defibrillator interference from wireless communication devices

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• The widespread adoption of wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, presents a growing concern for electromagnetic interference (EMI) with sensitive electronic medical implants.
• Industry estimates project a doubling of cellular telephone subscribers by the year 2000, highlighting the increasing prevalence of potential interference sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential effects of wireless communication devices on implantable electronic devices.
• To analyze the mechanisms and magnitude of radiofrequency (RF) signal interference.
• To provide initial recommendations for patients managing implantable devices in the presence of wireless technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on wireless communication device emissions and their interaction with implantable devices.
• Analysis of the characteristics of different wireless communication devices and their RF emission profiles.
• Evaluation of the susceptibility factors of various implantable devices to external RF signals.

Main Results:

• Wireless communication devices emit RF signals that can potentially interfere with the function of implantable devices.
• The degree of interference depends on the specific wireless device and the technical specifications of the implantable device.
• Understanding the interplay between emission characteristics and device susceptibility is crucial for assessing risk.

Conclusions:

• Patients with implantable devices should be aware of the potential risks associated with wireless communication devices.
• Further research and specific guidelines are needed to ensure patient safety and device reliability.
• Recommendations are provided to mitigate potential interference and manage patient concerns regarding wireless technology use.