Accession Number:

ADA021541

Title:

EMC Design Effectiveness in Electronic Medical Prosthetic Devices

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept. Jan-Jun 1974

Corporate Author:

SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE BROOKS AFB TX

Personal Author(s):

• Mitchell, John C.
• Hurt, William D.
• Steiner, Terry O.

Report Date:

1975-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

15.0

Abstract:

Pacemaker responses were measured on twenty-one different types manufacturers and models of devices, exposed free-field and simulated-implant configurations. Relative interference thresholds were vastly different the most sensitive pacemaker being adversely affected at electric E field levels as low as 10 volts per meter and the least sensitive pacemaker being relatively free of interference at levels as high as several hundred volts per meter. In many cases the real time E-field level around radiofrequency radiation RFR emitters manifests itself as a pulsed or pseudo-pulsed changing E-field signal which can adversely affect cardiac pacemakers and is potentially hazardous for other types of medical prosthetic devices. These empirical findings demonstrate the need for continuing awareness of potential RF interference situations and provide reasonable evidence that through such awareness many of the potential EMI problems can be effectively circumvented.

Descriptors:

• *PACEMAKERS
• *RADIOFREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
• ELECTRIC FIELDS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
• MICROWAVES
• PROSTHETICS
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• REPRINTS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE