Abstract
A method is described for assessing quantitatively the influence of electromagnetic fields on the function of implanted cardiac pacemakers. This influence may occur either indirectly by the action as an antenna of the catheter, or directly by induction into the pacemaker's electronic circuit. The technique comprises: measurement of the influence of electric voltages of various frequencies applied directly across the generator's output connections; determination of the aerial factor of the catheter configuration; combination of the data acquired to a diagram of overall sensitivity of the combination, in which a 10% variation of maximum output pulse amplitude, pulse width, or repetition rate of the pacemaker, whichever occurs first, has been chosen as a limit; comparison of this sensitivity/frequency curve with the electromagnetic field strength produced by several commonly used apparatus; and measurement of the direct influence of fields on the pacemaker itself. It is concluded, that disturbance of pacemaker action may occur in the vicinity of apparatus designed to produce electromagnetic fields, such as broadcast transmitters, diathermy applicators, and radar sets. Normal household appliances appear to be safe in the respect investigated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
