Wireless technology in the ICU: boon or ban?

Aviv S Gladman,Stephen E Lapinsky

doi:10.1186/cc6112

Abstract

Wireless communication and data transmission are playing an increasing role in the critical care environment. Early anecdotal reports of electromagnetic interference (EMI) with intensive care unit (ICU) equipment resulted in many institutions banning these devices. An increasing literature database has more clearly defined the risks of EMI. Restrictions to the use of mobile devices are being lifted, and it has been suggested that the benefits of improved communication may outweigh the small risks. However, increased use of cellular phones and ever changing communication technologies require ongoing vigilance by healthcare device manufacturers, hospitals and device users, to prevent potentially hazardous events due to EMI.

Highlights

Industrial standards for life-supporting medical devices (International Electrotechnical Commission [IEC] Standard 60060-1-2) fall substantially short of achievable standards – for example, for military equipment (MIL-STD-461)
Van Lieshout et al add to this growing literature database by reporting the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) produced by newer generation mobile phone signals on medical devices commonly used in an intensive care unit (ICU) [1]
Based on a high (43%) rate of EMI-related incidents at a median distance of 3 cm, they reasonably conclude that mobile phone use in critical care units should be restricted to the usual 1 m distance from the critical care bedside [2]

Summary

Introduction

Industrial standards for life-supporting medical devices (International Electrotechnical Commission [IEC] Standard 60060-1-2) fall substantially short of achievable standards – for example, for military equipment (MIL-STD-461). The numerous anecdotal reports of catastrophic medical equipment failure in close proximity to electromagnetic field emitters (such as mobile phones or other wireless devices) have recently been supported by formal studies. Van Lieshout et al add to this growing literature database by reporting the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) produced by newer generation mobile phone signals on medical devices commonly used in an intensive care unit (ICU) [1].

Results

Conclusion