Abstract

Overview

This research focuses on the safety of workers with active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) concerning electromagnetic interference (EMI) from low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at the workplace.

Findings

The study assessed the immunity of 58 AIMDs, including pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators across various brands and models, against electromagnetic fields precisely reproduced in controlled settings using Helmholtz coils and aluminum plates. The thresholds for both electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs) were measured, with a striking observation that no dysfunction occurred in the four ICDs under magnetic field exposures up to 2750 µT at 50 Hz and 2480 µT at 60 Hz.

• Potential hazards were noted for pacemakers and defibrillators when exposed to EF levels, possibly below the recommended occupational exposure levels.
• Numerical simulations were also conducted using CST® software to contribute to these findings.

Conclusion

While recorded threshold levels were above public exposure limits, there's concern that occupational exposure limits might still pose risks, especially under settings involving electric fields, potentially threatening the functionality of implanted pacemakers and defibrillators.