The Biological Significance of Radio-Frequency Radiation Emission on Cardiac Pacemaker Performance
Abstract
The effect of radiofrequency (RF) radiation emission on cardiac pacemaker function is a unique bioeffects phenomenon. Dependent of the pacemaker type and design, and on the frequency, peak E-field intensity, pulse width, and effective pulse repetition rate of the incident RF signal, the pacemaker may cut off completely, revert to a fixed interference-rejection mode of operation, experience intermittent disruption, or be totally unaffected. Experimental evidence is presented for a wide variety of tests conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and in the vicinity of numerous types of RF emitters prevalent in U.S. population centers. These test results are discussed in terms of their clinical significance, technical feasibility of designing pacemakers to avoid electromagnetic interference, and appropriate design goals to achieve overall RF environmental compatibility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA022886
Entities
People
- John C. Mitchell
- William D. Hurt
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine