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Radiated Electromagnetic Field Test
Effectiveness of the MG Vest in Preventing Unnecessary ICD Defibrillation Shocks Caused by Radiated Electromagnetic Fields (Radio Waves)
| Objective | Method | Results | Discussion | Conclusion | References |
Objective
This experiment conducted a radiated electromagnetic field immunity test to evaluate the MG Vest's ability to prevent unnecessary ICD defibrillation shocks.
Method
An anthropomorphic phantom was equipped with an ICD (Figure 1). A radiated electromagnetic field immunity test device (manufactured by Matsushita Intertechno Co., Ltd.) was used to emit radio waves with an output of 200W, a carrier frequency of 830 MHz, and an amplitude modulation frequency of 60 Hz. The aim was to observe whether unnecessary defibrillation shocks would occur. A ground plane antenna with a resonant frequency of 830 MHz was used.
Three ICD units were tested.
Results
As a result of the test, one out of three ICD models triggered an unnecessary defibrillation shock, but this did not occur when the MG Vest was worn.
| ICD | VF Detection Count (Without MG Vest) | VF Detection Count (With MG Vest) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 0 | N/A |
| B | 0 | N/A |
| C | 1 | 0 |
(N/A: No data available)
Discussion
While electromagnetic noise such as that in radiated electromagnetic field immunity tests is unlikely in everyday life, studies by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications have reported that electromagnetic waves emitted from anti-theft devices¹ and stationary RFID systems² can cause unnecessary defibrillation shocks in ICDs. Therefore, the presence of such risks in daily life cannot be ruled out.
Conclusion
It was confirmed that the MG Vest has an effect in preventing unnecessary ICD defibrillation shocks caused by electromagnetic waves.
The findings of this study were presented on November 19, 2005, at the 5th ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Public Research Symposium. [Presentation Details]
References
- 1) Survey results on the effects of radio waves on medical devices (examining the influence of electronic article surveillance systems, wireless LAN devices, etc., on implanted medical devices) - Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, June 18, 2004
- 2) Survey results on the effects of radio waves on medical devices (examining the influence of new mobile phone models and RFID equipment on implanted medical devices) - Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, August 11, 2005