Study of interaction of pacemaker electrode with high frequency RF fields

Abstract

The influence of radio-frequency fields on pacemaker operation is the object of numerous studies, both in technical and medical literature. The main point of interest is safety of MRI diagnostics and the influence of cellular phones on the device operation. In this article a wide band behavior of pacemaker lead is discussed, in order to categorize potentially dangerous frequency bands. Medical and engineering sciences use completely different methodology, so there is no unique answer if the malfunction of the pacemaker, even when occurred, brings potential risk to a patient. Tests of radiation from the pacemaker lead in wide frequency band, presented in this article show that interaction between the device and external RF field is possible, especially for frequencies over 1GHz. These tests could be potentially good background for further clinical tests. Other observation was, that the saline solution did not significantly change the radiation from the lead, compared to the measurements in air.