Electromagnetic compatibility of cardiostimulation technology in relation to human body—the introductory study

Abstract

The session deals with interdisciplinary topic of the electromagnetic compatibility of cardiostimulation devices that are used in patients with cardiac pathology. This study is thematically interested in physical and energy impacts of artificial electromagnetic fields, particularly in the influence of strong energy time-variable fields, on cardiostimulation system implanted into human organism. We consider implanted electronic device, pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator with fixed electrodes, and human heart, especially cardiac conduction system, as a whole. In this article we present the functional principles of implantable cardiac pacemakers and describe its interaction with the source of external interference by using modelling and simulation methods by electric circuit substitution. Subsequently, we discuss the physical mechanisms of disturbance signals and methods to minimize its consequences. The aim of the study is the theoretical analysis and the introduction to this issue and also the definition of the terms. This session does not occupy with medical clinical problems but the emphasis is put on physical and energy aspects of external electromagnetic fields on heart implanted device and to refer and analyze the possible risks of interaction.