EMI SUSCEPTIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTROMEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN A TYPICAL HOSPITAL ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONMENT WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

摘要

Dramatic changes in the practice of medicine took place during the three decades following World War II. As great advances were made in medical practice, techniques became more complex and specialised, there was corresponding advancement in medical electronic technology. Growth in this field has been phenomenal as new devices, methods and material became available. However, there existed, very little awareness of the electromagnetic environment within the hospitals and commercial laboratories in which the medical electronic devices must function. An EMI induced degradation of a device whether diagnostic or therapeutic, could adversely affect medical diagnosis and patient treatment and may at times be fatal if due care is not taken.rnThe purpose of this paper is to provide information concerning engineering, design of commonly used medical electronic equipment in India and their performance within the hospitals electromagnetic environment. It focuses on the source of EMI and its effects on the commonly used medical equipment with an in-depth study and analysis of electrocardiography in particular regarding its susceptibility in the electromagnetic environment of the hospitals. An attempt has been made to study the immunity aspects of the devices attached to patients (viz., Electro cardiagrapgy (ECG), Electromyography (EMG). Electroencephalography (EEG), heart pacemakers, catheters, cardiac defibrillator, etc.) which are more susceptible to EMI for a variety of reasons.rnDetailed report based on the analysis carried out on the data collected from, on the spot survey of hospitals has been included to stress the need for EMC in the hospitals and based on the data collected, remedial measures have been suggested for operating. This data was reduced to characteristic profiles of conducted and radiated emissions.