Interaction testing between wireless phones and implantable cardioverter defibrillators

The Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility at the University of Oklahoma has conducted extensive research on the interaction of wireless phones and pacemakers. This paper describes additional work and testing performed at the Center concerning the interaction between wireless phones and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). While ICDs are similar to pacemakers, their objectives are significantly different. Pacemakers are designed to speed up or pace the beating of the heart while ICDs focus on arresting extremely rapid heartbeats or fibrillation. This paper describes the activities completed and future plans for this research. Experiments regarding interaction are underway and the final results of the study will be presented at the October meeting of EMBS.