Active implantable medical device EMI assessments for electromagnetic emitters operating in various RF bands

This paper describes the electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of active implantable medical devices based on assessments of Radio Frequency Identification interrogators. Typical examples of interrogators operating in various RF bands are tested to estimate the EMI experienced by implantable-cardiac pacemakers and -cardioverter-defibrillators. The EMI occurrence mechanism and some experimental EMI evaluation results for typical devices are shown. Observed characteristics of the EMI are discussed based upon the transmission radio wave specifications. This discussion can give a good perspective on the same EMI issue raised by wireless power transmission systems.