TITLE:
Impact of EAS Systems on Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators
AUTHORS:
Norbert Leitgeb, Florian Niedermayr, Gerhard Loos
KEYWORDS:
RFID; Interference; Electromagnetic Fields; Electromagnetic Compatibility; Safety
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Electromagnetic Analysis and Applications,
Vol.5 No.2,
February
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: To investigate
electromagnetic interference (EMI) of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from
electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems with electronic implants
numerical anatomical models of pacemaker patients were generated accounting for
different implantation sites (left pectoral, right pectoral and abdominal) and
body size. Induced interference voltages were calculated with a software
package applying the Finite Integration Technique and analysed in dependence on
frequency. Results were referred to reported maximum magnetic fields levels
measured at EAS systems in the ELF, IF and RF range. With reference to
electromagnetic immunity requirements of safety standards of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators, the numerical
analysis showed that the relevance of interference depends on the applied EMF
frequency. At EAS systems operating in the RF range, EMI and consequential
inadequate pacing is rare but cannot be ruled out. The probability of such
events increases at EAS systems in the IF range and even more in the ELF range.
Since interference is encountered already at yet existing systems, the
situation would be worse if future systems would further increase their
emissions by making use of the elevated reference levels recommended in updated
exposure guidelines.