Electromagnetic Interference (Emi) - Medtronic DBS 3387 Gebrauchsanweisung

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic interference is a field (electrical, magnetic or a
combination of both) that is generated by various medical or environmental
devices. These medical and environmental (home, occupational, and
other) devices may generate enough interference to change the
parameters of a neurostimulator; turn a neurostimulator off and on, or
cause a neurostimulator to surge, shock, or jolt the patient.
In addition, it is possible for the extension, lead or both to "pick up"
electromagnetic interference and deliver an excess voltage, which can in
turn deliver an excessive amount of heat to the brain. Refer to the following
sections for guidelines on the interaction of electromagnetic interference
and an implanted Activa System.
Psychotherapeutic Procedures – The safety of psychotherapeutic
procedures using equipment that generates electromagnetic interference
(e.g., electroshock therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation) has not been
established.
Home or Occupational Environment
Home Appliances – Home appliances that are in good working order and
properly grounded do not usually produce enough electromagnetic
interference (EMI) to interfere with neurostimulator operation. However,
items with magnets (e.g., stereo speakers, refrigerators, freezers) may
cause the neurostimulator to switch On or Off.
Occupational Environments – Commercial electrical equipment (arc
welders, induction furnaces, resistance welders), communication
equipment (microwave transmitters, linear power amplifiers, high-power
amateur transmitters), and high voltage power lines may generate enough
electromagnetic interference (EMI) to interfere with neurostimulator
operation if approached too closely.
Patient Activities/Environmental Precautions – Patients should
exercise reasonable caution in avoidance of devices which generate a
strong electric or magnetic field. Close proximity to high levels of
electromagnetic interference (EMI) may cause a neurostimulator to switch
On or Off. The system also may unexpectedly cease to function due to
battery depletion or other causes. For these reasons, the patient should be
advised about any activities that would be potentially unsafe if their
symptoms unexpectedly return. For additional information about devices
which generate electromagnetic interference, contact your local Medtronic
representative.
Patient Magnet – The magnet provided to the patient for device activation
and deactivation may damage televisions, computer disks, computer
monitors, credit cards, and other items affected by strong magnetic fields.
Radio Frequency Sources – Analog and digital cellular phones, AM/FM
radios, cordless phones, and conventional wired telephones may contain
permanent magnets. To prevent undesired turning On or Off of the
stimulation, these devices should be kept at least 10 cm away from the
implanted neurostimulator.
Therapeutic Magnets – Therapeutic magnets (for example, those found
in bracelets, back braces, shoe inserts and mattress pads) can cause
inadvertent on or off activations of the neurostimulator. Therefore, patients
should be advised not to use them.
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