Tecnologie GSM, WiFi e DECT in Ambiente Ospedaliero: Valutazione della Compatibilita elettromagnetica con Dispositivi Medici di Supporto Vitale. (GSM, WiFi and DECT Technologies in Hospital: Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility with Life-Supporting Equipment)

摘要

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) to critical care medical devices has been deeply studied by the scientific community. Several papers demonstrated that medical devices are susceptible of EMI when exposed to GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) phones. These studies need continuous updates and revisions, in order to take into account the new technologies and to follow the technological development of medical devices, both as EMI sources or victims. We investigated the EMI phenomenon on critical care medical devices (infusion pumps, defibrillators, monitor, lung ventilators, anesthesia machines) by GSM phones, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) adapters and DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommuications) phones. EMI cases were observed on 22/44 devices tested, and in 8 cases the interference has lead to a degradation of the basic performances of the devices. The most significant interferences were caused by the GSM phones, whereas a much lower susceptivity was shown by WiFi and DECT terminals.