In vitro study of the electromagnetic interaction between wireless phones and an implantable neural stimulator.
Grant H, Heirman D, Kuriger G, Ravindran MM. · 2004
View Original AbstractCell phones showed no interference with Cyberonics neural stimulators in 1,080 tests, but highlights need for ongoing EMF-medical device compatibility research.
Plain English Summary
Researchers tested whether cell phones could interfere with Cyberonics neural stimulators (implanted devices that help treat conditions like epilepsy and depression). After conducting 1,080 separate tests, they found no electromagnetic interference between the phones and the neural stimulators. This suggests that people with these specific implanted devices can safely use cell phones without worrying about disrupting their medical treatment.
Why This Matters
This study addresses a crucial safety question for the growing population of people with implanted neural stimulators. While the finding of no interference is reassuring for users of the specific Cyberonics model tested, the research highlights the broader reality that EMF from wireless devices can and does interact with electronic medical implants. The science demonstrates that pacemakers, for instance, have documented vulnerabilities to cell phone interference, which is why manufacturers have had to implement shielding and safety protocols. What this means for you is that EMF safety isn't just about biological effects on healthy tissue - it's also about potential interference with the electronic devices that many people depend on for their health. The reality is that as both wireless technology and implantable medical devices become more prevalent, comprehensive testing like this becomes essential for patient safety.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
This research was initiated to investigate electromagnetic interaction between current cell phone technology and specific models of Cyberonics neural stimulators
Out of 1080 test runs conducted for this study, no interactions were observed
it was concluded that the phone technologies examined in this study did not adversely affect the Cyberonics NeuroStar (Model 102) NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) System. This article provides details on the experimental procedure that was used, which can also be used to test other neural stimulators and test technologies, and the results obtained.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_2004_in_vitro_study_of_2123,
author = {Grant H and Heirman D and Kuriger G and Ravindran MM.},
title = {In vitro study of the electromagnetic interaction between wireless phones and an implantable neural stimulator.},
year = {2004},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15197759/},
}