Specifications and Characteristics
93
RNS
®
System User Manual
E
LECTROMAGNETIC
E
MISSIONS AND
I
MMUNITY
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a field of energy generated by equipment found in the
home, work, medical, or public environments that is strong enough to interfere with
neurostimulator function. The RNS
®
System is designed to be immune from common sources of
electromagnetic interference. The most common sources of EMI are discussed in this section.
The neurostimulator is intended to sense electrical activity of the brain, detect activity of interest,
deliver stimulation therapy, and communicate with a programmer. In addition, the neurostimulator
is intended to operate autonomously, conserve battery life, check for proper connectivity to leads,
and automatically recover from certain conditions.
Electromagnetic disturbances may be detected by the neurostimulator as noise or saturation and
therefore suppress the ability of the neurostimulator to detect activity of interest during the
exposure to the electromagnetic field. Conversely, electromagnetic disturbances may be detected
as activity of interest and result in the delivery of programmed stimulation to the patient.
Electromagnetic disturbances will not cause the neurostimulator to change modes or operating
parameters. Electromagnetic disturbances will not cause the neurostimulator to exceed
prescribed therapy limits or charge density limits. Electromagnetic disturbances can be expected
to reduce the ability of the neurostimulator to communicate with the programmer. If this happens,
refer to
Poor or No Communication Between the RNS® Neurostimulator and the
on page 87. The neurostimulator is expected to recover all intended functions
following the removal of the electromagnetic disturbance.
Hospital or Medical Environments
Patients should always inform healthcare personnel that they have an implanted RNS
®
System
(and show their medical implant identification card) before any procedure is performed. Most
diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays and ultrasounds, may be performed without affecting the
RNS
®
System. However other diagnostic and therapeutic equipment with higher energy levels
may interfere with the RNS
®
System. Refer to
on page 8 for specific
information.
Home, Work or Public Environments
The patient should avoid or exercise caution when in the presence of the following potential
sources of EMI that may affect the operation of the neurostimulator system:
•
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) sources
•
Airport security and other surveillance systems
•
Power lines and transmission towers.
•
Electric substations, power generators and large transformers.
•
Portable and mobile RF communications equipment.
•
Electric arc welding equipment.
•
Electric steel furnaces.
•
Electric induction heaters.
•
Electric fences.
•
Body fat measurement scales.
•
Jackhammers.
•
Stun guns.
The following commonly used items should not affect the operation of the neurostimulator:
•
Cell phones and Bluetooth devices.
•
Electric toothbrushes, electric shavers and hair trimmers.
•
Microwave ovens.
•
Appliances such as washing machines, dryers, electric stoves, toasters, blenders, electric
can openers and food processors.
•
Electric blankets and heating pads.
•
Personal computers, electric typewriters, copiers, and fax machines.
