Modeling and simulation of electromagnetic interference from 2G–6G mobile phones on implanted cardiac pacemakers

Abstract

Using cell phones in proximity to implanted sensitive medical electronic devices has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on pacemaker functioning. This study presents a comprehensive simulation-based analysis of induced fields and voltages in pacemaker leads resulting from electromagnetic emissions of 2G through 6G mobile phones. The EMI model incorporates parameters including distance, orientation, frequency, antenna gain, and burst factor. Simulation results show that 2G and 3G phones, particularly within 10-15 cm at 0° alignment, can induce electric fields exceeding the pacemaker immunity threshold of 3 V/m. Conversely, 5G and 6G technologies, due to higher frequencies and directional emissions, exhibit minimal EMI risks. These findings support updated safety guidelines and call for revised EMI testing protocols considering emerging wireless standards.