Numerical Investigation of the Interaction of

Wireless EM fields with Implantable Medical

Devices
J.L. Duque∗ , R. Urbina† , M.R. Pérez † , J.L. Araque∗
∗ Dept. of Electrical Engineering Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
† Dept. of Electronics Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Corresponding author: jlaraqueq@unal.edu.co

Abstract—This work presents an analysis of the interaction
of the electromagnetic field generated by wireless communi-
cation systems on Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs) via a
simplified model that provides a first-order approximation and
via high accuracy full-wave simulation that takes into account
the details of the human body holding the implant, the source
of electromagnetic field, and the Implantable Medical Device
(IMD) geometry and materials. Our results indicate that cellular
communication devices, both Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and
User Equipment (UE) do not exceed the susceptibility require-
ment specified for IMDs, while walkie-talkie, even when used
according to common manufacturer recommendations, generate
a field significantly above this limit.
Index Terms—Implantable medical devices, pacemaker, elec-
tromagnetic field, electromagnetic compatibility, cellular commu-
nications, walkie-talkie.
I. I NTRODUCTION
The sustained increase in the human life expectancy and
the search of greater well being coupled with technological
advances have motivated an increasing use of IMDs around the
world. Concurrently, wireless systems permeate ever increas-
ing areas of daily life, with the result that people are exposed
to more complex electromagnetic environments for longer
periods. Since the decade of 1970 there has been interest
on the electromagnetic susceptibility of IMDs due to reports
of malfunction linked to the exposition to electromagnetic
fields [1]–[3]. With the continuous introduction of systems
that generate electromagnetic fields, and the development of
increasingly numerous and complex IMDs, the Electromag-
netic Compatibility (EMC) of IMDs remains of interest to
manufacturers, medical practitioners and users in order to
diagnose and prevent failure events that may pose risk to the
implant bearer [4]–[7].
Since their introduction in the 1960s, electromagnetic simu-
lation techniques have evolved considerably, enabling them to
meet a growing demand for modeling tools to simplify, speed
up, and optimize costs in the design, analysis, optimization,
and diagnosis of complex systems. Currently, electromagnetic
simulation is a widely accepted tool in the work of academics,
researchers, designers and analysts [8], [9] because it reduces
the need for complex and costly iterations of experimentation,
it allows modeling problems with a high level of fidelity, and
makes it possible to obtain results that in many cases exceed
the scope of experimental techniques. This is achieved as long
as the tool has been validated to guarantee the reliability
of its results [9]. Thus, by taking advantage of detailed
computational models of the human body [10] within ”full-
wave” simulation platforms, it is possible to predict with very
good accuracy the interaction of the electromagnetic field with
the human body or with implanted devices [9], [11]–[13].
Some works have addressed the analysis of electromagnetic
interaction with IMDs. For example, [14] evaluates through
numerical simulation the validity of simplified anatomical
models used experimentally, confirming that the cuboidal
shape provides results with acceptable accuracy; [15] presents
the use of computational techniques for the evaluation of
radiofrequency fields near implants, and provides guidelines
for the application of magnetic resonance imaging in specific
situations to implant users who conventionally could not
access this service. [16] investigates through electromagnetic
analysis and experimentation the interaction between various
orthopedic devices exposed to fields of Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) systems. In [17], they numerically calculate
the interference voltage induced within a pacemaker on a
train. The anatomical model consists of a sphere for the head
and rectangles for the rest of the body, and the source is a
distribution box that produces an electric field at 50Hz. In [18],
they investigate the risks in the workplace of electromagnetic
interference that can be caused by implantable medical devices
at low frequency (50Hz-60Hz), the anatomical model consists
of 32 tissues and 272 organs, and the implantable medical
device is a titanium case and its leads are made of platinum.
In this work, we undertake the analysis of realistic situations
where wireless systems of widespread use operate in the
vicinity of an IMD, using detailed computational models both
for the person exposed to the fields and the IMD. Our results
suggest the need to address the ever increasing exposition of
the general population to electromagnetic fields in common
everyday situations concerning the compatibility with IMDs.
II. I NTERACTION S CENARIOS
According to the IEC 60601-1-2 standard [19], an electronic
device for life support must be immune to electric fields
of 10V/m in the band from 80 MHz to 2.7 GHz and for
specific technologies (e.g., walkie-talkie, mobile phone) the

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 device must be immune to electric fields of 28V/m. To
determine if any of the wireless communication technologies
produce an electric field higher than this limit, the different
technology scenarios (e.g., smartphones, radio, Wi-Fi) Vs.
IMDs (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants) must
be analyzed individually. In order to tackle this problem with
increasing complexity and accuracy, initially the interaction
scenarios are analyzed using an approximate model based on
simple formulas. These initial results put into evidence critical
interaction cases that are then analyzed in more detail via full-
wave simulation.
A. Theoretical model
A simplified theoretical calculation model is proposed to
determine wireless communications that generate a high-
intensity electric field around IMDs. The electromagnetic
waves of interest travel through different environments, subject
to various propagation phenomena until finally they reach the
IMD. Fig. 1 depicts the conceptual basis for a simplified
theoretical model to estimate of the electrical field (E-Field)
in the vicinity of the IMD.
Fig. 1: Simplified theoretical model of interaction between
wireless systems and IMDs.
Wireless communications are characterized by the transmis-
sion power (PT ), antenna gain (GT ), and frequency (f ). Using
the Friis equation, the losses (PT C ) produced by the distance
(R) between the antenna and the human body are determined.
The estimated power density over the human body is thus
calculated as follows:
PT GT
WC = (1)
4πR2
When entering the wave into the human body, its level
decreases due to the change of medium, one part is reflected
and the other is transmitted. The impedance outside the body
is the vacuum (η0 ), and the impedance of the human body
(ηc ) depends on the dielectric properties of the tissues, which
change by frequency. To determine these properties, the IFAC-
CNR database is used [20], and the four primary tissues of the
human body are taken in an estimated proportion (i.e. Blood
30%, Muscle 40%, Bone 20%, and Fat 10%). Finally, the
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transmission coefficient (τ ) is calculated, and consequently,
the losses produced by the change of impedance PCM .
It should be noted that we use a homogeneous model solely
for the theoretical computations performed via the analytical
model described here. On the other hand, in the numerical
simulations presented later on, we use anatomical models that
take into account in detail the various tissues that compose a
real human body.
Subsequently, to calculate the conductivity losses PCD ,
the losses are modeled considering the incident field as a
plane wave. Calculating the attenuation factor according to the
dielectric properties and estimating the distance z between the
edge of the body and the IMD. The estimated power density
over the IMD (WIM D ) is calculated as follows:
WIM D = WC τ 2 ϵ1/2
r e−2αz (2)
Finally, the electric field on the IMD is calculated as
follows:
EIM D = (2ηc WIM D )1/2 (3)
These formulas assume normal incidence in all cases, which
constitutes a good approximation to the exposition scenarios
analyzed in common situations.
Each interaction scenario is analyzed in detail and, if
required, adjustments are made to the model. For instance,
if the transmission source is close to the body, it is more
reasonable to model the propagation of the wave inside the
body considering a spherical wave front via an adapted Friis
equation.
B. Scenarios Chosen for Analysis
On the one hand, the wireless communication technolo-
gies analyzed are: Mobile phone, Walkie talkie, Radio, radar
systems, ZigBee, Digital television, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Blue-
tooth, Wifi, Z-wave and satellite communications. The oper-
ating parameters were determined according to the operation
of the electromagnetic spectrum and Colombian regulations.
On the other hand, the IMDs analyzed are pacemakers and
defibrillators due to their critical role as life support devices.
The technologies that produce a stronger electric field on
the IMD or are more often employed are depicted in Table
I. Subsequently, High-fidelity simulations are run using the
prioritized scenarios to identify the exact characteristics of the
electric field on the IMD.
From the results of table I, we notice three cases where the
electric field level exceeds the 10V/m generic limit specified
in [19], hence they become of interest for detailed full-
wave analysis against the technology-specific limits, which are
somewhat higher.
III. S IMULATION SETUP
The Sim4Life simulation platform enables the analysis of
complex interactions between the electromagnetic field and
the human body. It uses the Finite Difference Time Domain
(FDTD) method, includes detailed human models, and can
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 TABLE I: Preliminary analysis of interaction scenarios.
Wireless f R ϵr σ PT WC WIM D EIM D
communication [MHz] [m] [S/m] [dBm] [dBm/m2 ] [dBm/m2 ] [V/m]
Mobile phone, UE, Low Frequency 850 0.15 42.162 0.839 33.0 38.496 34.203 17.483
Mobile phone, UE, High Frequency 2600 0.15 40.004 1.572 23.0 28.486 19.792 3.371
BTS, Low frequency 850 4.9 42.162 0.839 44.0 37.204 29.563 10.247
BTS, High frequency 2600 4.9 40.004 1.572 44.0 37.284 25.325 6.374
Walkie Talkie 467 0.15 42.952 0.769 33.0 40.486 33.948 16.90
Radio, Low frequency 0.54 75 1653.1 0.451 84.0 37.507 27.074 3.075
Radio, High frequency 108 150 50.610 0.664 80.0 24.907 18.756 2.821

model also the thermal effects of the absorption of electro-

magnetic energy [10]. The human numerical models include
a detailed geometrical and material description with dozens
of materials associated to the various tissues in the body, the
description of large and small structures (organs, vessels, etc.)
and the possibility to define a realistic position for each use
(e.g. standing, sitting, holding a UE).
In our workflow, each of the scenarios listed above is
analyzed as follows:
1) The parameters relevant to the source of electromag-
netic energy (amplitude, field distribution, polarization,
frequency) are defined.
2) The environment of the exposition scenario is simplified
maintaining the aspects relevant to the exposition to the
electromagnetic field (presence of conductors, interior of
vehicles, etc).
3) The posture of the body relevant for the scenario is Fig. 2: Pacemaker in Sim4Life.
defined and configured in the software.
4) The implantable medical device is located depending on
the position of the body.
5) Transient electromagnetic analysis is carried out to de-
termine the level of the electromagnetic field in the
vicinity of the IMD.
The numerical human model used is a 34-year-old male
model, with height 1.77 meters, weight 70.3 kilograms, which
is commonly called “Duke” [21].
The implantable medical device, in our case a pacemaker,
is located below the left clavicle at a depth of no more than
2 centimeters and its leads connect it through the veins to the (a) (b)
heart, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 3: Comparison between a physical pacemaker and a
A CAD model of a pacemaker was implemented emulating pacemaker in CAD model. a Insignia I Ultra Pacemaker Model
the Insignia I Ultra Model 1291, which has the following 1291. b Pacemaker CAD model.
dimensions: 43mm x 49mm x 8mm. The leads in the simulated
model have a diameter of 2.4mm and an approximate length
of 30cm. validation of the theoretical model with good results, sup-
Since we are currently unable to evaluate the detailed impact porting its use as a first approximation to predict the field
of stray fields on the operation of IMDs (which would require amplitude around the IMD. For brevity, we only report here
a detailed model of the cables and the internal electronics), for results from three critical interaction scenarios: i) cellular UE
the time being, we limit ourselves to assessing the field levels at low frequency, ii) cellular BTS at low frequency, and iii)
in the vicinity of the IMDs and evaluate the conformance with walkie-talkie.
respect to the standard [19]. Table II summarizes the three scenarios presented next,
where ET CM is the electric field calculated with the theoreti-
IV. S IMULATION RESULTS
cal model, ES4L is the peak electric field near the IMD, over
We have run full-wave simulations on the various inter- each of the Cartesian planes crossing its center (the peak may
actions described in Table I, which by the way enabled a be far from the IMD as the cut includes the whole bode), and

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 ESP is the peak electric field on the pacemaker surface, which
is the quantity of interest, distinguishing between the two
materials composing it: top (polyurethane) and bottom (metal).
From these data, it can be seen a reasonable correspondence
between the order of magnitude of the theoretical and the
numerical field values around the IMD.
which is absorbed by the user. The greatest field level in the
genitals and in the feet of the human model; in the position
of the pacemaker the electric field is somewhat lower, as can
be seen in figure 5, which depicts a coronal cut of the electric
field across the body (X = 21.38 mm).

A. Cellular UE, Low Frequency

The source model in this case is a metal box with dimen-
sions 71.5mm x 7.4mm x 146.7mm which models the UE’s
chassis and supports an inverted-F antenna, which in turn is
resonant at 850MHz, even in proximity of the human body.
Conforming to the standards for 2G and 3G cellular systems,
the UE has an input power of 2W, part of which enters the
user’s body.
Figure 4 displays a planar coronal cut (YZ plane) of the
electric field across the body (X = 16.65 mm), evaluated
according to the IEC 60601-1-2 standard. The highest field
level occurs on the ear, which is the contact point with the
user equipment, and decays as expected going into the head
and the left shoulder, which is where the pacemaker is located. Fig. 5: Coronal cut of the electric field (YZ, X = 21.38 mm)
due to a cellular BTS.

C. Walkie-Talkie
The source model in this case is a metal box with dimen-
sions 55.6mm x 32.5mm x 123.8mm and a helix antenna
operating in normal (monopole) mode at 467MHz, even in
presence of the human body. According to common device
specifications, the user equipment radiates a power of 2W [22],
[23], part of which is absorbed by the user. In this case we
focus on the worst case usage, which occurs when the user
holds the walkie-talkie closest to the body, i.e. against his ear.

Fig. 4: Coronal cut of the electric field across the IMD with
field due to a cellular UE. (X = 16.65 mm).

B. Cellular BTS, Low Frequency

The incident field due to the BTS is modeled as a plane
wave at 850MHz with power density of 0.263W/m2 , part of

TABLE II: Summary of simulation results

Wireless f ET CM ES4L ESP Execution
communication [MHz] [V/m] [V/m] [V/m] time
Mobile phone, 9.197 (YZ)
3.855 (top)
UE, Low 850 17.483 12.283 (XZ) 22m 23s
2.326 (bottom)
Frequency 7.212 (XY)
BTS, Low
6.623 (YZ)
3.965 (top)
Fig. 6: Coronal cut of the electric field (YZ, X = 14.47 mm)
850 10.247 5.577 (XZ) 21m 37s due to a walkie-talkie.
Frequency 3.137 (bottom)
4.848 (XY)
30.930 (YZ)
16.689 (top)
Walkie Talkie 467 16.9 28.670 (XZ)
11.916 (bottom)
28m 30s Similar to the first case, the highest absorption occurs on
20.862 (XY) the ear, but in this scenario, the value of the electric field is

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 higher, especially in the pacemaker. It occurs because, being
a lower frequency, its reach is deeper in the human body.
V. C ONCLUSION
The theoretical model presented to predict the electric field
level shows reasonable accuracy in view of the simplifying
assumptions on which it is based and provides a good first-
order approximation to the values resulting from full-wave
computations. From all the cases initially considered we have
focused on those leading to highest fields on the IMD. It turns
out that the three cases analyzed (cellular UE, BTS and walkie-
talkie) under worst case conditions (low frequency, high trans-
mission power) do not lead to fields in excess of the regulatory
limit of 28V/m for specific technologies. Furthermore, these
results indicate that in situations of exposition to multiple
sources of electromagnetic field, additional considerations are
required in order to ensure the safety for the user, for example,
there is no way he/she can control the field due to cellular Base
Transceiver Stations (BTSs) and other sources that contribute
in a considerable way to the total field on the IMD.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was funded by the Agencia Nacional del Espec-
tro, Colombia, in the framework of Convocatoria de Investiga-
ciones 2022. Authors are grateful to ZMT Zurich MedTech AG
for the Sim4Life for Science license granted to Universidad
Nacional de Colombia.
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