Numerical analysis of the thermal effects on adult with brain pacemaker implantation exposed to WIFI antennas

Abstract

Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: electromagnetic fields, thermal effects, brain pacemaker, WIFI exposure, Parkinson's disease, SAR, neurostimulation safety DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2025.106941 URL: sciencedirect.com Overview This numerical study examines the safety implications for Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients with brain pacemaker (BP) implants who are exposed to electromagnetic (EM) radiation from cell phones, specifically WIFI antennas. Study Details - A 3D model of the human brain, including the Basal Ganglia, two types of dual-frequency planar inverted-F antennas (PIFA) operating at WIFI/5G, and two types of implanted BPs, was constructed using COMSOL finite element software. - Parameters varied included antenna operating frequency, angle between antennas and brain, thermal conductivity of Grey Matter (GM), and electrode structure. Findings - The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and temperature increase within brain tissue stayed below ICNIRP 2020 safety limits (2 W/kg for SAR and 2°C for temperature rise) at all frequencies and angles, peaking at an antenna-to-brain angle of 90°. - Variations in GM thermal conductivity and electrode geometry influenced the trends in temperature increase within the brain tissue. - Thermal strain and displacement of brain tissues during heating could impact the postoperative efficacy for PD patients with BP implants. - The magnitude of observed displacement was consistent with values previously reported in medical literature. Recommendations - Avoid using cell phones in a position where the antenna is at a 90° angle to the brain. - PD patients should keep as much distance as possible from cell phones to minimize exposure. - Regular hospital visits are advised for PD patients with brain pacemakers to ensure proper device function, especially for frequent cell phone users. Conclusion Although SAR and thermal effects stay within recommended safety limits, thermal strain and tissue displacement present potential risks. There is a clear connection between electromagnetic field exposure and possible health impacts for patients with brain implants, warranting caution and continued monitoring.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

A COMSOL-based numerical model of the brain with implanted brain pacemakers and dual-frequency PIFA antennas (WiFi/5G) found SAR and temperature rise remained below ICNIRP 2020 limits (2 W/kg SAR and 2°C temperature increase) across tested frequencies and antenna-to-brain angles, with peaks at 90°. Grey matter thermal conductivity and electrode geometry affected temperature trends. The study suggests thermal strain and tissue displacement during heating could affect postoperative efficacy, with displacement magnitude consistent with prior medical literature.

Outcomes measured

• Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
• brain tissue temperature increase
• thermal strain
• tissue displacement

Limitations

• Numerical/simulation study (no human measurements reported)
• Specific frequencies not reported in the provided abstract/metadata
• Exposure conditions described as varying by angle and frequency but detailed scenarios (e.g., power levels, distances) not provided in the provided abstract/metadata

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.78)
  Findings are explicitly evaluated against ICNIRP 2020 SAR and temperature-rise limits.

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    "study_type": "engineering",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone / WiFi antennas (PIFA)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": 2,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Parkinson's disease patients with implanted brain pacemakers (brain stimulation implants)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)",
        "brain tissue temperature increase",
        "thermal strain",
        "tissue displacement"
    ],
    "main_findings": "A COMSOL-based numerical model of the brain with implanted brain pacemakers and dual-frequency PIFA antennas (WiFi/5G) found SAR and temperature rise remained below ICNIRP 2020 limits (2 W/kg SAR and 2°C temperature increase) across tested frequencies and antenna-to-brain angles, with peaks at 90°. Grey matter thermal conductivity and electrode geometry affected temperature trends. The study suggests thermal strain and tissue displacement during heating could affect postoperative efficacy, with displacement magnitude consistent with prior medical literature.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Numerical/simulation study (no human measurements reported)",
        "Specific frequencies not reported in the provided abstract/metadata",
        "Exposure conditions described as varying by angle and frequency but detailed scenarios (e.g., power levels, distances) not provided in the provided abstract/metadata"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "numerical study",
        "COMSOL",
        "brain pacemaker",
        "deep brain stimulation",
        "Parkinson's disease",
        "WiFi",
        "5G",
        "PIFA antenna",
        "SAR",
        "thermal effects",
        "ICNIRP 2020",
        "thermal strain",
        "tissue displacement"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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            "weight": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
            "reason": "Findings are explicitly evaluated against ICNIRP 2020 SAR and temperature-rise limits."
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