Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of Medical Equipment from a Mathematical Modelling Perspective

Electromagnetic interference, commonly referred to as EMI, can significantly impact the functioning and safety of medical equipment. This chapter provides a detailed review of EMI shielding in the context of medical devices, with a particular focus on mathematical modelling techniques. The discussion includes the theoretical foundations of electromagnetic shielding, covering key equations and parameters such as shielding effectiveness (SE) and skin depth. A mathematical approach to the shielding problem is outlined, showing how Maxwell’s equations and analytical methods can be used to understand the reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves by shielding materials. Various numerical modelling methods, including the finite element method (FEM) and the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, are examined as crucial tools for simulating complex scenarios involving medical devices and for verifying analytical results. The review also explores the application of EMI shielding across different types of medical equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, and other sensitive electronic systems used in hospitals. Each case highlights particular challenges and the corresponding modelling efforts that contribute to effective shielding design. In conclusion, the chapter identifies certain gaps in the current research, such as limitations in available models and the requirements of new and emerging medical technologies. Suggestions for future research directions are also provided. Continued progress in material development, computational techniques and regulatory standards is expected to enhance EMI control in healthcare settings, thereby maintaining both device reliability and patient safety.