Thermal effects of metal implants embedded in different layers of human tissues exposed to electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Metal implants are typically used in medicine and body modifications to repair or replace damaged tissues, bones, or organs. However, they can cause complications, such as pain, inflammation, and tissue damage, when exposed to strong electromagnetic fields. This study is performed to examine the effect of high-intensity near-field electromagnetic exposure on the thermal effects of metal implants in human tissues. Maxwell's equations and a bioheat model are employed in a numerical simulation to determine the electromagnetic field and temperature distributions in implants and surrounding tissues during exposure to high-intensity electromagnetic fields in close proximity. Various factors are examined, including the implant shape, size, material, and insertion depth. A physical model comprising layers of tissue and metal implants is employed, which is subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field generated by an induction coil. Results show that the implant shape, size, and depth affect tissue heating. Stainless steel 410 implants result in higher tissue temperature increases owing to their greater sensitivity to electromagnetic induction compared with Ti–6Al–4V implants. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the thermal behavior and electromagnetic interactions of metal implants in human tissues, thus contributing to the advancement of implant design and human safety in electromagnetic environments.

Keywords

• Metal implants
• Thermal effects
• Electromagnetic fields
• Human tissues
• Heat transfer