Evaluation of electrosurgical interference to low-power spread-spectrum local area net transceivers

To study whether an electrosurgery device interferes with the operation of a low-power spread-spectrum wireless network adapter. Nonrandomized, unblinded trials with controls, conducted in the corridor of our institution's operating suite using two portable computers equipped with RoamAbout omnidirectional 250 mW spread-spectrum 928 MHz wireless network adapters. To simulate high power electrosurgery interference, a 100-watt continuous electrocoagulation arc was maintained five feet from the receiving adapter, while device reported signal to noise values were measured at 150 feet and 400 feet distance between the wireless-networked computers. At 150 feet range, and with continuous 100-watt electrocoagulation arc five feet from one computer, error-corrected local area net throughput was measured by sending and receiving a large file multiple times. The reported signal to noise (N = 50) decreased with electrocoagulation from 36.42+/-3.47 (control) to 31.85+/-3.64 (electrocoagulation) (p < 0.001) at 400 feet inter-adapter distance, and from 64.53+/-1.43 (control) to 60.12+/-3.77 (electrocoagulation) (p < 0.001) at 150 feet inter-adapter distance. There was no statistically significant change in network throughput (average 93 kbyte/second) at 150 feet inter-adapter distance, either transmitting or receiving during continuous 100 Watt electrocoagulation arc. The manufacturer indicates "acceptable" performance will be obtained with signal to noise values as low as 20. In view of this, while electrocoagulation affects this spread spectrum network adapter, the effects are small even at 400 feet. At a distance of 150 feet, no discernible effect on network communications was found, suggesting that if other obstructions are minimal, within a wide range on one floor of an operating suite, network communications may be maintained using the technology of this wireless spread spectrum network adapter. The impact of such adapters on cardiac pacemakers should be studied. Wireless spread spectrum network adapters are an attractive technology for mobile computer communications in the operating room.