Frequencies To Be Set Aside Specifically For Medical Devices

Taken from http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/229413-fcc-sets-aside-frequencies-for-medical-devices:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Thursday to set aside radio frequency spectrum for wireless medical devices that can monitor a patient's body.

The vote makes the United States the first country in the world to set aside spectrum specifically for the medical devices, known as Medical Area Body Networks (MBANs).

The low-powered sensors allow doctors to remotely monitor a patients' medical data, such as temperature, respiratory function or blood glucose levels, in real time. The technology could allow more patients to receive medial care at home.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the technology has "tremendous potential to untether patients from tubes and wires, and improve the quality of healthcare and ensure better outcomes for patients."

He cited a study that found an unmonitored patient has just a six percent chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, but monitored patients have a 48 percent chance of surviving. He also claimed the medical devices could reduce healthcare costs by as much as $12,000 per patient by reducing the risk of infections.

All five commissioners voted for the proposal. In statements, Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai, who were appearing in their first meeting as commissioners, both predicted that the order will save lives and reduce healthcare costs.

The spectrum that the FCC set aside for the devices is now being used by commercial test pilots. The rule will allow different users to share the spectrum band.

I think this is actually a cool advancement in medical technology.  When you see patients in a hospital, they are hooked up to a number of different machines and depending on the ailment, they could have dozens of sensors taped all over their bodies.  Doesn't sound comfortable does it?  Not only does this serve to eliminate that but also provide a way for doctors to monitor patients remotely.  I, for one, would love to see how this get put into action.  I would presume that these body sensors would communicate with some type of router device in the patients home that would either be able to transmit data through the air over great distances or tie into an existing broadband connection.  One concern I do have is the effect of these radio waves on the human body.  There's already concern about how potentially dangerous cell phones could be, surely the FCC would designate a "safe" radio frequency that would not cause adverse effects on the body.  Overall, this technology is very promising and has the potential of detecting dangerous readings before it's too late.