Uses of Electromagnets in Hospitals

Modern Hospital Equipment

Electromagnets see a variety of duties in hospitals. The strong magnetic fields from superconducting magnets have given us devices like the MRI scanner. Electromagnets are used in surgery to safely remove metal shrapnel. And electromagnets play hidden, though important, roles in the design of equipment for patient rooms.

MRI

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner uses a powerful electromagnet cooled in liquid helium. The MRI scanner uses the strong magnetic field to create detailed internal images of the body.

TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique for stimulating the brain. An electromagnet sends a pulsed magnetic field to the patient's head. In some people, it appears to alleviate depression.

SQUID

Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) are electromagnets able to sense tiny electrical changes. They can be used to map brain activity without surgery.

Surgery

Surgeons sometimes use electromagnetic tools to remove metal fragments from patients. The magnets attract bits of metal that would otherwise be difficult to find or grasp.

Patient Rooms

Designers have proposed using a system of ceiling-mounted arms to organize monitoring equipment in patient rooms. Electromagnetic brakes in the arms serve to hold equipment in place.

References

• Magnetic Pulses Might Lift Depression's Cloud
• SQUID Used to Measure Brain Magnetic Fields
• Electromagnetic Brakes Let Hospital Rooms Go Ergonomic