Time and Frequency Systems for Medical Uses: Need for Frequency Allocation for Biotelemetry

Abstract

Time and frequency systems are finding their increased use in every branch of science and engineering, day by day. The fields of medicine and biology are, however, still lagging and this needs immediate attention.

In this paper, the development of various time and frequency systems is discussed for their possible applications in the field of medicine. A few applications like telemetry of physiological parameters of blood pressure, blood flow, respiration rate and body temperature at suitable frequencies are given. Telemetry of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit (CCU) data is also cited for emergency treatments.

The development of different types of transducers and sensors which are responsible mainly for implantable uses, is given.

The proposal for international co-ordination and frequency allocation for biotelemetry of physiological data is discussed in detail. The need for allotment of carrier frequencies for medical applications is emphasized.