Power sources and electrical recharging strategies for implantable medical devices

Abstract

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) are critically requested for the survival of patients subject to certain serious diseases such as bradycardia, fibrillation, diabetes, and disability, etc. Appropriate working of an active implantable medical device (IMD) heavily relies on the continuous supply of electricity. In this sense, longterm powering and recharging of an IMD via a highly safe, efficient and convenient way is, therefore, extremely important in clinics. Several conventional batteries, such as lithium cell, nuclear cell and bio-fuel cell, etc., have been developed to power IMDs. Meanwhile, the recharge of IMD from outside of the human body is also under investigation. In this paper, some of the most typical IMD batteries are reviewed. Their advantages and disadvantages are compared. In addition, several emerging innovations to recharge or directly drive the implanted batteries, including electromagnetic energy transmission, piezoelectric power generation, thermoelectric devices, ultrasonic power motors, radio frequency recharging and optical recharging methods, etc., are also discussed. Some fundamental and practical issues thus involved are summarized, and future prospects in this area are made.

One-Step Synthesis of Graphene/Polypyrrole Nanofiber Composites as Cathode Material for a Biocompatible Zinc/Polymer Battery

“…Generally, the IMDs are powered by independent battery systems providing stable and continuous electrical energy output 8 . The current batteries 2, 9-10 , and zinc-air batteries for hearing-aid devices 7,11 .…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Glucose Fuel Cells with a Microchannel Fabricated on Flexible Polyimide Film

“…Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have been extensively studied in recent years for biomedical applications such as diagnosis, treatment via targeted drug delivery [1] and embedded systems [2]. Amongst these, enzymatic biofuel cells that use glucose in a human body to produce electricity for embedded microsystems have been of special interest [3].…”

Wireless power transfer system for a human motion energy harvester

“…The latter is the case for the device presented in this paper. Human body applications requiring wireless power transfer often use inductive or ultrasonic coupling [33,34,15,35]. Potential drawbacks of inductive coupling are safety concerns due to the high power high frequency fields, and increasing tissue attenuation at higher frequencies which limits the penetration depth [36].…”

“…Body motion is an abundant source of energy that can work for externally worn and implanted devices alike [12,13,14]. A good overview of the available solutions for powering medical devices can be found in [15]; [16] provides an introduction with a focus on piezoelectric devices and [17] is more specific to electromagnetic power generation.…”