Batteries For Active Implantable Medical Devices

Millions of active implanted devices like pacemakers are implanted every year. Life of those devices depends on the life of battery used for powering. If the battery is drained out then the patient needs to undergo surgery for the second time to replace the device, which potentially increases the risk for other complications and infections. With increase in the demand for implantable devices, researchers are expected to look for extending the life of the device by recharging them wirelessly or by making them self-powered device. This paper gives overall idea about evolution of battery, its specifications to be used in medical device or categorization of batteries, charge pump technology to boost the available charge and factors need to be considered while selecting the battery for any application. With the proper selection of rechargeable battery, if the implanted device is recharged successfully without causing any harm to human body, then the life of the device can be increased as well as its size can be reduced as much of the device space is consumed by the battery.