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Review
. 2020 Aug 16;20(16):4604.
doi: 10.3390/s20164604.

Wireless Technologies for Implantable Devices

Bradley D Nelson  1 , Salil Sidharthan Karipott  1 , Yvonne Wang  2 , Keat Ghee Ong  1
Affiliations
Review

Wireless Technologies for Implantable Devices

Bradley D Nelson et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

Wireless technologies are incorporated in implantable devices since at least the 1950s. With remote data collection and control of implantable devices, these wireless technologies help researchers and clinicians to better understand diseases and to improve medical treatments. Today, wireless technologies are still more commonly used for research, with limited applications in a number of clinical implantable devices. Recent development and standardization of wireless technologies present a good opportunity for their wider use in other types of implantable devices, which will significantly improve the outcomes of many diseases or injuries. This review briefly describes some common wireless technologies and modern advancements, as well as their strengths and suitability for use in implantable medical devices. The applications of these wireless technologies in treatments of orthopedic and cardiovascular injuries and disorders are described. This review then concludes with a discussion on the technical challenges and potential solutions of implementing wireless technologies in implantable devices.

Keywords: implantable medical devices; implantable sensors; wireless communication; wireless power; wireless sensors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Communication and power schemes typically used in active and passive sensors.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The design of a generic passive interrogator. A signal is generated in the excitation circuit and transmitted at radiofrequency (RF) using an inductive coil or at ultrasound frequencies using a piezoelectric element. The reflected signal is received by a receiving circuit using a matching coil or piezoelectric element.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Methods of remote power for implantable devices. RF energy (top-left) can be transmitted through inductors; ultrasound energy (middle-left) can be transmitted through piezoelectric materials; near-infrared (NIR) light (bottom-left) can be transmitted via light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photoreceptors. The received energy may be either stored in a battery or used directly.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A smart hip implant featuring a telemetered temperature sensor to detect loosening. CC BY [85].
Figure 5
Figure 5
An example of a remote-powered blood pressure sensor. Power is received via the stent, which doubles as an antenna, to power the sensor and processing integrated circuit (IC). Reprinted with permission from Reference [110].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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