MICROSIZE ENERGY SOURCES FOR IMPLANTABLE AND WEARABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

Abstract

The creation of implantable devices that support the functioning of the body is an important area in the field of medical technology. Many of these devices require a power supply, and it is desirable that such sources work during the entire period of implantation, even in the case of a lifelong implant installation. The published data on energy sources for powering implantable and wearable medical devices is reviewed. A comparative assessment of the characteristics of biofuel cells as the most developed version of an implantable energy source with other renewable sources of electric energy based on thermo-, piezo-, electrostatic (ES), magneto-, and photo-converters is given. Particular attention is paid to the use of implantable devices that can serve as a source of energy for low-power systems: micropumps, pacemakers, neuroimplants, etc.