Real-Time Patient/Doctor Feedback for Implanted Medical Devices

The greatest challenge facing the development of connected medical devices is the desire to gather information beyond simply how the device is functioning.

Q: What is the greatest challenge in developing connected medical devices?

For active implantable devices in both the cardiac and neuromodulation sectors, the trend now is to measure the effect of therapy in real time and relay that information — along with device functionality — to a medical management group or doctor.

The concept originated in the cardiac space when physicians began cross referencing feedback from the device with verbal feedback from the patient. That evolved into information being relayed wirelessly from the implanted device to the doctor to support monitoring and closer patient/doctor interaction.

Today, in the world of active implantables, the key driver is closed-loop technology. Closed-loop devices, such as those used to control epilepsy, for example, use implantable multi-electrode arrays and amplifiers to record electrical signals. These signals can be used to predict a seizure, and electrical stimulation is applied to prevent the attack.

This closed-loop functionality in active implantables requires optimal power efficiency and signal isolation, and much of this is dependent upon the ability of electrical contacts and contact systems. These components must facilitate existing therapies, as well as even more demanding applications under development. Highly conductive and space-efficient designs, such as the Bal Conn electrical contact and the SYGNUS Implantable contact system — both offered by Bal Seal Engineering — support advanced connection arrays and signal isolation opportunities that fit perfectly with closed-loop, high-connector-count arrays.

As active implantables continue to provide more and more feedback on therapy effectiveness, we will see increased adoption of these life-changing devices. And, as advances in technology help to improve functionality, design engineers will be faced with the challenge of making the required number of connections in less space.