Implantable medical devices are medical devices that are placed inside the body, either surgically or medically, to treat various medical conditions. Some common implantable medical devices include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), neurostimulators, drug infusion pumps, and prosthetic implants. These devices have revolutionized healthcare by enabling the treatment of conditions that were previously very difficult or impossible to treat effectively.
Types
Cardiac Devices
Cardiac devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are commonly used implantable medical devices. Pacemakers are small devices placed under the skin of the chest to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms. They monitor the heart's rhythm and deliver low-energy electrical pulses when the heart beats too slowly. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators function similarly to pacemakers but can also deliver higher-energy shocks to the heart if it detects an abnormal fast rhythm like ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Both pacemakers and ICDs are implanted surgically and have battery lives of 5-10 years, after which they need to be replaced.
Neurological Devices
Deep brain stimulation devices help treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and essential tremor by delivering electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain. Electrodes are surgically implanted and connected to a programmable neurostimulator device placed under the skin near the collarbone. Spinal cord stimulators are used to treat chronic pain by masking pain signals traveling to the brain. They consist of thin wires placed near the spinal cord which deliver mild electric pulses that interfere with pain signals. Cochlear implants have given the gift of hearing to millions with profound hearing loss. They bypass damaged parts of the ear to deliver sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
Orthopedic Devices
Artificial joints are commonly implanted orthopedic devices used to replace diseased or damaged hips, knees, shoulders or elbows. Made of metal alloys and polymers, they restore mobility in patients with arthritis or injuries. Pins, plates and screws are also used externally and internally to repair fractures. Implantable Medical Devices like spinal rods, cages and pedicle screws are implanted during spinal fusion surgery to stabilize vertebrae and promote bone growth. Joint replacements and hardware have improved quality of life for millions with orthopedic conditions.
Other Implantable Devices
Urinary incontinence is treated with implantable sphincters made of inflatable cuffs that reinforce the urethra. Insulin pumps are wearable devices that deliver programmed doses of insulin but have implantable components like catheters and sensors. Birth control implants release contraceptive hormones and can remain effective for several years. Filtering devices called vena cava filters are placed inside a large vein leading to the heart to trap blood clots and prevent lung embolisms. Gastric stimulators treat gastroparesis by delivering low-level electrical pulses near the abdomen to promote stomach motility.
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