However, with the rapid evolution of wireless technologies and miniaturized electronics in recent times, we now have an unprecedented access for reaching the previously unreachable locations. This now includes the deep brain, intravascular regions, inside the heart itself, or even inside a single cell, via miniaturized implantable systems.
IMDs are classified on the basis of whether they need a power source to operate. Those devices that need a power source are termed as active devices, while the ones designed to operate without the need for power are categorized as passive ones. Artificial joints, vascular grafts, and orthopedic devices are some typical examples of passive devices, while the cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants, and drug pumps that need electrical power for operation are instances of active IMDs.
Figure 1 - The IMD Landscape Today
As illustrated in the figure, it is evident that IMDs today are capable of supporting several human biological functions, underscoring their growing importance in healthcare.
Research indicates that there are over three million people around the world with pacemakers. Every year, over 600,000 new pacemaker implants are undertaken, with over 230,000 cases in the USA alone during 2009 [1]. Again, more than 60,000 people are being treated annually with cochlear implants [2]. This highlights the growing global demand for active IMDs.
Figure 2 illustrates the global market for active IMDs, which is likely to be worth US$23.33 bn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% between 2018 and 2024 [3] .
Figure 2 - Global Active IMDs Market - Source [3]