Key Considerations for Power Management in Active Implantable Medical Devices

Within the rapidly advancing field of active implantable medical devices, power management is a major consideration. Devices that provide life critical (or avoiding life threatening) function require a dependable, always-on power source, for example pacemakers. There is then a trade-off with battery lifetime as to whether such devices employ a primary cell or rechargeable battery. With new applications requiring multi-module implants, there is now also a need for transmitting within the body from one device to another. This paper outlines the key considerations and the process to define and optimise the power management strategy. We then apply this to a case study application - developing an implanted, multi-module closed-loop neuromodulation device for the treatment of focal epilepsy.