Battery Technologies Are Powering Medical Innovations
Advancements in battery technology over the past decade have enabled new breakthroughs in portable and wearable medical devices. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are now commonly found powering everything from glucose monitors to insulin pumps to portable defibrillators. The energy density and lifespan improvements in these batteries have empowered patients and medical professionals with innovative tools for diagnostics, treatment and remote patient monitoring.
Lithium-ion powers diabetes management
More than 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes and rely on glucose monitors and insulin pumps to manage their condition. Medical Batteries were previously powered by disposable alkaline or lithium coin cell batteries that had to be replaced regularly, generating medical waste. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology has allowed the miniaturization of diabetes management devices and given patients power for far longer use per charge. Top manufacturers like Medtronic, Insulet and Dexcom now exclusively use lithium-ion in their latest insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). With a single overnight charge providing power for multiple days, patients experience greater freedom from battery swaps or replacements.
Portable defibrillators harness new energy sources
Defibrillators that can revive patients into sinus rhythm during cardiac arrest are now enabling out-of-hospital treatment thanks to advances in batteries. Where earlier defibrillators were heavy, bulky devices requiring heavy battery packs, new internal battery technologies have allowed portability without compromises to performance. Lithium sulfur batteries research at companies like Sion Power is striving to develop batteries with far greater energy density than lithium-ion for next-generation automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Developments like these will help expand defibrillator availability throughout public spaces and workplaces, potentially saving thousands more lives each year.
Startups drive innovation with new form factors
Medical device startups are utilizing the energy density gains of lithium-ion batteries to reimagine how healthcare solutions can be delivered. Form factors once constrained by battery lifespan are being completely reinvented. FormFactor, a Silicon Valley company, is pioneering flexibility in its lithium polymer battery designs to power new types of temporary patch devices. Their thin, flexible batteries can follow skin contours for EKG cardiac monitoring or power future generations of drug delivery patches. Another startup, Qardio, launched a completely cordless 3-lead EKG made possible through lithium-ion battery miniaturization. These novel form factors have the potential to drive further adoption of remote patient monitoring tools and shift more medical treatments into home use.
Wearables rely on continuous power
One of the largest opportunities for battery innovation lies in the growing field of medical wearables. Constant power is required for multi-day use of devices like smartwatches with fall detection, continuous EEG seizure monitoring helmets or VR-assisted gait rehabilitation suits. While lithium-ion remains the popular choice powering devices today, its lifespan falls short of powering some potential new applications continuously for a week or more. Development is ongoing into lithium sulfur chemistries that could provide 2-3 times the energy density of lithium-ion. Additional research into flexible thin film batteries and hydrogen fuel cells could lead to stretchable power sources integrated into future medical exoskeletons, prosthetics or implants. An emphasis on energy storage will be critical to fully realizing the potential of continuous remote monitoring through wearable technologies.
Regulatory challenges and battery safety
With any advances in battery technology for incorporating into medical devices comes complex regulatory considerations. Batteries are a potential safety risk that must be thoroughly tested and validated according to guidelines from regulators like the FDA. New chemistries require extensive safety protocols during design and manufacturing phases to prevent overheating, explosion or chemical leaks. As devices expand into continuous monitoring roles, long-term battery reliability and hazardous material content become greater concerns to address. However, the benefits of new energy sources also cannot be ignored if they power life-saving capabilities. Medical device companies and researchers are actively engaging with regulatory bodies to develop transparent testing frameworks guiding approvals of innovative yet safe battery designs. Proper validation helps assure both patients and providers of a technology’s readiness for real-world medical applications.
This article highlights some key areas where new battery technologies continue to expand the possibilities for portable, wearable and continuous remote medical solutions. Constant research improvements will remain vital to fully realizing the future potential of diverse healthcare delivery through low-power miniaturized devices. Regulatory involvement will also play an important role through adaptive guidance supporting the safe incorporation of emerging energy innovations into products improving patient outcomes.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)