Wearable and implantable biomedical sensors

Abstract

Microsystem technology has brought about a rapid development in both implants and wearable systems. In the case of implants, miniaturisation has been an important factor in expanding the applications. Compact devices can be implanted in the body for monitoring for both short and long periods. In the case of wearables, flexibility is often the main factor, although, if the device is small enough this may not be a problem. However, the ability to make devices flexible has led to many new devices, including patches to monitor vital signs. Silicon is not considered a flexible material, although when thin enough it does become flexible. Alternatively, other materials, such as polymers can be used, in combination with silicon technology to make truly flexible devices which mould to the shape of the body. Such techniques can also be valuable for implants, where monitoring devices can mould to an organ or around blood vessels or nerves. This paper looks a number of examples of devices developed for wearables and implants.