Ultra low-power wireless medical devices

As a recent innovation in in-body diagnostic equipment, RF devices are now being used in swallowable cameras and monitoring systems. These ultra low-power camera capsules travel into previously uncharted areas inside the human body and send back images. Also, implanted medical devices and on-body sensors can wirelessly connect with nearby health monitoring tools, providing patient health data in real-time. In the past, a traditional endoscopy involved a specialist inserting a long, flexible optical tube down the throat of the patient. This procedure would require a hospital stay. Using a disposable camera “pill” will make this procedure much easier. The camera capsule will pass naturally through the patient’s gastrointestinal tract and send images to a receiver belt worn by the patient. Other wireless medical devices being inserted into patients can be used to monitor bodily functions, stimulate nerves and treat certain diseases. With a 2-way wireless link, doctors can both monitor and adjust these devices with little difficulty. Although the tiny wireless devices promise much further medical advancement, there are countless challenges which confront designers. Once these challenges have been addressed, these medical devices will become very desirable for both doctors and patients.  Read the full article in Components in Electronics.

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