Abstract: The continuous advancement of medical device technology has led to a dramatic increase in the number of implantable devices that utilize onboard electronics. For example, devices used to treat cardiac arrhythmia — including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) — frequently contain sensors to monitor heartbeats, onboard memory to record that data, processors to determine which therapy is required, and circuitry to generate either electrical impulses or shocks to correct the heart’s operation. In the U.S. alone, more than 300,000 cardiac arrhythmia devices — which include pacemakers and ICDs — are implanted each year. Neurostimulator implants – such as spinal cord stimulators, which are used to treat chronic pain – are also increasing as new products reach the market.
