New strategies for energy supply of cardiac implantable devices

BACKGROUND: Heart disease and atrial fibrillation are the leading causes of death worldwide. Patient morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease can be reduced by more accurate and continuous diagnostic and therapeutic tools provided by cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). OBJECTIVES: Long-term operation of CIEDs continues to be a challenge due to limited battery life and the associated risk of device failure. To overcome this issue, new approaches for autonomous battery supply are being investigated. RESULTS: Here, the state of the art in CIED power supply is presented and an overview of current strategies for autonomous power supply in the cardiovascular field is given, using the body as a sustainable energy source. Finally, future challenges and potentials as well as advanced features for CIEDs are discussed. CONCLUSION: CIEDs need to fulfil more requirements for diagnostic and telemetric functions, which leads to higher energy requirements. Ongoing miniaturization and improved sensor technologies will help in the development of new devices.