In the dynamic landscape of medical devices, power and energy determine how safe, effective, and appealing medical devices are to clinicians and patients. As technology evolves, solid-state batteries have emerged as a trend that’s here to stay, promising to reshape the future of medical device power. In this blog, we'll explore three compelling reasons why solid-state batteries are positioned to become the powerhouse of choice for many medical devices, including miniaturized active implantable medical devices.
Enhanced Safety
Solid-state batteries replace liquid components of lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes, mitigating the risk of leakage and overheating. This improved safety profile is of paramount importance in medical devices implanted within the human body. Solid-state batteries offer a more secure energy solution, reducing the likelihood of adverse events and ensuring the reliable, long-term functionality of implanted medical devices.
Increased Energy Density
Solid-state batteries boast higher energy density compared to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. This translates to a more compact and lightweight power source for medical devices without compromising on performance. Because of this, solid-state batteries can be used to enable new miniaturized medical devices, smaller than previously possible, which in turn, enables devices to go in different parts of the body, including closer to treatment sites for enhanced efficacy. In addition, the increased energy density of solid-state-batteries for medical devices also contributes to longer battery life, a critical factor for devices that need to operate for extended periods, such as implantable medical devices and wearable devices.
Improved Form Factor and Design Flexibility
The solid-state nature of these batteries allows for more flexibility in design and form factor. This is particularly advantageous for medical devices that require intricate and compact designs, such as implantable sensors and smart prosthetics. The flexibility in shaping the battery to fit the device's contours enables greater innovation in medical device design, paving the way for more comfortable and unobtrusive solutions, as well as devices that can go in different areas within the body. Solid-state batteries open up possibilities for smaller, sleeker devices without compromising on power, fostering a new era of patient-friendly and novel medical devices.
Conclusion
As medical technology advances, the need for safe, reliable, and energy-efficient power sources becomes increasingly apparent. Solid-state batteries have emerged as a transformative solution, addressing the limitations of traditional energy storage technologies. Their enhanced safety features, increased energy density, longer lifespan, and design flexibility position solid-state batteries as the future of medical device power. When combined with fast, safe, and reliable wireless charging, solid-state-batteries are enabling new and improved medical devices.
