Miniaturized-electroneurostimulators and self-powered/rechargeable implanted devices for electrical-stimulation therapy

Advances in technology provide a path towards a new type of medicine that allows physicians to treat diseases with electricity rather than drugs. Recently, miniaturized-electroneurostimulators or electroceuticals which employ electrical-stimulation to affect and modify functions of the body have been attracting great attention. Since the nervous system is criss-crossing in our body to control many aspects of our organ function, bioelectronic implants can treat disease by stimulating nerves as an alternative to drugs. Miniaturized-electroneurostimulators provides a more-targeted approach to treat illness and alleviate pain, presenting a lucrative opportunity. In this review, we discussed on basic concept of electroceuticals or miniaturized-electroneurostimulators, electrical-neurostimulators and electrical-neurostimulation parameters such as amplitude, pulse width, pulse rate, electrode configuration and impedance. Importantly, we focus on self-powered/rechargeable implantable devices which are essential to avoid unnecessary infection or bleeding during repeated surgery. In addition, we summarized on self-powered artificial cardiac pacemaker, self-powered wound dressing, externally-powered dust，externally-powered implantable drug delivery device, wireless charging system in implanted tiny pacemaker, for treatment of diseases by electrical-stimulation and listed potential risks of implanted electrical-neurostimulation device. Miniaturized-electroneurostimulators are expected to play a profound role in implantable neural small devices that treat illnesses and support restore functions in injured or disabled nervous system and also used for monitoring the vital signs of a person.