Technological Advances and Medical Applications of Implantable Electronic Devices: From the Heart, Brain, and Skin to Gastrointestinal Organs

Abstract

Implantable electronic devices are driving innovation in modern medical technology and have significantly improved patients’ quality of life. This review comprehensively analyzes the latest technological trends in implantable electronic devices used in major organs, including the heart, brain, and skin. Additionally, it explores the potential for application in the gastrointestinal system, particularly in the field of biliary stents, in which development has been limited. In the cardiac field, wireless pacemakers, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices have been commercialized, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases. In the field of brain–neural interfaces, biocompatible flexible electrodes and closed-loop deep brain stimulation have improved treatments of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Skin-implantable devices have revolutionized glucose management in patients with diabetes by integrating continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems. Future development of implantable electronic devices incorporating pressure or pH sensors into biliary stents in the gastrointestinal system may significantly improve the prognosis of patients with bile duct cancer. This review systematically organizes the technological advances and clinical outcomes in each field and provides a comprehensive understanding of implantable electronic devices by suggesting future research directions.