A study of implanted and wearable body sensor networks

Abstract

Recent advances in intelligent sensors, microelectronics and integrated circuit, system-on-chip design and low power wireless communication introduced the development of miniaturised and autonomous sensor nodes. These tiny sensor nodes can be deployed to develop a proactive Body Sensor Network (BSN). The rapid advancement in ultra low-power RF (radio frequency) technology enables invasive and non-invasive devices to communicate with a remote station. This communication revolutionizes healthcare system by enabling long term health monitoring of a patient and providing real time feedback to the medical experts. In this paper, we present In-body and On-body communication networks with a special focus on the methodologies of wireless communication between implanted medical devices with external monitoring equipment and recent technological growth in both areas. We also discuss about open issues and challenges in a BSN. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.