Very Personal Technology: A Primer on Implants for Boomers
Even in the early 19th Century, people like Edgar Allen Poe were writing about the possibilities of man-machines. Both words, android and cyborg, infer the merging of machine and man into a single entity. Today we’re closer than ever. This should be of considerable interest to seniors, since much of this technology attempts to address the results of aging.
Implantable devices have come a long way in recent years and are becoming increasingly popular for both medical and non-medical purposes. These devices are designed to be implanted into the human body to provide a wide range of functions, including monitoring and controlling vital signs, treating diseases and disabilities, and enhancing physical performance. In this article, we will provide an overview of the implantable devices available for the human body, particularly those that allow the person to control via external portable devices. Here’s a run down of very personal technology
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are devices that are designed to help people with severe hearing loss or deafness. The implant consists of two parts: an internal component that is surgically implanted into the ear and an external component that is worn behind the ear. The external component contains a microphone and speech processor that converts sound into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the internal component. The internal component then sends these signals to the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to interpret sound.
Cardiac Implants
Cardiac implants are devices that are designed to help people with heart problems. These implants include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. Pacemakers are small devices that are implanted under the skin of the chest and are used to regulate the heart rate. ICDs are similar to pacemakers but are used to shock the heart back into a regular rhythm if it starts to beat too fast or too slow. CRT devices are used to synchronize the contractions of the heart’s chambers to improve blood flow.
Neurostimulators
Neurostimulators are devices that are designed to help people with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. These devices work by delivering electrical impulses to specific nerves or areas of the brain to block pain signals or improve motor function. Neurostimulators consist of an implantable component that is surgically placed under the skin and an external component that is used to program and control the device.
Retinal Implants
Retinal implants are devices that are designed to help people with vision loss due to conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. These implants consist of an array of electrodes that are implanted into the retina and an external component that is used to stimulate these electrodes to produce visual signals that are sent to the brain.
Artificial Hearts
Artificial hearts are devices that are designed to replace a person’s damaged or diseased heart. These devices are typically used as a bridge to transplantation, allowing the patient to survive until a donor heart becomes available. Artificial hearts consist of a pump that is implanted into the chest and an external component that is used to control and monitor the device.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that are designed to allow people to control computers or other devices using their thoughts. BCIs work by detecting and interpreting the electrical signals produced by the brain and translating these signals into commands that can be used to control external devices. BCIs can be implanted directly into the brain or can be worn externally.
Prosthetic Limbs
Prosthetic limbs are devices that are designed to replace lost or missing limbs. These devices can be either passive, meaning that they do not move, or active, meaning that they are powered and can move in response to signals from the wearer. Active prosthetic limbs are typically controlled using sensors that are embedded in the limb or by using external devices such as joysticks or mobile apps.
Implantable Drug Pumps
Implantable drug pumps are devices that are designed to deliver medication directly to a specific area of the body. These pumps consist of an implantable component that is surgically placed under the skin and an external component that is used to control the flow of medication. Implantable drug pumps are commonly used to treat chronic pain, spasticity, and other conditions that require the continuous delivery of medication.
Implantable Glucose Monitors
Implantable glucose monitors are devices that are designed to monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. These monitors consist of a small sensor that is implanted under the skin and an external component that is used to collect and analyze data from the sensor. Implantable glucose monitors provide continuous glucose monitoring, allowing people with diabetes to better manage their condition.
Implantable Cardiovascular Monitors
Implantable cardiovascular monitors are devices that are designed to monitor the cardiovascular system. These monitors consist of a small sensor that is implanted under the skin and an external component that is used to collect and analyze data from the sensor. Implantable cardiovascular monitors are commonly used to monitor heart rhythm and detect arrhythmias.
Implantable Sleep Apnea Devices
Implantable sleep apnea devices are devices that are designed to treat sleep apnea, a condition in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These devices consist of a small implantable component that is surgically placed under the skin and an external component that is used to control and monitor the device. Implantable sleep apnea devices work by delivering electrical impulses to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the muscles of the tongue and throat.
Implantable Bone Growth Stimulators
Implantable bone growth stimulators are devices that are designed to stimulate bone growth and healing. These devices consist of an implantable component that is placed near the site of the injury and an external component that is used to control and monitor the device. Implantable bone growth stimulators are commonly used to treat fractures that are slow to heal.
Implantable Bladder Control Devices
Implantable bladder control devices are devices that are designed to treat urinary incontinence, a condition in which a person is unable to control their bladder. These devices consist of an implantable component that is placed near the bladder and an external component that is used to control and monitor the device. Implantable bladder control devices work by stimulating the nerves that control the bladder.
Implantable Contraceptives
Implantable contraceptives are devices that are designed to prevent pregnancy. These devices consist of a small implantable component that is placed under the skin and slowly releases hormones to prevent ovulation. Implantable contraceptives are highly effective and can last for several years.
Implantable Temperature Sensors
Implantable temperature sensors are devices that are designed to monitor body temperature. These sensors consist of a small implantable component that is placed under the skin and an external component that is used to collect and analyze data from the sensor. Implantable temperature sensors are commonly used in research studies to monitor body temperature during exercise or other activities.
In conclusion, implantable devices are becoming increasingly popular for both medical and non-medical purposes. These devices provide a wide range of functions, including monitoring and controlling vital signs, treating diseases and disabilities, and enhancing physical performance. Many of these devices can be controlled via external portable devices, allowing the person to have greater control and flexibility. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more advances in this very personal technology.
