ABSTRACT
Effective drug therapy is an essential tool in improving health outcomes in the treatment and management of chronic conditions, such as hypertension, respiratory disease, and diabetes, and therefore, improved methods and technologies for drug delivery are a critical health care need. This chapter describes the requirements for an implantable drug delivery device is considered followed by a discussion on enabling nano/micro technologies. Then nanotechnology and microtechnology devices are reviewed, including examples of research and commercial devices. Microtechnology devices are further categorized based on their actuation method. The chapter focuses on implantable or wearable/ambulatory systems for which wireless operation is desired. The conventional method of supplying electrical power to implantable devices is to utilize internal microbatteries. Advances in implantable drug delivery pumps are poised to offer greater freedom and improved quality of life to patients.
