ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the requirement for in-body communication
with descriptions of body properties, design, testing, and ultimate
manufacture of a product for widespread use.
Since the first cardiac pacemaker was implanted in Arne
Larsson’s chest in 1958, it has been essential to knowwhat implants
are doing and change the operation in the best interest of the patient.
Fitting an implant and hoping for the best is not a way forward.
The implant can be in a unique position to sense what is going on
within the body without the need for invasive surgery. Operating on
a patient increases the risk of infection, can be expensive, distresses
him or her, and may not show what is really happening. The
implant can become almost like part of the body and can feedback
information when he or she is going about their normal day-to-day
business. The patient does not need to be sedated or anesthetized,
and the data gathering can go on almost anywhere.
