Minimally invasive bioelectronic implants

Bioelectronic implants enable therapeutic and diagnostic intervention of physiological systems by interfacing electronic devices with living tissues. However, conventional implant strategies often require highly invasive surgical procedures, such as thoracotomies and craniotomies, motivating the development of minimally invasive bioelectronic systems that can be precisely deployed and operated while reducing tissue trauma, recovery time and long-term complications. This Review highlights recent advancements in minimally invasive bioelectronic systems within specified anatomical sites. Originating from techniques used in stent and catheter development, current bioelectronic platforms are now designed with a dual focus on optimizing macroscale ergonomics and achieving seamless integration with the dynamic internal biological environment. Recent innovations include miniaturized neural probes, optoelectronic cardiac pacemakers and bioadhesive cardiac pacing leads. These devices use advanced materials, including shape-memory alloys, programmable polymers and dynamic actuators, to combine structural versatility with multifunctional performance. Looking ahead, emerging designs are expected to leverage retrievable implants, expandable occluders and responsive structures that enable facile deployment and superior adaptation to tissue motion, thereby reducing mechanical mismatch and enhancing long-term biocompatibility. By advancing minimally invasive delivery and patient-specific design, bioelectronics is positioned to enable more effective and personalized clinical interventions.