Implantable medical devices: From basics to state-of-the-art

The realm of implantable medical devices has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years, offering effective treatments for diverse medical conditions and enhancing patients' quality of life. Understanding the design intricacies of these devices necessitates careful consideration of biocompatibility, material properties, immunogenic response, implantation techniques, and post-implantation care. So far, there has been reasonable success in implantable devices with newer concepts in pre-clinical or clinical trial phase that allows circumvention of foreseeable challenges. This review article offers a comprehensive overview of the design and development of various implantable medical devices, including artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants, breast implants, intraocular lenses, and intrauterine devices. Furthermore, it delves into current research trends aimed at improving functionality, enhancing biocompatibility, and reducing the risk of implant-associated infections. The potential for personalized and regenerative implantable devices has been further increased by recent developments in bioresorbable materials, 3D printing, and biohybrid implants. Beyond the scientific aspects, the review also touches upon the importance of patents in driving innovation and accessibility in the field of implantable medical devices.