Abstract
Lithium batteries have been successfully used in implantable biomedical devices for the last 30 years, and in some cases the use of lithium power sources has significantly contributed to the viability of the device. These battery systems fall into two major categories: primary, or single-use, cells containing lithium-metal anodes; and secondary, or rechargeable, systems utilizing lithium-ion chemistry. Primary lithium batteries have been used for implantable devices such as cardiac pacemakers, drug pumps, neurostimulators, and cardiac defibrillators. Rechargeable batteries have been used with left ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts. All of these cells share the characteristics of high safety, reliability, energy density, and predictability of performance. Additionally, state-of-charge indication and low self-discharge are important features, along with charging safety and high cycle life for rechargeable cells.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
C.F. Holmes, J. Power Sources 97–98 (2001) p. 739.
W. Greatbatch, The Making of the Pacemaker (Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, 2000) p. 119.
W. Greatbatch, R. McLean, W. Holmes, and C. Holmes, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. BME–26 (1979) p. 306.
C.L. Schmidt and P.M. Skarstad, J. Power Sources 65 (1997) p. 121.
C.C. Liang and C.F. Holmes, Prog. Batt. Solar Cells 2 (1979) p. 50.
P.M. Skarstad, in Batteries for Implantable Biomedical Devices, edited by B.B. Owens (Plenum Press, New York, 1986) p. 215.
C.R. Schlaikjer, in Lithium Batteries, edited by J.-P. Gabano (Academic Press, New York, 1983) p. 303.
E.S. Takeuchi and S.A. Smesko, in Proc. 7th Annu. Battery Conf. on Applications and Advances (California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, Calif., 1992) paper No. 92BP-1.
W. Greatbatch, C.F. Holmes, E.S. Takeuchi, and S.J. Ebel, “Lithium/Carbonmonofluoride (U/CFx): A New Pacemaker Battery,” presented at Cardiostim ’96, 10th Int. Congress on Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Nice, France, June 1996.
N. Watanabe and M. Fukuda, U.S. Patent No. 3,536,532 (1970).
N. Watanabe, T. Nakajima, and R. Hagiwara, J. Power Sources 20 (1987) p. 87.
E.S. Takeuchi and W.D.K. Clark, in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators: A Comprehensive Textbook, edited by N.A.M. Estes, A.S. Manolis, and P. Wang (Marcel Dekker, New York, 1994) p. 123.
K.J. Takeuchi, A.C. Marschilok, S.M. Davis, R.A. Leising, and E.S. Takeuchi, Coord. Chem. Rev. 219–221 (2001) p. 283.
Y. Piffard, F. Leroux, D. Guyomard, J.-L. Mansot, and M. Tournoux, J. Power Sources 68 (1997) p. 698.
R.A. Leising, W.C. Thiebolt, and E.S. Takeuchi, Inorg. Chem. 33 (1994) p. 5733.
E.S. Takeuchi and W.C. Thiebolt, J. Electrochem. Soc. 135 (1988) p. 2691.
G. Fehrmann, R. Frommel, and R. Wolf, U.S. Patent No. 5,587,258 (December 24, 1996).
J. Drews, R. Wolf, G. Fehrmann, and R. Staub, J. Power Sources 80 (1999) p. 107.
J. Drews, G. Fehrmann, R. Staub, and R. Wolf, J. Power Sources 97–98 (2001) p. 747.
J. Drews, R. Wolf, G. Fehrmann, and R. Staub, J. Power Sources 65 (1997) p. 129.
R.A. Leising, M.J. Palazzo, E.S. Takeuchi, and K.J. Takeuchi, J. Electrochem. Soc. 148 (2001) p. A838.
C.F. Holmes, R.A. Leising, D.M. Spillman, and E.S. Takeuchi, ITE Batt. Lett. 1 (1999) p. 132.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Takeuchi, E.S., Leising, R.A. Lithium Batteries for Biomedical Applications. MRS Bulletin 27, 624–627 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs2002.199
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs2002.199