Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting for Pacemaker Applications: Current State-of-the-Art, Materials, Design, and Alternative Technologies
Diwakar Singh, Shubham Saurabh, Peidong Li, Raj Kiran, Satyanarayan Patel, Rahul Vaish, Imed Boukhris
Abstract
Implantable cardiac pacemakers are small medical devices surgically inserted into the chest to control abnormal heart rhythms. At present, commercial pacemakers are battery-operated and lack a self-charging mechanism. Utilizing a self-powered pacemaker can extend their functional lifespan inside the body and reduce the need for high-risk repeat surgeries. Thus, human energy harvesting is regarded as a potential solution to the challenges, by which effectively capturing the heart’s complex movements could significantly enhance energy harvesting opportunities. The piezoelectric-based energy harvesting technique presents a promising option for converting biomechanical energy into electrical energy, offering high energy densities. Herein, this review paper introduces the concept of piezoelectricity, followed by a detailed discussion on piezoelectric-based pacemakers; this includes an investigation of piezoelectric materials for improved flexibility, stretchability, biocompatibility, higher power output, and in vivo application and testing. A brief discussion comparing piezoelectric-based pacemakers with alternate energy harvester-based pacemakers is presented. Additionally, current challenges, plausible solutions, and future perspectives are also discussed.