A European leader in pacemakers relies on SOIbased accelerometers to adapt pacing to activity level.
On the leading edge of medical
technology, accelerometers that detect a
person’s activity level are enabling major
improvements in pacemakers and other
cardiac devices. Pacemakers are used
when the heart beats at incorrect levels;
but of course, heartbeat varies with activity
level. An accelerometer can detect tiny
changes in movement and activity level.
That information is then used to deliver the
appropriate level of electrical stimuli to the
patient’s heart.
Part of the billion-dollar Sorin Group
(Europe’s largest cardiovascular medical
device group), ELA Medical was one of the
first in the world to integrate accelerometer
technology to improve patient comfort.
Since 2000, miniature SOI-MEMS
accelerometers from custom components
manufacturer TRONICS Microsystems
have been integrated into ELA Medical’s
line of pacemakers.
TRONICS’ custom-designed, innovative
accelerometer design on SOI associated
with a patented SMD wafer level packaging
provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio
and therefore better sensitivity as well as
a higher level of miniaturisation ( < 7mm3).
In addition, the use
of SOI single crystal
silicon microstructures brought a higher
resistance to mechanical fatigue for this
long-term implanted component.
Integrated with a minute ventilation sensor,
ELA Medical indicates that the acceleratorenabled
pacemaker delivers “the most
proportional, specific and sensitive rate”.
In real terms, this helps patients walk
further and generally have more energy
– little things that make a big difference in
peoples’ lives.
