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Active implantable medical devices

From strict performance requirements to real-world applications, active implantable medical devices face unique challenges in design and functionality. This page provides general information about active implantable medical devices, insights into the essential demands these devices must meet, the application areas where they are transforming medical care, and the specialized components SCHOTT offers for implementation in these devices.
Key requirements

Key requirements for active implantable medical devices

Meeting the high standards of modern medical technology requires innovative solutions for implantable devices. For optimal performance, medical device components must meet critical requirements. SCHOTT supports this with advanced materials and technologies that enable reliable, durable, and high-precision components for life-critical applications.
Wireless data transmission from implant
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Data Transmission

Some implants require the capability to wirelessly transmit data to an external reader. SCHOTT's advanced glass solutions enable seamless and reliable wireless communication, offering unparalleled performance and stability for AIMDs

Miniature implant on fingertip
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Miniaturization

Miniaturization is crucial for implants, as it directly impacts safety and functionality. SCHOTT’s expertise in producing ultra-miniaturized glass and ceramic components (such as feedthroughs) enables compact AIMDs that can minimize risks to surrounding tissue and simplify implantation while maintaining high performance and reliability

Water droplets symbolizing biocompatibility
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Biocompatibility

Materials like glass, ceramics, platinum, and titanium enable optimal compatibility and stability in the body. SCHOTT specializes in high-quality glass and ceramic solutions that can help prevent harmful tissue reactions and enable implants to remain safe and durable, allowing them to function reliably throughout a patient’s lifetime.

Hermetic glass components for AIMDs
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Hermeticity

Hermetic sealing is essential for shielding sensitive components from liquids and tissues, preventing malfunctions and enabling long-term stability. SCHOTT’s advanced glass solutions offer an exceptional barrier, protecting internal electronics from physical and chemical changes. This supports the safety and functionality of implants designed for years of reliable use.

Learn more about hermetic packaging
Elderly hands symbolizing long-term durability
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Durability

Engineered for long-term reliability, SCHOTT’s components are designed to withstand extreme conditions and remain stable over time. Their robust construction enables consistent performance, making them the ideal choice for life-critical applications in active medical implants

Key applications

Key applications of AIMDs

Future active implantable medical devices could enable real-time health monitoring, AI-driven therapy adjustments, and even self-powered implants, revolutionizing patient care. While these innovations are on the horizon, today's AIMDs already enhance quality of life, helping patients live longer, healthier, and more independent lives. Explore the key applications shaping modern healthcare:
Human body highlighting AIMD applications

  • Pacemakers
  • Drug pumps

  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Vagus nerve stimulation
  • Sacral nerve stimulation

  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Pressure sensing
  • Cochlear implants
  • Retinal implants
  • Brain-computer interfaces

SCHOTT products

SCHOTT`s advanced components for active implantable medical devices

SCHOTT offers a versatile range of products and technologies to meet the high standards for active medical implants. Our portfolio includes feedthroughs for implantable devices, SCHOTT MiniCaps™ InVivo battery lids for minimally invasive designs, and the cutting-edge Proteon™ all-glass packaging by SCHOTT Primoceler Oy. SCHOTT´s components are engineered to enable exceptional performance, reliability, and safety in life-critical medical applications.

With decades of experience in precision manufacturing, SCHOTT supports the development of reliable and innovative components for active implantable medical devices. To meet the stringent material requirements of AIMDs, SCHOTT offers advanced sealing and packaging solutions, including glass-to-metal sealing technology, which plays a crucial role in enabling long-term reliability and performance.

Why work with SCHOTT?

Discover why SCHOTT is the trusted partner for high-performance AIMD components, offering proven quality, added value, and decades of expertise in precision manufacturing.

Want to know more? Let’s talk

Whether you need more information, samples, a quote, or advice for a project, we would be delighted to talk to you.

Contact us
Julia Hütsch, Product & Sales Manager Medical Electronics
Julia Hütsch

Sales Manager Medical Electronics