A Study of Implanted and Wearable Body Sensor Networks

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent technological advancements in body sensor networks, focusing on wireless communication methods for implanted and wearable medical devices, and discusses current challenges and future directions in healthcare applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of in-body and on-body communication technologies and highlights recent progress and open issues in body sensor networks.

Findings

Advances in ultra low-power RF enable effective communication for medical sensors.

Wireless communication between implanted devices and external monitors has improved.

Open challenges include power management, security, and reliable data transmission.

Abstract

Recent advances in intelligent sensors, microelectronics and integrated circuit, system-on-chip design and low power wireless communication introduced the development of miniaturised and autonomous sensor nodes. These tiny sensor nodes can be deployed to develop a proactive Body Sensor Network (BSN). The rapid advancement in ultra low-power RF (radio frequency) technology enables invasive and non-invasive devices to communicate with a remote station. This communication revolutionizes healthcare system by enabling long term health monitoring of a patient and providing real time feedback to the medical experts. In this paper, we present In-body and On-body communication networks with a special focus on the methodologies of wireless communication between implanted medical devices with external monitoring equipment and recent technological growth in both areas. We also discuss open issues and challenges in a BSN.