Medical Electronics
Miniature neurostimulators enabled by solid state batteries
By Denis Pasero, product manager, Ilika Technologies T
he opioid crisis remains a critical and evolving public health emergency rather than a problem that has been resolved. Although opioid-related deaths in the
United States have shown a modest decline – falling to around 50,000 in 2024 – the situation is far from under control. Instead, the crisis has entered a more complex and dangerous phase. What began largely as an issue of prescription opioid misuse has shifted toward the widespread availability of potent illicit synthetic drugs, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and death. Moreover, the crisis is no longer confined to North America; countries such as the United Kingdom are now experiencing rising levels of opioid misuse and related harm, signalling a broader global challenge. Efforts to address the opioid crisis have been wide-ranging and multifaceted. Policymakers and healthcare providers have increasingly reframed opioid use disorder as a chronic medical condition rather than a criminal issue, which has led to more compassionate and evidence-based approaches to treatment. Key strategies have included expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, distributing overdose-reversal drugs such as naloxone, tightening prescribing regulations, and introducing legal reforms aimed at harm reduction. While these interventions have saved lives and improved access to care, they have not fully kept pace with the rapid evolution of the crisis. The transition from prescription opioid misuse to highly potent synthetic drugs has outstripped many policy responses, leaving gaps in prevention and treatment.
Against this backdrop, neurostimulation is emerging as a promising complementary approach in the fight against opioid dependence. Unlike traditional pharmacological treatments, neurostimulation offers a non-drug-based method for managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the likelihood of relapse. Techniques such as non-invasive Vagus
14 May 2026
nerve stimulation work by targeting specific cranial nerves to regulate the body’s stress response. By calming the sympathetic nervous system, these methods can help alleviate the physical and psychological discomfort associated with opioid withdrawal, making the detoxification process more manageable.
One notable development in this field is the use of small, implanted devices that deliver controlled electrical pulses. These devices have been shown to significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms within a short period, sometimes within minutes or over the course of a few days. By easing the initial phase of detoxification, neurostimulation can act as a bridge to longer-term treatment options, including medication-assisted therapies. In addition to reducing withdrawal symptoms, neurostimulation may help lower relapse risk by addressing factors such as chronic pain, emotional distress, and cravings, all of which are known contributors to continued opioid use. It may also offer therapeutic benefits for co-occurring conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which often complicate recovery.
Despite its promise, neuromodulation is not without challenges. Some forms of neurostimulation, particularly those involving implanted devices, require surgical procedures that carry inherent risks. Complications such as infection, bleeding, and fluid leaks can occur, and there is also the possibility of hardware- related issues, including device malfunction or movement of implanted components. Patients may experience discomfort at the implantation site, and in rare cases, there may be damage to surrounding tissue or nerves. Furthermore, the stimulation itself can lead to side effects, including unusual sensations, involuntary muscle movements, or changes in mood and cognition. There are also practical and long-term considerations. Neuromodulation does not work equally well for all patients, and its effectiveness can vary depending
Components in Electronics
on the condition being treated and individual response. Implanted devices require a reliable power source, and their batteries have a finite lifespan, necessitating replacement procedures over time. Patients may also face lifestyle restrictions, particularly in environments with strong electromagnetic fields, and the overall cost of treatment can be high. Ethical considerations, including concerns about patient autonomy and data privacy, add further complexity to the widespread adoption of these technologies. A central component of
neurostimulation systems is the battery, as these devices – often referred to as implantable pulse generators – depend on a stable and long-lasting power supply to function effectively. Traditionally, non-rechargeable batteries were used, but these tend to be larger and limit where devices can be implanted in the body. Rechargeable batteries have become more common in recent years, particularly for high-power applications
such as spinal cord stimulation. While they offer longer operational life, they introduce a new challenge: patients must regularly recharge the device, sometimes as frequently as daily. This requirement can affect patient compliance and overall treatment experience.
Recharging is typically achieved through external devices that transfer energy wirelessly through the skin using radiofrequency or ultrasound coupling. This eliminates the need for invasive procedures to replace batteries but still requires consistent patient engagement. Ensuring that patients adhere to recharging routines is therefore an important factor in the success of these therapies.
In this context, advances in battery technology are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of implantable medical devices. Solid state batteries represent a significant step forward compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. By using solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel-based ones, they offer improved safety,
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