EAGLEPICHER RELEASES SMALLEST IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL BATTERY

A new line of microdevices is now possible, according to EaglePicher Medical Power, which announced it released the world's smallest implantable-grade medical battery.

The battery's size and shape (cylindrical) make it possible for devices to be deployed by a minimally invasive catheter procedure, rather than traditional implantation surgery, the company said. The device is currently in clinical trials in Europe.

The Micro Battery, which is at least 50 percent smaller and lighter than known commercially available products, is based on a proprietary new cell construction, EaglePicher said. The battery can theoretically power the device for more than 15 years, it added.

Uses for the battery include applications in neurological catheters, cardiovascular monitoring and neural prosthesis.