The more that medical research shows the long-term effects of many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs used to manage health conditions, the greater the demand for a safer, more effective option.
For many new companies in the medical products field, turning to electroceuticals is a natural option. A simple definition of an electroceutical device is a treatment option that uses Bioelectronics devices and electrical stimulation to control or impact the functions of the body. These most often implants, but they may also be worn externally on the body as well.
The most common types of electroceuticals in use today include pacemakers and cochlear implants to allow patients to hear. Similar types of technology can be used on the retinal to allow the blind to see and even stimulators for the spinal cord to relieve pain. Stimulation of other nerves, such as the vagus nerve, can be used to control the body’s immune response to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the same technology can also be used for those experiencing epileptic seizures to prevent seizures before they occur.
How They Work
Unlike an artificial joint, the electroceuticals do not replace a body part. Instead, they are used to create specific electrical stimulation of either muscles or nerves, bringing about a desired change in the body. This stimulation acts similar to the natural stimulation provided by the hormones in the body, triggering the desired body response.
Rather than using imprecise dosages of medication to control hormone levels or to limit or elevate the response of muscles and nerves, the use of an electroceutical allows for very precise, individualized control. Additionally, the stimulation only occurs at the location of the device, which means other systems in the body are not adversely or simultaneously impacted.
The future of these very tiny electronic components is impressive. These implants may provide a dramatic and life-long option for managing chronic conditions for patients of all ages.
