History of implantable devices

The history of biomedical implantable devices is traced from its beginning in the late 1950s to its status today. The role of industry in making this development possible is highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the early history of the implantable cardiac pacemaker, the first implantable, electronic biomedical device. Implantable drug delivery systems and the implantable defibrillator are also discussed. Implantable devices of the future are briefly described.