An implantable artificial pancreas

Abstract

The artificial implantable pancreas is seen as the optimal means of therapy in patients with severe diabetes mellitus. The implantable pancreas consists of three modules; (i) the dosing unit, (ii) the control circuit and (iii) a glucose sensor for the realisation of a feedback system. Intensive research has been devoted to essential items, such as a dosing valve with only minimal susceptibility to interference, the design of an electrochemical sensor for continuously monitoring the glucose level, and design criteria for data transfer between an external programmer/monitor and the implant.