Signal Propagation, Channel Modeling, and Electromagnetic Exposure in Implantable Wireless Communications

Implantable wireless communication systems are an essential and rapidly developing area at the intersection of biomedical engineering, wireless communications, and electromagnetics. They facilitate the real-time transfer of physiological data between medical implants and external devices, advancing the possibilities for remote monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite these benefits, guaranteeing dependable and secure wireless communication within the human body presents notable challenges. A primary concern is the exposure to electromagnetic (EM) fields and their biological effects, such as tissue heating. Compliance with international safety standards, including IEEE C95.1 and ICNIRP guidelines, is critical, necessitating precise modeling and assessment of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

This Research Topic aims to advance both the theoretical and practical understanding of signal propagation, channel modeling, and EM exposure in the context of implantable wireless medical devices. The goal is to address the multifaceted challenges presented by the complex, dynamic, and lossy environment of biological tissues, which cause significant signal degradation, multipath effects, and fluctuating channel conditions. Key objectives include the development of novel propagation models, enhanced simulation techniques, innovative implant antenna designs, advanced SAR evaluation methods, and strategies to improve communication reliability while minimizing EM exposure. By targeting issues such as incomplete channel models, lack of standardization, limited validation options, and trade-offs between efficiency, safety, and dynamic physiological variations, this Research Topic seeks to foster solutions that lead to safer, more robust, and efficient implantable wireless systems.

The focus of this Research Topic lies in the multidisciplinary exploration of signal propagation, channel modeling, and electromagnetic exposure for implantable wireless communications, encompassing approaches from electromagnetics, wireless engineering, and biomedical applications. Submissions should address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Advanced models and simulations for in-body signal propagation
- Novel antenna designs and miniaturization techniques for implants
- SAR characterization and mitigation strategies
- Standardization methods for in-body channel measurement and validation
- Approaches for integrating physiological dynamics into wireless channel models

We encourage the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, simulation studies, experimental reports, and methodological papers that tackle the highlighted challenges and promote the development of safe and effective wireless communication solutions for implantable medical devices.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Implantable Wireless Communications, In-Body Communication Channels, Channel Modeling for Implantable Devices, Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), Near-Field Communication in Biomedical Applications, MIMO for Implant Communications

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.