Honest Review: What Are Active Implants? Why do these Active Implants Need Electric Motors?

22 June 2025 by
Honest Review: What Are Active Implants? Why do these Active Implants Need Electric Motors?
Francisco Dias
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Before diving into the world of active medical implants, I will admit something: coming from an automotive and aerospace background, I had no idea what they really were.


If someone had asked me, I might have said, “Isn’t that something alive inside your body?” And honestly… I wasn’t too far off.


In fact, the concept of embedding powered medical devices inside the human body is both fascinating and a bit intimidating. It challenges our traditional understanding of intrabody medicine and opens doors to a future where biology and high-tech are seamlessly integrated.


In simple terms, an active, implantable medical device is a mechanical or electronic medical device implanted in the body to monitor, support, or replace a biological medical function. Sounds a bit sci-fi, right? Like something out of a cyborg movie?


Cartoon of a human figure with labeled medical implants: neuro-stimulator in the head, heart pump in the chest, and drug delivery implants on the shoulder, abdomen, and side.


Well, it kind of is—but in the best way possible.


These implantable devices are not just passive tools; they actively interact with the body, responding to physiological changes and adapting to the patient’s needs. This “dynamic” functionality is what sets them apart from traditional (inert) medical devices.


These implantable, powered, small medical devices are quietly transforming lives. A person with a heart condition might rely on a such device to keep their heartbeat steady. Someone with a neurological disorder might regain control thanks to an implantable neurostimulator.


These are not just gadgets—they are life-saving medical technologies. And yes, they are also the first step toward a future where humans and machines work together more closely than ever.


So, what does this have to do with Mirmex Motor?


The connection lies in the core motor technology that brings the actuation function to the medical implants. Without them, many of these implantable devices would simply not function as intended. They are the hidden heroes behind the scenes, enabling motion, precision, and control.


Many of these active implants depend on micromotors to do their job. For example:

• A ventricular assist device (VAD) uses a motor to drive a pump that circulates blood.

• An implantable drug delivery system uses a motor to control the release of medication with extreme precision.


When it comes to motors for medical applications, there is no room for compromise. Every micromotor must meet stringent biocompatibility standards, operate flawlessly under demanding conditions, and be tailored to the unique needs of each patient and procedure.


These motors need to be tiny, reliable, and customizable—and that is where Mirmex comes in because standard electric motors never cut it: the requirements are too specific, the sizes often too small (we are talking 1.5 mm to 5 mm outer diameter), and the stakes too high.


In some cases, like artificial hearts, the motor has to be powerful enough to replace a human organ. That’s no small feat.


At Mirmex, we specialize in tailored micromotor solutions for implantable medical devices


These small intrabody motors can be radial or axial flux motors. These micromotors are furthermore :


  • ✅ ISO 13485 certified motors, a must have for for medical applications.
  • ⚙️ Designed for performance and efficiency—because overheating or energy loss is not just inconvenient, it is dangerous.
  • 🧠 Built with a unique winding topology that allows us to deliver compact, high-performance motors.
  • 🛠️ Supported by flexible software tools that help us co-develop with our customers and iterate quickly.

Our team works closely with medical device developers to understand the specific challenges they face. Whether it is optimizing torque, minimizing heat generation, or achieving ultra-compact designs, we bring engineering excellence to every project.

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This is where Mirmex stands out. Using advanced flex PCB winding technology, we create custom electric motor windings that are compact, efficient, and tailored to your exact needs. Whether you are developing a robot servo, a micro generator, or a small electric motor for a collaborative robot, our solutions are designed to adapt to your system—not the other way around.


Our motors have zero cogging, optimized for radial flux or axial flux motor configurations, and scalable for small motors and micro-actuators. This flexibility allows engineers to design without compromise, unlocking the full potential of their systems.



Whether you need ultra-small motors for tight spaces or robust designs for demanding applications, we are here to help. We don’t just make motors—we help save lives.


Interested in learning more?

📧 Reach out to us at sales@mirmexmotor.com

🌐 Visit our website page about Motors for Active Implants

📍 Or come chat with us at AIMD Day, a full day event dedicated to active implants in Besançon on June 23, 2025.


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