Medical Batteries and Lithium-ion Safety Concerns

Remember back in 2017 when Samsung Galaxy Notes were exploding in people’s pockets? It got so bad that they were banned from international airlines long after the issue was resolved.

The issue? The lithium-ion batteries were defective. Now, it’s important to note those batteries aren’t the same as medical batteries, however, lithium-ion batteries can prove dangerous if not manufactured correctly.

We’ll cover lithium-ion safety concerns and which medical batteries are best for your life-sustaining devices.

How Do Batteries Work

Let’s start with a quick tutorial on how batteries work, shall we? A battery is made of five key parts: an anode, cathode, electrolyte, separator, and both a positive and negative collector (the ends of a traditional battery).

Positively charged lithium ions move back and forth through the separator, creating electrons in the anode.

These free-moving electrons create an electrical current that flows from the positive collector to the device being powered, and then back to the negative collector.

Where It Goes Wrong

Issues arise when these electrons aren’t able to move freely. When the electrons are unable to move freely, which can happen if the battery is dropped or otherwise damaged, they begin to grow very hot.

You can likely feel it if you’ve ever run a laptop for a long time on your lap. If these electrons don’t find reprieve, well, that’s when fires and explosions can occur.

Similarly, design changes and chemicals used in the batteries can decay over time, leading to smoke, toxic fumes, or flames.

Medical Battery Options 

Lithium batteries, despite their safety risks, are still widely used, including as medical batteries. Below is a list of different long lasting batteries that offer trade-offs.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

We’ve covered how these batteries functioned above. Here’s a brief run-down of the strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Rechargeable
• High-powered
• Weighs less than the competition
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Expensive
• Fragile; requires care for proper functionality

Nickel Cadmium (NICD)

Another common and popular rechargeable battery. In recent years, they are used in solar panels.

Pros:

• Durable and Reliable
• Inexpensive
• Works from -20C to 60C

Cons:

• Toxic; not environmentally friendly
• Heavy
• Requires regular discharging to ensure longevity

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLA)

SLA batteries are popular in many different motor vehicles. They are rechargeable and efficient, with the basic design being invented over 150 years ago.

Pros:

• Tough and Durable
• Affordable
• Frequently used in medical products

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Contain acid; not environmentally friendly
• Shorter lifespan than counterparts

Depending on which medical device you have that needs a new battery, you’ve got options. See more medical batteries here, with the exact equipment they work with.

The Many Medical Batteries

The good news is that if you’re concerned about your pacemaker or other medical equipment wearing out, is that battery technology continues to get better. There are many medical batteries available, each with trade-offs.

Consider your options and make sure to invest before your current battery expires. Having a medical battery backup never hurts!

Interested in more weird, medical content? Check out our other blog posts for more surrounding our wild world of biology and medicine.

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