Modeling and simulation for reliability prediction of implantable cardiac pacemakers

The authors illustrate a reliability simulation method used for implantable cardiac pacemakers, and show how such activities influence the product design and warranty strategy. The reliability of a product can be estimated with available techniques during the product development cycle. Accuracy of the reliability predictions can be achieved, but is dependent on the validity and accuracy of the historical data used, understanding failure mechanisms, the appropriateness of the assumptions, and the choice of proper modeling techniques. Besides cardiac pacemakers, this technique can be used for other implantable products which have a long usable life