Hi

This is a nice example, however I have to emphasize that
the device in question is used to retrieve and analyse
data from ICD's and pacemakers, and to make programmatic
changes to them. Linux is not running on ICD's and pacemakers
themselves.

The choice for linux does, however, show other advantages
of linux[1]:
According to an IBM spokesperson, IBM selected Linux
"because of its availability of rich open source applications,
and its ability to meet certain real-time response requirements.
Cost also played a large factor, as well as access to the open
source community for support (versus depending on a single company
for support)."

The IBM spokesperson added, "Linux provides complete flexibility
to modify the way we want to run the OS."
If cost is so much of an issue, I am wondering how critical this
device actually is (see above)


Cheers


[1] http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT2024685245.html