A muscle-powered energy delivery system and means for chronic in vivo testing

Electrically stimulated skeletal muscle represents a potentially unlimited source of energy for the actuation of motor prostheses. Devices to harvest and deliver contractile power have proven mechanically feasible, but long-term efficacy has not been demonstrated. This report describes recent refinements in muscle energy converter (MEC) design and details the development of an implantable afterload chamber (IAC) designed to facilitate implant testing. The IAC comprises a fluid-filled bladder housed within a titanium cylinder that connects directly to the MEC. A vascular access port allows percutaneous measurement and adjustment of air pressure within the housing and provides a means both to monitor MEC function and to control hydraulic loading conditions. Data from in vitro tests show that IAC pressure mirrors changes in MEC-piston displacement over a wide range of actuation speeds and stroke lengths. Stroke lengths and actuation forces calculated from IAC pressure readings were typically found to be within 5% of measured values. This testing scheme may yield important information in regard to the ability to harness energy from in situ muscle over prolonged periods.