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An implantable power supply with an optically rechargeable lithium battery
K Goto1, T Nakagawa, O Nakamura
1Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan. goto@ap.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|July 10, 2001
Summary
A new wireless power system uses near-infrared light to charge implanted medical devices. This system can power cardiac pacemakers for 24 hours after just 17 minutes of light exposure.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Implantable Devices
- Power Systems
Background:
- Medical implants require reliable power sources.
- Current power solutions for implants have limitations.
- Wireless power transfer is an emerging solution for implantable devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel wireless power supply for medical implants.
- To utilize near-infrared (NIR) light for efficient power transmission.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of charging implantable batteries wirelessly.
Main Methods:
- A photovoltaic cell array was embedded under the skin.
- Near-infrared light was transmitted wirelessly to the photovoltaic array.
- The array charged a lithium secondary battery powering an implanted device.
- Irradiation parameters: 810-nm wavelength, 22 mW/cm² power density, 2.1 cm² photodiode area.
Main Results:
- 17 minutes of NIR irradiation was sufficient to power a cardiac pacemaker for 24 hours.
- The system demonstrated direct charging of the battery, powering the implanted device.
- Minimal skin temperature increase of 1.4°C was observed during irradiation.
Conclusions:
- A novel wireless near-infrared power supply for medical implants was successfully developed.
- The system offers a promising solution for long-term power of implantable devices like cardiac pacemakers.
- The method is safe, with minimal temperature increase, and efficient for medical implant applications.