Theoretical study for safe and efficient energy transfer to deeply implanted devices using ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Percutaneous energy transfer is crucial for implantable medical devices.
• Accurate modeling of ultrasound propagation in biological tissues is complex.
• Ensuring the safety of implanted devices is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of safe and efficient ultrasound energy transfer to abdominal implants.
• To develop and validate a computational model for predicting acoustic power deposition.
• To assess and minimize potential bioeffects like tissue heating and cavitation.

Main Methods:

• Coupling an ultrasound propagation model (Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral) with Visible Human Project data.
• Predicting acoustic power received by implanted devices using computational modeling.
• Validating the acoustic model with experimental measurements in water and phantoms.
• Simulating bio-heat transfer to evaluate thermal effects and ensure safety.

Main Results:

• The developed model accurately predicts acoustic power transfer to deep abdominal targets.
• Experimental validation confirms the model's reliability.
• Simulations show that thermal effects remain minimal, below safety thresholds.
• Potential for safe and efficient wireless power for implanted devices is established.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound offers a viable method for wireless power transfer to implanted abdominal devices.
• The validated computational model aids in designing safe and effective energy transfer systems.
• This research supports the advancement of implantable medical technologies.