A flexible omnidirectional rotating magnetic array for MRI-safe transdermal wireless energy harvesting through...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Implantable devices for brain disorders, hearing impairment, and arrhythmias require reliable power sources.
• Current MRI-compatible systems use rigid magnets, risking dislodgement and failure during imaging.
• Need for safer, more flexible energy harvesting solutions for long-term implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible, MRI-safe wireless energy harvesting system using a novel magnetic array.
• To overcome limitations of rigid magnets in implantable medical devices.
• To enable long-term, batteryless operation of implantable systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a flexible omnidirectional rotating magnetic array (FORMA) using 3D-printed templates and miniaturized magnetic balls.
• Integration of FORMA into a flexible MRI-safe wireless energy harvesting system.
• Testing system stability under acceleration and measuring power output at specific frequencies.

Main Results:

• The FORMA system demonstrated stable operation under 9g acceleration.
• Achieved a magnetic force of 2.14 Newtons at 1mm distance.
• Delivered a power output of 15.62 dBm at 8 MHz transmission frequency.

Conclusions:

• The flexible FORMA system offers a safer alternative to rigid magnets for MRI-safe implantable devices.
• This technology paves the way for life-long, flexible, and batteryless implantable systems.
• Potential to advance monitoring and treatment techniques for acute and chronic diseases.