Percutaneous Connector for Large Animal, in vivo Studies, with Open-Source Designs

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Development
• Implantable Devices

Background:

• Developing active implantable medical devices requires reliable connections to external electronics.
• Transcutaneous links present challenges, especially in chronic animal studies with awake subjects.
• A robust percutaneous connection is advantageous for secure device control and power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel magnetically coupled, bone-anchored percutaneous connector system.
• To provide a secure, reliable, and biocompatible percutaneous path for active implantable devices.
• To offer an open-source design to advance the field of active implantable medical devices.

Main Methods:

• Development of a magnetically coupled, bone-anchored percutaneous connector.
• Implementation of the connector in a chronic ovine implantation study.
• Evaluation of the system's biocompatibility, stability, and safety.

Main Results:

• The percutaneous connector system provided a secure and reliable connection for controlling and powering implanted devices.
• The system was well-tolerated, stable, and safe in a chronic ovine study (N=2).
• The open-source nature of the design facilitates broader scientific adoption.

Conclusions:

• The magnetically coupled, bone-anchored percutaneous connector is a viable and advantageous alternative to transcutaneous links.
• This system enhances the development of active implantable medical devices, particularly for chronic animal research.
• The open-source design promotes innovation and accessibility within the scientific community.