Reduced Heating Wireless Energy Transmission System for Powering Implanted Circulatory Assist Devices: Benchtop and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Wireless Power Transfer

Background:

• Driveline complications are a significant challenge for patients with advanced heart failure requiring circulatory assist devices.
• Existing power systems for implanted devices often involve percutaneous leads, increasing infection risk and limiting patient mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel Transdermal Energy Transmission System (TETS) for wireless power delivery to implanted batteries.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of the TETS for charging batteries powering low-power left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

Main Methods:

• The TETS device employed a two-channel configuration with a very-low duty cycle, pulsed RF power transmission, and flexible elliptical coil inductive coupling.
• Benchtop and in vivo (porcine models) measurements were conducted to evaluate energy transfer efficiency, charging rates, and thermal profiles.
• Histopathological analysis of skin tissue was performed to assess for thermal damage.

Main Results:

• Benchtop tests showed TETS delivered energy at rates up to 2900 J/h with an average temperature increase of 3 °C.
• In vivo porcine models demonstrated maximum energy charging rates of 2200 J/h with an average temperature increase of 3 °C.
• Histopathological analysis revealed no thermal damage to skin tissues in the implanted coil areas.

Conclusions:

• The developed TETS device is feasible for wirelessly driving implanted low-power LVADs and charging associated Lithium-Ion batteries.
• The system demonstrates safe and efficient transdermal power transfer, addressing a critical need in advanced heart failure management.
• This technology offers a promising alternative to traditional driveline systems, potentially improving patient quality of life and reducing complications.