Systems and Methods for Wireless Energy Transfer for a Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract

A wireless power transfer system includes an external transmitting resonator (102) and an implantable receiving resonator (104). The transmitting resonator (102) is configured to transmit wireless power, wherein the external transmitting resonator (102) includes either i) one or more litz wire loops (216) and ii) one of a plurality of stacked plates (218). The implantable receiving resonator (104) is configured to receive the wireless power transmitted from the external transmitting resonator (102), wherein the implantable receiving resonator (104) is configured to power a ventricular assist device (VAD) in an implanted subject using the received wireless power. The implantable receiving resonator (104) includes the other of i) one or more litz wire loops (216) and ii) one of a plurality of stacked plates (218). A method of transferring wireless power using the system is also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 987,468, filed Mar. 10, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless power transfer systems and, more particularly, to wireless power transfer systems for powering ventricular assist devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A ventricular assist device, referred to as a VAD, is an implantable blood pump for short-term (i.e., days or months) and long-term (i.e., years or lifetime) applications where a patient's heart is unable to provide adequate circulation, commonly referred to as heart failure or congestive heart failure. Patients with heart failure may use a VAD while waiting for a heart transplant or as a long-term goal treatment. In another example, a patient may use a VAD while recovering from heart surgery. Thus, a VAD can supplement a weakened heart (i.e., partial support) or effectively replace the function of the natural heart.

[0005] Wireless power transfer systems can be used to power a VAD. Such power transfer systems typically include an external transmitting resonator and an implantable receiving resonator configured to be implanted within a patient. One challenge is to dissipate heat from the receiving resonator to prevent excessive temperature elevation within the patient. Additionally, it is desirable for the wireless power transfer system to be able to efficiently transfer power and be relatively easy to position within the patient. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This disclosure relates to a wireless power transfer system. The system includes an external transmitting resonator and an implantable receiving resonator. The transmitting resonator is configured to transmit wireless power, where the external transmitting resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) one of a plurality of stacked plates. The implantable receiving resonator is configured to receive the wireless power transmitted from the external transmitting resonator, where the implantable receiving resonator is configured to use the received wireless power to power a ventricular assist device (VAD) in an implant subject. The implantable receiving resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) the other of the plurality of stacked plates.

[0007] This disclosure also relates to a wireless power transfer system. The system includes an external transmitting resonator configured to transmit wireless power. The system also includes an implantable receiving resonator configured to receive the wireless power transmitted from the external transmitting resonator. The implantable receiving resonator is configured to be implanted in the chest cavity of an implant subject and is configured to use the received wireless power to power a VAD implanted in the subject.

[0008] The present disclosure also relates to a method of transmitting wireless power. The method includes transmitting wireless power from an external transmitting resonator to an implantable receiving resonator, where the external transmitting resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) one of a plurality of stacked plates. The method further includes receiving the wireless power at the implantable receiving resonator, where the implantable receiving resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) the other of the plurality of stacked plates. The method also includes powering a VAD using the received wireless power.

[0009] The present disclosure further relates to a method of transmitting wireless power. The method includes transmitting wireless power from an external transmitting resonator to an implantable receiving resonator. The method also includes receiving the wireless power at the implantable receiving resonator implanted in the chest cavity of a subject with a VAD, and powering the VAD using the received wireless power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a simplified circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer system.

[0011] Figure 2A is for powering a ventricular assist device (VAD) Figure 1 of an exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system.

[0012] Figure 2B is for powering a VAD Figure 1 of another exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system.

[0013] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a resonator with stacked plates.

[0014] Figure 3B is Figure 3A an exploded view of the resonator shown.

[0015] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system that is electrically connected to a VAD and a battery module Figure 1 shown.

[0016] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system that is electrically connected to a VAD and a battery module Figure 1 shown.

[0017] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system that is electrically connected to a VAD and a battery module Figure 1 shown.

[0018] Figure 4D is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system that is electrically connected to a VAD and a battery moduleFigure 1 Schematic diagram of another exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system.

[0019] Figure 5 It is for powering the VAD Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another exemplary configuration of a wireless power transfer system.

[0020] Figure 6 Flowchart of an exemplary method for transmitting wireless power.

[0021] Figure 7 Flowchart of another exemplary method for transmitting wireless power. Detailed Description

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a wireless power transfer system. The implantable receiving resonator of the wireless power transfer system is configured to be implanted in a patient's chest cavity to improve heat dissipation. In some embodiments, the power transfer system can be a hybrid system that uses a first resonator with a litz wire loop and a second resonator with stacked plates.

[0023] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a simplified circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer system 100. The wireless power transfer system 100 includes an external transmitting resonator 102 and an implantable receiving resonator 104. The wireless power transfer system 100 shows a series connection, where capacitors Cx, Cy are serially electrically connected to inductors Lx, Ly, but the wireless power transfer system 100 can be connected in series or parallel for the transmitting resonator 102 or the receiving resonator 104.

[0024] In the exemplary system, a power supply Vs is electrically connected to the transmitting resonator 102 to supply power to the transmitting resonator 102. The receiving resonator 104 is connected to a load 106. The receiving resonator 104 and the load 106 can be electrically connected to a controllable switch (not shown).

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitting resonator 102 includes a coil Lx connected to the power supply Vs through a capacitor Cx. The receiving resonator 104 includes a coil Ly connected to the load 106 through a capacitor Cy. The inductors Lx and Ly are coupled by a coupling coefficient k. M xy is the mutual inductance between the two coils. The mutual inductance M xy is related to the coupling coefficient k, as shown in the following formula (1).

[0026]

[0027] In operation, the transmitting resonator 102 transmits the wireless power received from the power supply Vs. The receiving resonator 104 receives the power wirelessly transmitted by the transmitting resonator 102 and sends the received power to the load 106.

[0028] Figure 2A and 2B illustrates an exemplary configuration of using a wireless power transfer system 100 to power a mechanical circulatory support system 202 implanted in a patient's body 204. The mechanical circulatory support system 202 includes an implantable blood pump assembly 206, which includes a blood pump 208, a ventricular cuff 210, and an outflow cannula 212. The receiving resonator 104 powers the blood pump assembly 206.

[0029] The blood pump assembly 206 can be implemented within a ventricular assist device (VAD) that is attached to the left ventricle (as shown), the right ventricle, or the apex of both ventricles of the heart 214. The blood pump assembly 206 can be attached to the heart 214 by suturing to the heart 214 and coupling to the ventricular cuff 210 of the blood pump assembly 206. The other end of the blood pump assembly 206 is connected to the ascending aorta or the descending aorta through the outflow cannula 212, such that the blood pump assembly 206 effectively transfers blood from the weakened ventricle and pushes it through the outflow cannula 212 into the aorta for circulation to the rest of the patient's vascular system.

[0030] One of the challenges in the power transfer system for a VAD is to dissipate the heat generated by the implant module. For example, an implant coil placed in the chest region may have a heat budget of approximately 0.4 W, and if exceeded, will result in a temperature rise of more than 2 °C. However, the electrical engineering design of the implantable coil module often dissipates more than 0.4 W of heat only in the coil windings. For example, by rectifying alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and generating additional heat by various electronic devices, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors in a transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS). Due to the relatively high perfusion of the surrounding tissue, an abdominal implant location can better manage heat, but the heat emitted from the implant module may still be unacceptable. Additionally, from a surgical perspective, abdominal placement may be undesirable because relatively complex surgery (e.g., tunneling through the diaphragm) may be required to implant the receiving resonator in the patient's abdomen.

[0031] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, to facilitate heat management, the receiving resonator 104 is positioned in the patient's thoracic cavity 217. In some embodiments, the receiving resonator 104 is positioned below the patient's lung 220 and above the diaphragm 222. Alternatively, the receiving resonator 104 can be implanted on top of the diaphragm 222. Thus, the receiving resonator 104 is generally in thermal contact with the lung 220, and the heat is dissipated through the pulmonary circulation.

[0032] The receiving resonator 104 may include one or more litz wire loops 216 or multiple stacked plates 218. For example, in some embodiments, the transmitting resonator 102 includes one or more litz wire loops 216 and the receiving resonator 104 includes multiple stacked plates 218. Alternatively, the receiving resonator 104 includes one or more litz wire loops 216 and the transmitting resonator 102 includes multiple stacked plates 218. In yet another example, both the transmitting resonator 102 and the receiving resonator 104 may include one or more litz wire loops 216, or both may include multiple stacked plates 218.

[0033] In some embodiments, the receiving resonator 104 is coupled to the blood pump assembly 206 (as Figure 2B and 5 shown). For example, one or more litz wire loops 216 included in the receiving resonator 104 may surround the ventricular cuff 210 (as Figure 2B shown). In an alternative configuration (as Figure 5 shown), multiple stacked plates 218 included in the receiving resonator 104 may be coupled to the blood pump 208, and the ventricular cuff 210 extends through the hole defined by the stacked plates 218. In these configurations, the receiving resonator 104 is in thermal contact with the blood pump assembly 206, and heat is dissipated through the aortic flow through the blood pump assembly 206.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless power transfer system 100 may be a hybrid system, where the transmitting resonator 102 is one of i) one or more litz wire loops 216 or ii) multiple stacked plates 218, and the receiving resonator 104 is the other of i) one or more litz wire loops 216 or ii) multiple stacked plates 218. For example, Figure 2A the configuration of Figure 2B shows a transmitting resonator 102 including a litz wire loop 216 and a receiving resonator 104 including stacked plates 218. In contrast, Figure 2B the configuration of Figure 2A shows a transmitting resonator 102 including stacked plates 218 and a receiving resonator 104 including a litz wire loop 216. Generally, the geometry of the litz wire loop 216 is relatively easy to modify. Thus, the litz wire loop 216 can be wound around the patient body 204 (as Figure 2B shown), or wound around the blood pump assembly 206 (as Figure 2A shown). In contrast, a resonator including stacked plates 218 may have a higher power transfer efficiency than a resonator including litz wires 216. Thus, a hybrid wireless power transfer system using one of each type of resonator realizes the benefits of both types of resonators.

[0035] In operation, the transmitting and receiving resonators 102, 104 are positioned close to each other. For example, when the receiving resonator 104 is placed in the patient's thoracic cavity 217, the transmitting resonator 102 can be placed on one side of the patient's chest region or wrapped around the patient's chest region.

[0036] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the resonators 102, 104, which are stacked-plate resonators 300 including a plurality of stacked plates 218. Figure 3B is Figure 3A an exploded view of the stacked-plate resonator 300 shown. Similar stacked-plate resonators are shown and described in "Thin Self-Resonant Structures with a High-Q for Wireless Power Transfer" by Stein et al., published on March 4, 2018, at the Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. For clarity, the thickness of the stacked plates 218 is exaggerated. In practice, the thickness of each stacked plate 218 can range from 10 micrometers (μm) to 200 μm (e.g., more particularly, the thickness can range from 20 - 70 μm), and many layers are used in the stacked-plate resonator 300. Those skilled in the art will understand that the stacked-plate resonator 300 can include any suitable number of stacked plates 218. The stacked plates 218 can be stacked into the magnetic core 306.

[0037] The magnetic core 306 includes a base 310, a peripheral wall 312, and posts 314. As Figure 3A and 3B shown, each stacked plate 302 includes a hole 320 sized to receive a post 314 such that each stacked plate 218 generally surrounds the post 314 and is positioned between the post 314 and the peripheral wall 312 of the magnetic core 306.

[0038] The stacked plates 218 include a plurality of alternating dielectric layers 322 and conductive layers 324 that form the stack. In Figure 3A and 3B the embodiment shown, each dielectric layer 322 is generally an o-shaped annular plate and extends between an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Each conductive layer 324 defines a notch 326 such that each conductive layer is generally C-shaped and extends between an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Each conductive layer 324 circumferentially extends through an angle less than 360° (referred to herein as the "angular span") to define the notch 326.

[0039] In addition, each conductive layer 324 has an opposite orientation relative to the next conductive layer 324 such that the notches 326 in the consecutive conductive layers 324 are oriented 180° relative to each other. The opposite orientation results in consecutive conductive layers 324 forming two capacitors.

[0040] In one embodiment, a conductive layer 324 is a base conductive layer 330 that includes two terminals 332. The terminals 332 enable the stacked - plate resonator 300 to couple to, for example, a power source (when used as a transmitting resonator) or a load 106 (when used as a receiving resonator). Additionally, in some embodiments, the stacked - plates 218 forming the top and bottom of the stack are the conductive layer 324 instead of the dielectric layer 322. Alternatively, the dielectric layer 322 can be located at the top and / or bottom of the stack.

[0041] In operation, when power is supplied to the stacked - plate resonator 300 operating as a transmitting resonator or when power is received in the stacked - plate resonator 300 operating as a receiving resonator, current flows through the capacitor formed by the conductive layer 324, thereby creating an induced - current loop. Specifically, the stacked - plate resonator 300 functions as a parallel LC resonator and is capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the receiving resonator 104 or wirelessly receiving power from the transmitting resonator 102.

[0042] The resonant frequency of the stacked - plate resonator 300 can be, for example, approximately 6.78 megahertz (MHz). Specifically, the resonant frequency of the stacked - plate resonator 300 is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of the inductance and capacitance in the stacked - plate resonator 300. The inductance and capacitance are determined based on the design of the stacked - plate resonator 300. Thus, by modifying the design of the stacked - plate resonator 300, the resonant frequency can be modified.

[0043] The resonant frequencies of the transmitting and receiving resonators 102, 104 need to overlap for the wireless power - transfer system 100 to function. The resonant frequency of a resonator including a Litz - wire loop is typically up to 2.8 MHz, while the resonant frequency of a resonator including a stacked - plate can be approximately 6.78 MHz. Additionally, the resonant frequencies of the resonators 102, 104 are inversely proportional to the square root of the product of the inductance and capacitance in the resonators 102, 104, and the inductance is proportional to the coil diameter. For the resonators 102, 104 including stacked - plates, the capacitance is proportional to the plate area. If the radial width of the plate remains the same, the capacitance is also proportional to the coil diameter. In an embodiment where the stacked - plate 218 surrounds the blood - pump assembly 206, the coil diameter of the stacked - plate 218 is increased such that the resonant frequency of the stacked - plate 218 is within the upper - limit range of the resonant frequency of the Litz - wire loop 216. To further facilitate resonant - frequency overlap, the capacitance between the stacked - plates 218 can be modified by adjusting the dielectric constant of the material of the dielectric layer 322 or by adjusting the thickness of the dielectric layer 322.

[0044] The wireless power - transfer system 100 can also include an implantable battery module 402 electrically connected to the blood - pump assembly 206. Figures 4A - 4DFIG. 0 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a receiving resonator 104, a battery module 402, and a blood pump assembly 206. In these embodiments, a first cable 404 and a second cable 406 may be used to provide electrical connections. In Figures 4A - 4D as an example, a receiving resonator 104 including one or more litz wire loops 216 is used. Those skilled in the art will understand that a receiving resonator 104 including a plurality of stacked plates 218 may alternatively be used and connected similarly to the battery module 402 and the blood pump assembly 206.

[0045] In Figure 4A and 4B the receiving resonator 104 is directly electrically connected to the blood pump assembly 206 using the first cable 404. Thus, both the receiving resonator 104 and the battery module 402 are capable of directly powering the blood pump assembly 206 and can serve as backups for each other. For example, the receiving resonator 104 is electrically connected to the blood pump assembly 206 via the first cable 404, where a first end 408 of the first cable 404 is connected to the receiving resonator 104 and a second end 410 of the first cable 404 is connected to the blood pump assembly 206. The battery module 402 is electrically connected to the blood pump assembly 206 via the second cable 406, where a first end 412 of the second cable 406 is connected to the battery module 402 and a second end 414 of the second cable 406 is connected to the blood pump assembly 206.

[0046] In Figure 4C and 4D the battery module 402 is electrically connected between the receiving resonator 104 and the blood pump assembly 206. For example, the battery module 402 is electrically connected to the receiving resonator 104 via the first cable 404, where a first end 408 of the first cable 404 is connected to the receiving resonator 104 and a second end 410 of the first cable 404 is connected to the battery module 402. The battery module 402 is also electrically connected to the blood pump assembly 206 via the second cable 406, where a first end 412 of the second cable 406 is connected to the battery module 402 and a second end 414 of the second cable 406 is connected to the blood pump assembly 206.

[0047] Figure 5 FIG. 20 shows another configuration of a wireless power transfer system 100 for powering a VAD. In this embodiment, the transmitting resonator 102 includes one or more litz wire loops 216 (as Figure 2A shown), and the receiving resonator 104 of the wireless power transfer system 100 includes stacked plates 218 (as Figure 2AAs shown). The receiving resonator 104 is placed close to the blood pump assembly 206. The receiving resonator 104 can also be placed below the lung 220 and above the diaphragm 222. The wireless power transfer system 100 further includes a hub 502 integrally formed with the transmitting resonator 102. The hub 502 and the transmitting resonator 102 can be included within a wearable accessory 504. The wearable accessory 504 can be, for example, a messenger bag. Thus, the transmitting resonator 102 is configured to wrap around the patient's body 204 from the patient's shoulder 506 to the opposite patient hip 508. For example, if the receiving resonator 104 is located at or near the apex of the left ventricle of the heart 214, optimally, the wearable accessory 504 is worn from the left shoulder to the right hip. In some embodiments, the wearable accessory 504 can include structural non-magnetic components, such as plastic pins or plastic meshes, which strengthen the wearable accessory 504 to prevent distortion. It may be desirable to prevent the wearable accessory 504 from twisting into a figure-eight shape because the magnetic field of the transmitting resonator 102 may be partially canceled in such a configuration. The strengthening components still allow the wearable accessory 504 to bend slightly. That is, if the wearable accessory 504 is considered an ellipse, the lengths of the major and minor axes of the ellipse are allowed to change for comfort.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the hub 502 can include a power converter (not shown) configured to convert power from a power source to power the transmitting resonator 102. The power converter can include an inverter that takes direct current and converts it to alternating current at the operating frequency of the wireless power transfer system 100. The direct current can come from an external battery. The hub can optionally include a converter to convert alternating current from a wall outlet to direct current having the same DC voltage as provided by the battery. Alternatively, the power converter can be located in a different component, such as a power module separate from the hub 502.

[0049] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for transmitting wireless power. Method 600 includes transmitting 606 wireless power from an external transmitting resonator to an implantable receiving resonator, where the external transmitting resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) one of a plurality of stacked plates. Method 600 further includes receiving 608 wireless power with the implantable receiving resonator, where the implantable receiving resonator includes i) one or more litz wire loops and ii) the other of a plurality of stacked plates. Additionally, method 600 includes powering a VAD 610 using the received wireless power.

[0050] Figure 7It is a flowchart of another exemplary method 700 for transmitting wireless power. Method 700 includes transmitting 706 wireless power from an external transmitting resonator to an implantable receiving resonator. Method 700 also includes receiving 708 wireless power using the implantable receiving resonator implanted in the chest cavity of an object implanted with a VAD. In addition, method 700 includes powering 710 the VAD using the received wireless power.

[0051] Although the embodiments and examples disclosed herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments and examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments and examples, and other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover modifications and variations of these embodiments and their equivalents.

[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any included method. The patent scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not materially different from the literal language of the claims, they are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless power transfer system, comprising: An external transmitting resonator configured to transmit wireless power, wherein the external transmitting resonator includes one or more litz wire loops; And An implantable receiving resonator configured to receive the wireless power transmitted from the external transmitting resonator, wherein the implantable receiving resonator is configured to power a ventricular assist device (VAD) in an implanted subject using the received wireless power, wherein the implantable receiving resonator includes a plurality of stacked plates, and wherein the implantable receiving resonator is positioned close to the pump of the VAD such that the ventricular cuff of the pump extends through a hole defined by the plurality of stacked plates, and wherein the implantable receiving resonator is in thermal contact with the pump of the VAD to facilitate dissipation of heat through the pump.

2. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more litz wire loops are configured to surround the upper body of the subject.

3. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 2, wherein, The external transmitting resonator is configured to diagonally surround the upper body of the subject from the shoulder to the hip of the subject.

4. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a hub integrally formed with the external transmitting resonator, wherein the hub includes a power converter configured to convert a first power provided by a power source into a second power received by the external transmitting resonator.

5. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, wherein, The implantable receiving resonator is configured to be implanted in the chest cavity of the subject.

6. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein, The implantable receiving resonator is configured to be implanted below the lungs and above the diaphragm of the subject.

7. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising an implantable battery module electrically connected to the VAD.

8. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 7, wherein, The implantable battery module is electrically connected between the implantable receiving resonator and the VAD, and wherein the implantable receiving resonator is configured to power the VAD by charging the implantable battery.

9. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 7, wherein, The implantable receiving resonator is directly electrically connected to the VAD.

10. A method of transmitting wireless power, comprising: Transmitting wireless power from an external transmitting resonator to an implantable receiving resonator, wherein the external transmitting resonator includes one or more litz wire loops; Receiving the wireless power at the implantable receiving resonator, wherein the implantable receiving resonator includes a plurality of stacked plates; And Powering a ventricular assist device (VAD) using the received wireless power, wherein the implantable receiving resonator is positioned close to the pump of the VAD such that the ventricular cuff of the pump extends through a hole defined by the plurality of stacked plates, and wherein the implantable receiving resonator is in thermal contact with the pump of the VAD to facilitate dissipation of heat through the pump.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Transmitting wireless power further includes transmitting wireless power from an external transmitting resonator configured to surround the upper body of the subject.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Transmitting wireless power further includes transmitting wireless power from an external transmitting resonator configured to diagonally surround the upper body of the subject from the shoulder to the hip of the subject.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein Receiving the wireless power further includes receiving the wireless power at an implantable receiving resonator implanted in the thoracic cavity of the subject.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Receiving the wireless power further includes receiving the wireless power at an implantable receiving resonator below the lungs of the subject and above the diaphragm of the subject.

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising electrically connecting an implantable battery module to the VAD.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising electrically connecting the implantable battery module between the implantable receiving resonator and the VAD.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising directly electrically connecting the implantable receiving resonator to the VAD.

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