Systems and methods for blood pump assemblies with integrated wireless energy transfer resonators
The wireless power transfer system for implantable blood pumps addresses heat dissipation and positioning challenges by orienting the receive resonator skew to the pump axis, enabling efficient heat dissipation and space optimization for improved performance and comfort.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/043296
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-26
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing wireless power transfer systems for implantable blood pumps face challenges in heat dissipation and efficient positioning within the patient's body, particularly due to heat generated by the receive resonator and the need for effective anatomical fit.
The system employs an implantable receive resonator that surrounds the blood pump with a skew orientation relative to the pump's longitudinal axis, allowing for efficient heat dissipation into the blood flow and optimizing space usage, while using stacked plate or looped wire resonators to facilitate wireless power transfer.
This configuration effectively manages heat and optimizes space, ensuring efficient power transfer and anatomical fit, thereby enhancing the performance and comfort of implantable blood pump systems.
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Figure US2025043296_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-1-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BLOOD PUMP ASSEMBLIES WITH INTEGRATED WIRELESS ENERGY TRANSFER RESONATORSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 686,936 filed on August 26, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE a. Field of the Disclosure5
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless power transfer systems, and more specifically relates to a components of a wireless power transfer system integrated with implantable blood pump assemblies. b. Background
[0003] Ventricular assist devices, known as VADs, are implantable blood pumps10 used for both short-term (i.e., days or months) and long-term (i.e., years or a lifetime) applications where a patient’s heart is incapable of providing adequate circulation, commonly referred to as heart failure or congestive heart failure. A patient suffering from heart failure may use a VAD while awaiting a heart transplant or as a long term destination therapy. In another example, a patient may use a VAD while recovering from heart surgery. Thus, a VAD can supplement a weak heart (i.e., partial support) or can effectively replace the natural heart’s function.
[0004] A wireless power transfer system may be used to supply power to the VAD. Such power transfer systems generally include an external transmit resonator and an implantable receive resonator configured to be implanted inside a patient’s body.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE20
[0005] In one aspect, a wireless power transfer system is provided. The wireless power transfer system includes an implantable blood pump assembly comprising a bloodPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-2-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) pump defining a blood pump longitudinal axis, an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, and an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the external transmit resonator, wherein the implantable receive resonator is configured to power the blood pump assembly using the received5 wireless power, wherein the receive resonator defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds the blood pump with the receive resonator longitudinal axis oriented skew relative to the blood pump longitudinal axis.
[0006] In another aspect, a method of transmitting wireless power is provided. The method includes receiving wireless power at an implantable receive resonator transmitted from an external transmit resonator, and powering an implantable blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the blood pump assembly includes a blood pump defining a blood pump longitudinal axis, wherein the receive resonator defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds the blood pump with the receive resonator longitudinal axis oriented skew relative to the blood pump15 longitudinal axis.
[0007] In yet another aspect, a wireless power transfer system is provided. The wireless power transfer system includes an implantable blood pump assembly including a blood pump, a connecting volute downstream from the blood pump, an outflow bend relief downstream from the connecting volute, and an outflow graft downstream from the20 outflow bend relief. The wireless power transfer system further includes an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, and an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, wherein the receive resonator is configured to power the blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds at least a portion of at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow graft.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a method of transmitting wireless power is provided. The method includes receiving wireless power at an implantable receive resonator transmitted from an external transmit resonator, and powering an implantable blood pump30 assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the blood pump assembly includes i)PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-3-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) a blood pump, ii) a connecting volute downstream from the blood pump, iii) an outflow bend relief downstream from the connecting volute, and iv) an outflow graft downstream from the outflow bend relief, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds at least a portion of at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow graft.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a simplified electrical circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary configuration of the wireless power transfer system of FIG. 1 supplying power to a ventricular assist device (VAD).
[0011] FIG. 3 A is a schematic diagram of a resonator having stacked plates.
[0012] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the resonator shown in FIG. 3 A.
[0001] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an another exemplary configuration of the wireless power transfer system of FIG. 1 supplying power to a ventricular assist device (VAD).
[0014] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an another exemplar}' configuration of the wireless power transfer system of FIG. 1 supplying power to a ventricular assist device (VAD).
[0015] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an another exemplar}' configuration of the wireless power transfer system of FIG. 1 supplying power to a ventricular assist device (VAD).DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for wireless power transfer. A wireless power transfer system includes an implantable blood pump assembly comprising a blood pump defining a blood pump longitudinal axis, an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, and an implantable receivePCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-4-PCT15784WOO1(35398-1087) resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the external transmit resonator, wherein the implantable receive resonator is configured to power the blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the receive resonator defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds the blood5 pump with the receive resonator longitudinal axis oriented skew relative to the blood pump longitudinal axis.
[0017] One of the challenges is wireless power transfer systems is dissipation of the heat from the receive resonator to prevent an excessive rise of temperature inside a patient’s body. Further, it is desirable for the wireless power transfer system to transmit power efficiently, as well as to be relatively easy to position within the patient’s body.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a simplified electrical circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer system 100. The wireless power transfer system 100 includes an external transmit resonator 102 and an implantable receive resonator 104. The wireless power transfer system 100 shows a series connection where a capacitor Cx, Cy is electrically connected in series with an inductor Lx, Ly, but the wireless power transfer system 100 may be connected as either in series (with the capacitor and inductor in series) or in parallel (with the capacitor and inductor in parallel) for the transmit resonator 102 and / or the receive resonator 104.
[0019] In the exemplary system, a power source Vs is electrically connected with the transmit resonator 102, providing power to the transmit resonator 102. The receive resonator 104 is connected to a load 106. The receive resonator 104 and the load 106 may be connected electrically with a controllable switch (not shown).
[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 includes a coil Lx connected to the power source Vs by a capacitor Cx. The receive resonator 104 includes25 a coil Ly connected to the load 106 by a capacitor Cy. Inductors Lx and Ly are coupled by a coupling coefficient k. Mxyis the mutual inductance between the two coils. The mutual inductance, Mxy, is related to the coupling coefficient k as shown in the below Equation (1).MXy k LX' Ly . (1)PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-5-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)
[0021] In operation, the transmit resonator 102 transmits wireless power received from the power source Vs. The receive resonator 104 receives the power wirelessly transmitted by the transmit resonator 102, and transmits the received power to the load 106.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of using the wireless power5 transfer system 100 to power a mechanical circulatory support system 202 implanted in a patient 204. The mechanical circulatory support system 202 includes an implantable blood pump assembly 206.
[0023] The blood pump assembly 206 includes a ventricular cuff 210, a blood pump 212, an exit volute 214, a connecting volute 216, an outflow bend relief 218, and an10 outflow graft 220. The ventricular cuff 210 couples the blood pump 212 in flow communication with a left ventricle 221 of the patient 204, and the outflow graft 220 is in flow communication with an ascending aorta 222 of the patient 204. The ventricular cuff 210 may be sewn to an apex of the left ventricle 221. In an alternative embodiment, the ventricular cuff 210 could be coupled to the right ventricle of the patient 204 or to both ventricles of the patient 204. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the outflow graft 220 may be in flow communication with the descending aorta of the patient 204.
[0024] The ventricular cuff 210, the blood pump 212, the exit volute 214, the connecting volute 216, the outflow bend relief 218, and the outflow graft 220 define a flow path from the left ventricle 221 to the ascending aorta 222. That is, the exit volute 214 is20 downstream from the blood pump 212, the connecting volute 216 is downstream from the exit volute 214, the outflow bend relief 218 is downstream from the connecting volute 216, and the outflow graft 220 is downstream from the outflow bend relief 218.
[0025] In this embodiment, the exit volute 214 channels blood from the blood pump 212 in a direction generally radially outward from the blood pump 212 to the connecting volute 216. Further, in this embodiment, the connecting volute 216 extends linearly from and is oriented at an angle relative to the exit volute 214, and channels blood from the exit volute 214 to the outflow bend relief 218. In this embodiment, the outflow bend relief 218 is a flexible, bendable, at least partially collapsible conduit that has a generally arcuate profile and that channels blood from the connecting volute 216 to the30 outflow graft 220. Further, in this embodiment, the outflow graft 220 is a conduit having aPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-6-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) generally arcuate profile and a distal end grafted on to the ascending aorta 220. The outflow graft 220 channels blood from the outflow bend relief 218 to the ascending aorta 222. The outflow graft 220 may be made of a more rigid material than the outflow bend relief 218 in some embodiments. Alternatively, those of skill in the art will appreciate that5 the exit volute 214, the connecting volute 216, the outflow bend relief 218, and the outflow graft 220 may have any suitable configuration.
[0026] During operation, the blood pump 212 pumps blood through the flow path from the left ventricle 221 to the ascending aorta 222. The blood pump 212 effectively diverts blood from the left ventricle 221 and propels it to the ascending aorta 222 for circulation to the rest of the patient’s vascular system.
[0027] One of the challenges in a power transfer system for a VAD is dispersing heat generated by the implanted modules. For example, heat may be generated by the rectification of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and by various electronics, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors in the transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS). Another challenge is efficiently fitting and positioning components of the power transfer system into the patient’s body. Accordingly, the systems and methods described herein facilitate an improved anatomical fit of a power transfer system, as well as improved heat management.
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the transmit resonator 102 is external to the patient 204, and the receive resonator 104 is implanted within the patient 204. Further, in this embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 each include a coil structure formed from one or more loops of wire 240 (e.g., Litz wire, magnetic wire, and / or any other suitable type of wire). Alternatively, at least one of the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may include a coil structure formed25 from a plurality of stacked plates (e.g., as described below in association with FIGS. 3A and 3B). As shown in FIG. 2, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 are both oriented generally horizontally, and are generally aligned with one another. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may have any suitable orientation.PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-7-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)
[0029] Further, in the various embodiments described herein, the receive resonator 104 is described as being aligned with and / or at an angle relative to (i.e., skew) various components and geometries. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the specific embodiments described herein are examples, and that the receive resonator 1045 may have other orientations other than those specifically described herein (e.g., the receive resonator 104 may be aligned with or at an angle relative to any components to facilitate the advantages discussed herein).
[0030] In the embodiments described herein, although not shown, the loops of wire 240 (or stacked plates) of the transmit resonator 102 and / or the receive resonator 104 may be enclosed within a housing. Further, the transmit resonator 102 and / or the receive resonator 104 may include a magnetic (e.g., ferrite) core (e.g., as described below in association with FIGS. 3 A and 3B) that helps guide the magnetic field to facilitate improving coupling between the coil structures of the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104. In the embodiments described herein, to facilitate portions of the blood pump assembly 206 passing through the receive resonator 104, the magnetic core may have a hollow cylindrical shape (as opposed to a solid cylindrical shape).
[0031] FIG. 3 A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a resonator 102, 104 that is a stacked plate resonator 300 including a plurality of stacked plates 302. FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the stacked plate resonator 300 shown in FIG. 3A For clarity, the thickness of stacked plates 302 is exaggerated. In practice, the thickness of stacked plates 302 is on the order of 10 pm, and many layers (not just five as depicted) are used in the stacked plate resonator 300. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the stacked plate resonator 300 may include any suitable number of stacked plates 302. The stacked plates 302 may be stacked into a magnetic core 306.25
[0032] The magnetic core 306 includes a base 310, a perimeter wall 312, and a post 314. As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, each stacked plate 302 includes an aperture 320 sized to receive the post 314, such that each stacked plate 302 generally surrounds the post 314 and is positioned between the post 314 and the perimeter wall 312 of the magnetic corePCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-8-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)
[0033] In some embodiments, the base 310 is omitted. For example, the base 310 may be used in a transmit resonator to assist with focusing the generated magnetic field, and in a receive resonator to assist with improving reception of the magnetic field. In embodiments where the transmit resonator and receive resonator are generally co-planer5 (as shown in at least some of the embodiments described herein), focusing and improving reception of the magnetic field are unnecessary (and may even be undesirable). Accordingly, the base 310 may be omitted in such embodiments.
[0034] Further, although the post 314 is shown as substantially solid, in some embodiments, the post 314 may be hollow (e.g., to accommodate blood flow through a10 conduit extending through the stacked plate resonator 300, as discussed, for example, in at least some of the embodiments described herein). In embodiments including the base 310, the base 310 may similarly include an aperture defined therethrough (e.g., again, to accommodate blood flow through a conduit extending through the stacked plate resonator 300).
[0035] The stacked plates 302 include a plurality of alternating dielectric layers 322 and conductive layers 324 that form a stack. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, each dielectric layer 322 is an annular plate that is generally o-shaped, 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 an20 inner diameter and an outer diameter. Each conductive layer 324 extends circumferentially through an angle (referred to herein as an “angular span”) that is less than 360° to define the notch 326.
[0036] Further, each conductive layer 324 has an opposite orientation relative to the next conductive layer 324, such that the notches 326 in consecutive conductive layers 324 are oriented at 180° relative to each other. The opposite orientations result in consecutive conductive layers 324 forming two capacitors.
[0037] In one embodiment, one conductive layer 324 is a base conductive layer 330 that includes two terminals 332. The terminals 332 enable the stacked plate resonator 300 to be coupled to, for example, a power source (when functioning as a transmit30 resonator) or the load 106 (when functioning as a receive resonator). Further, in somePCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-9-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) embodiments, the stacked plates 302 that form the top and bottom of the stack are conductive layers 324, not dielectric layers 322. Alternatively, a dielectric layer 322 may be positioned on the top and / or bottom of the stack.
[0038] In operation, when power is supplied to the stacked plate resonator 3005 operating as a transmit resonator or power is received in the stacked plate resonator 300 operating as a receive resonator, current flows through the capacitors formed by the conductive layers 324, creating an inductive current loop. Specifically, the stacked plate resonator 300 functions as a parallel LC resonator, and is capable of wirelessly transmitting power to a receive resonator 104 or wirelessly receiving power from a transmit resonator10 102.
[0039] The resonance frequency of the stacked plate resonator 300 may be, for example, approximately 6.78 Megahertz (MHz). Specifically, the resonance frequency of the stacked plate resonator 300 is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of 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. Accordingly, by modifying the design of the stacked plate resonator 300, the resonance frequency may be modified.
[0040] The resonance frequencies of the transmit and receive resonators 102, 104 need to overlap for the wireless power transfer system 100 to function. The resonance20 frequency of a resonator including loops of Litz wire is generally up to 2.8 MHz and the resonance frequency of a resonator including stacked plates may be approximately 6.78 MHz. Further, the resonance frequency of a resonator 102, 104 is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of inductance and capacitance in the resonator 102, 104, and the inductance is proportional to the coil diameter. For a resonator 102, 104 that includes stacked plates, the capacitance is proportional to plate area. If the radial width of the plates is kept the same, the capacitance is also proportional to the coil diameter. In embodiments where a stacked plate resonator and a Litz wire resonator are used together, the coil diameter of the stacked plates may be increased such that the resonance frequency of the stacked plates is in the upper range of the resonance frequency for the loops of Litz wire.30 To further facilitate resonance frequency overlap, the capacitance between stacked platesPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-10-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) may be modified by adjusting the dielectric constant of the material of the dielectric layers or adjusting the thickness of the dielectric layers.
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 2, the transmit resonator 102 is sized to surround the patient 204 in this embodiment. For example, the transmit resonator 102 may be5 incorporated into a belt or sash worn by the patient 204. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 may have any suitable design. For example, in some embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 is relatively small (e.g., roughly the same size as the implanted receive resonator 104). In such embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 may be positioned within a pouch or pocket of a garment worn by the patient 204.
[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the receive resonator 104 surrounds the blood pump 212. The blood pump 212 has a generally annular shape defining a blood pump longitudinal axis 250. Specifically, the blood pump 212 extends circumferentially about the blood pump longitudinal axis 250. Further, the exit volute 214 extends substantially radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis 250) from the blood pump 212.
[0043] The receive resonator 104 defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis 260. Specifically, the loops of wire 240 (or stacked plates) extend substantially circumferentially around the receive resonator longitudinal axis 260, and lie in planes substantially perpendicular to the receive resonator longitudinal axis 260.
[0044] Notably, in this embodiment, the blood pump longitudinal axis 250 is skew (i.e., not parallel or perpendicular) relative to the receive resonator longitudinal axis 260. Accordingly, the receive resonator 104 is angled relative to the blood pump 212. For example, an angle formed between the blood pump longitudinal axis 250 and the receive resonator longitudinal axis 260 may be between 30° and 60°, may be between 40° and 50°,25 and / or may be approximately 45°.
[0045] This angled orientation between the blood pump 212 and the receive resonator 104 helps conserve space and prevent the receive resonator 104 from negatively impacting operation of the blood pump assembly 206. More specifically, the angled orientation ensures that the receive resonator 104 doesn’t obstruct or impinge upon thePCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-11-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) radially-extending exit volute 215. Thus, this configuration makes efficient and effective use of the space within the patient 204 for the receive resonator 104 and the blood pump 212.
[0046] In this embodiment, the receive resonator 104 may be physically coupled5 to the blood pump 212 such that the receive resonator 104 is in thermal contact with the blood pump 212. This facilitates dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator 104 into the blood flow through the blood pump 212.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary configuration of using the wireless power transfer system 100 to power the mechanical circulatory support system 202. In this10 embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 is external to the patient 204, and the receive resonator 104 is implanted within the patient 204. Further, in this embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 each include one or more loops of wire 240. Alternatively, at least one of the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may include a plurality of stacked plates. As shown in FIG. 4, the transmit resonator 102 is oriented generally diagonally (e.g., the transmit resonator 102 may be incorporated into a sash or similar garment worn by the patient 204), and the receive resonator 104 is oriented generally vertically. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may have any suitable orientation.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the transmit resonator 102 is sized to surround the20 patient 204 in this embodiment. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 may have any suitable design. For example, in some embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 is relatively small (e.g., roughly the same size as the implanted receive resonator 104). In such embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 may be positioned within a pouch or pocket of a garment worn by the patient 204.
[0049] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the receive resonator 104 surrounds at least a portion of the connecting volute 216 of the blood pump assembly 206. That is, the receive resonator 104 extends generally circumferentially about the connecting volute 216. This configuration makes efficient and effective use of the space within the patient 204 for the receive resonator 104 and the blood pump assembly 206. Further, in this embodiment,30 the receive resonator 104 may be physically coupled to the connecting volute 216 such thatPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-12-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) the receive resonator 104 is in thermal contact with the connecting volute 216. This facilitates dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator 104 into the blood flow through the connecting volute 216.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary configuration of using the wireless5 power transfer system 100 to power the mechanical circulatory support system 202. In this embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 is external to the patient 204, and the receive resonator 104 is implanted within the patient 204. Further, in this embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 each include one or more loops of wire 240. Alternatively, at least one of the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may include a plurality of stacked plates. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmit resonator 102 is oriented generally diagonally (e.g., the transmit resonator 102 may be incorporated into a sash or similar garment worn by the patient 204), and the receive resonator 104 is oriented generally vertically. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may have any suitable orientation.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the transmit resonator 102 is sized to surround the patient 204 in this embodiment. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 may have any suitable design. For example, in some embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 is relatively small (e.g., roughly the same size as the implanted receive resonator 104). In such embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 may be positioned within a pouch or pocket of a garment worn by the patient 204.
[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the receive resonator 104 surrounds at least a portion of the outflow bend relief 218 of the blood pump assembly 206. That is, the receive resonator 104 extends generally circumferentially about the outflow bend relief 218. This configuration makes efficient and effective use of the space within the patient25 204 for the receive resonator 104 and the blood pump assembly 206. Further, in this embodiment, the receive resonator 104 may be physically coupled to the outflow bend relief 218 such that the receive resonator 104 is in thermal contact with the outflow bend relief 218. This facilitates dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator 104 into the blood flow through the outflow bend relief 218.PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-13-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary configuration of using the wireless power transfer system 100 to power the mechanical circulatory' support system 202. In this embodiment, the transmit resonator 102 is external to the patient 204, and the receive resonator 104 is implanted within the patient 204. Further, in this embodiment, the5 transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 each include one or more loops of wire 240. Alternatively, at least one of the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may include a plurality of stacked plates. As shown in FIG. 6, the transmit resonator 102 is oriented generally horizontal and the receive resonator 104 is oriented generally horizontal. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 and the receive resonator 104 may10 have any suitable orientation.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the transmit resonator 102 is sized to surround the patient 204 in this embodiment. Alternatively, the transmit resonator 102 may have any suitable design. For example, in some embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 is relatively small (e.g., roughly the same size as the implanted receive resonator 104). In such embodiments, the transmit resonator 102 may be positioned within a pouch or pocket of a garment worn by the patient 204.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the receive resonator 104 surrounds at least a portion of the outflow graft 220 of the blood pump assembly 206. That is, the receive resonator 104 extends generally circumferentially about the outflow graft 220.20 This configuration makes efficient and effective use of the space within the patient 204 for the receive resonator 104 and the blood pump assembly 206. Further, in this embodiment, the receive resonator 104 may be physically coupled to the outflow graft 220 such that the receive resonator 104 is in thermal contact with the outflow graft 220. This facilitates dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator 104 into the blood flow through the outflow graft 220.
[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the receive resonator 104 has a curved profile 602 to correspond to the arcuate shape of the outflow graft 220. That is, instead of defining a straight longitudinal axis, the receive resonator 104 defines a curved axis 604, with the loops of wire 240 or stacked plates extending substantially30 circumferentially about the curved axis 604, but not all extending parallel to one another.PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-14-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)Notably, although not shown, the receive resonator 104 may have a curved profile 604 in the other embodiments described herein as well. Further, in some embodiments, receive resonator 104 may include a flexible housing that enables the receive resonator 104 to conform to the shape of components of the blood pump assembly 206 that it surrounds.5
[0057] In some embodiments, the blood pump 212 includes a metallic (e.g., titanium) housing. Notably, positioning the receive resonator 104 away from the blood pump 212 (e.g., as in the embodiments of FIGS. 4-6) facilitates reducing magnetic field lines from the receive resonator 104 from passing through the housing of the blood pump 212, which reduces heating of the blood pump 212. Further, in some embodiments, the10 receive resonator 104 includes a magnetic (e.g., ferrite) plate that facilitates deliberately shaping the magnetic field generated by the receive resonator 104 (e.g., to reduce heating of other components).
[0058] Further, in some embodiments, the receive resonator 104 surrounds multiple components of the blood pump assembly 206. For example, the receive resonator 104 may surround a portion of the exit volute 214 and a portion of the connecting volute 216. As another example, the receive resonator 104 may surround a portion of the exit volute 214, substantially all of the connecting volute 216, and a portion of the outflow graft 220. As another example, the receive resonator 104 may surround at least a portion of the blood pump 212 and at least a portion of the exit volute 214.20
[0059] Although the embodiments and examples disclosed herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments and examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments and examples and that other arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations of these embodiments and their equivalents.
[0060] This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the30 disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-15-PCT15784WOO1(35398-1087) incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural5 elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-16-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A wireless power transfer system, comprising: an implantable blood pump assembly comprising a blood pump defining a blood pump longitudinal axis;5 an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power; and an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the external transmit resonator, wherein the implantable receive resonator is configured to power the blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the receive resonator defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis, and wherein the receive10 resonator surrounds the blood pump with the receive resonator longitudinal axis oriented skew relative to the blood pump longitudinal axis.
2. The wireless power transfer system of claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the blood pump longitudinal axis and the receive resonator longitudinal axis is between 30° and 60°.
3. The wireless power transfer system of claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the blood pump longitudinal axis and the receive resonator longitudinal axis is between 40° and 50°.
4. The wireless power transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the blood pump assembly further comprises an exit volute extending radially outward from the blood pump,20 and wherein an orientation of the receive resonator relative to the blood pump prevents the receive resonator from obstructing or impinging upon the exit volute.
5. The wireless power transfer system of claim 1, wherein the receive resonator comprises i) one or more loops of wire or ii) a plurality of stacked plates.
6. A method of transmitting wireless power, comprising:25 receiving wireless power at an implantable receive resonator transmitted from an external transmit resonator; andPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-17-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) powering an implantable blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the blood pump assembly includes a blood pump defining a blood pump longitudinal axis, wherein the receive resonator defines a receive resonator longitudinal axis, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds the blood pump with the receive5 resonator longitudinal axis oriented skew relative to the blood pump longitudinal axis.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein an angle formed between the blood pump longitudinal axis and the receive resonator longitudinal axis is between 30° and 60°.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein an angle formed between the blood pump longitudinal axis and the receive resonator longitudinal axis is between 40° and 50°.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the blood pump assembly further includes an exit volute extending radially outward from the blood pump, and wherein an orientation of the receive resonator relative to the blood pump prevents the receive resonator from obstructing or impinging upon the exit volute.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein the receive resonator includes i) one or15 more loops of wire or ii) a plurality of stacked plates.
11. A wireless power transfer system, comprising: an implantable blood pump assembly comprising: a blood pump; a connecting volute downstream from the blood pump; an outflow bend relief downstream from the connecting volute; and an outflow graft downstream from the outflow bend relief; an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power; and an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, wherein the receive resonator is configured to power the25 blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, and wherein the receive resonatorPCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-18-PCT 15784WOO1 (35398-1087) surrounds at least a portion of at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow graft.
12. The wireless power transfer system of claim 11, wherein the receive resonator is physically coupled to at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow5 bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow graft to facilitate dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator into blood flowing through the blood pump assembly.
13. The wireless power transfer system of claim 11, wherein the receive resonator has a curved profile that defines a curved axis.
14. The wireless power transfer system of claim 13, wherein the receive10 resonator surrounds at least a portion of the outflow graft, and wherein the curved profile matches a curved shape of the outflow graft.
15. The wireless power transfer system of claim 11, wherein the receive resonator comprises i) one or more loops of wire or ii) a plurality of stacked plates.
16. A method of transmitting wireless power, comprising: receiving wireless power at an implantable receive resonator transmitted from an external transmit resonator; and powering an implantable blood pump assembly using the received wireless power, wherein the blood pump assembly includes i) a blood pump, ii) a connecting volute downstream from the blood pump, iii) an outflow bend relief downstream from the20 connecting volute, and iv) an outflow graft downstream from the outflow bend relief, and wherein the receive resonator surrounds at least a portion of at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow graft.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the receive resonator is physically coupled to at least one of i) the connecting volute, ii) the outflow bend relief, and / or iii) the outflow25 graft to facilitate dissipating heat generated by the receive resonator into blood flowing through the blood pump assembly.PCT / US25 / 43296 25 August 2025 (25.08.2025)-19-PCT15784WOO1(35398-1087)18. The method of claim 16, wherein the receive resonator has a curved profile that defines a curved axis.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the receive resonator surrounds at least a portion of the outflow graft, and wherein the curved profile matches a curved shape of the5 outflow graft.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the receive resonator comprises i) one or more loops of wire or ii) a plurality of stacked plates.
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