Coplanar Energy Transfer for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems for implanted medical devices are prone to misalignment, movement issues, and high electromagnetic field densities leading to heating and burns, and are inefficient and complex, with no commercially available systems for ventricular assist devices (VADs) due to infection risks from external power lines.
Innovation Solution
A coplanar energy transfer (CET) system using an external transmitter inductive coil placed around the body in a belt to wirelessly transfer power to an implanted receiver coil, reducing RF energy density and misalignment problems, and simplifying the surgery and placement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems are used with receiver coils placed under the skin and transmitters above the skin, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but the system is very sensitive to misalignment and movement of the implanted coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional TET configuration where the transmitter is positioned above the skin to a coplanar configuration where the transmitter is implanted in the same plane as the receiver coil. This dimensional change eliminates the alignment sensitivity issue by ensuring both coils are in the same anatomical plane, making the system much more tolerant of movement and positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmitter and receiver coils into the same anatomical plane (coplanar arrangement), combining their spatial positioning. This merging of spatial dimensions allows the magnetic fields to couple more effectively and consistently, reducing sensitivity to relative movement between transmitter and receiver.
2Power
If TET systems use high electromagnetic field density for power transfer, then sufficient power is delivered to the implanted device, but the high field density causes heating of the skin and even burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coplanar magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the power source and the implanted device. By using two coplanar coils (transmitter and receiver) in close proximity, the system transfers power through magnetic induction with lower electromagnetic field density, reducing direct RF exposure and associated heating of skin and tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter from traditional TET (transmitter above skin, receiver below) to coplanar configuration (both coils in the same plane). This parameter change fundamentally alters the electromagnetic field distribution, reducing peak field density and associated heating while maintaining power transfer capability.
3Extent of automation
If TET systems are implemented for implanted medical devices, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but the systems suffer from complexity and lack of efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transfer system into two distinct coplanar components (transmitter coil and receiver coil) that can be independently optimized and positioned. This segmentation simplifies the overall system design by eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms and reducing the complexity of impedance matching circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional TET approach by implanting the transmitter coil in the same plane as the receiver coil rather than positioning the transmitter externally above the skin. This inversion simplifies the system by reducing the complexity of external coupling mechanisms and improving efficiency through direct coplanar magnetic coupling.
4Power
If transcutaneous power lines are used to deliver power to VAD systems, then the power needed for the pump is delivered, but the exit site of the drive line provides a portal of entry for pathogens making VAD recipients highly vulnerable to infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transcutaneous power line system with a wireless coplanar inductive power transfer system. This substitution eliminates the physical penetration site that creates infection vulnerability, while still delivering the necessary power to the VAD pump through magnetic coupling between coplanar coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the transcutaneous power line component from the VAD system, eliminating the source of infection risk. The power delivery function is maintained through the coplanar wireless inductive coupling system, which does not require penetration of the skin barrier.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The CET system enhances safety and efficiency by spreading RF energy density, reducing heating risks, and eliminating misalignment issues, enabling reliable power transfer to implanted devices like VADs without the infection risks associated with external power lines.
Implementation Method 1
The externally-located transmitter inductive coil surrounds at least a portion of the implanted receiver inductive coil and inductively transfers electromagnetic power into that part of the body and thus to the receiver inductive coil
Data Source
AI summary
An external transmitter inductive coil can be provided in, on, or with a belt designed to be placed externally around a part of a body of a patient. An implantable device (such as a VAD or other medical device) that is implanted within the patient's body has associated with a receiver inductive coil that gets implanted within that part of the patient's body along with the device. The externally-located transmitter inductive coil inductively transfers electromagnetic power into that part of the body and thus to the receiver inductive coil. The implanted receiver inductive coil thus wirelessly receives the inductively-transferred electromagnetic power, and operates the implant.