Implantable Controller System with Percutaneous Connector for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices, such as ventricular assist devices, face challenges with battery lifetime due to frequent charging and discharging, leading to reduced operational time without external power and slow recharging times via inductive coils, which affects patient comfort and requires frequent hardware replacement.
Innovation Solution
An implantable controller and power source system that includes a backup controller and external power source connected via a percutaneous connector, allowing direct power supply and monitoring, enabling seamless switching between internal and external power sources to extend battery life and reduce external hardware bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive coils are used to wirelessly transfer power to the implanted battery, then the device achieves tether-free operation and patient comfort, but the recharging time becomes slow and charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between inductive wireless charging (for tether-free operation) and direct contact charging (for fast recharging). The controller monitors battery charge state and automatically connects the percutaneous connector to the external power source when rapid charging is needed, providing adaptive charging modes that balance convenience with charging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The percutaneous connector serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct contact between the external power source and the implanted device. This intermediary allows efficient direct charging when needed while maintaining the option for wireless charging, thus resolving the contradiction between tether-free operation and fast recharging
2Duration of action of moving object
If the implanted battery capacity is increased to meet longer operational demands, then the patient can go longer without the external power unit, but the battery requires more frequent replacement due to capacity degradation from frequent charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the charging parameters by switching between wireless and direct contact charging modes. By using direct contact charging with the percutaneous connector when needed, the system can charge the battery more efficiently and less frequently, reducing the number of charge cycles that degrade battery capacity and extend battery lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by maintaining a charged battery state through efficient direct charging when available. This preliminary charging reduces the frequency of battery replacement needs and ensures the battery is ready for extended operational periods without requiring larger capacity batteries
3Productivity
If direct contact charging is used instead of inductive charging, then charging efficiency and speed are improved, but the external hardware becomes bulkier and less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The external power unit dynamically adapts its charging method based on operational needs. When the patient is mobile or requires tether-free operation, the system uses wireless inductive charging. When the patient is stationary and charging speed is prioritized, the system activates the percutaneous connector for direct contact charging, providing flexible operational modes
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
This solution enhances patient lifestyle by extending battery life and reducing the need for frequent hardware replacements, allowing longer tether-free operation and minimizing external hardware requirements during normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic field generated by a transmitting coil outside the body can transmit power across a cutaneous (skin) barrier to a magnetic receiving coil implanted within the body
Implementation Method 2
The receiving coil can then transfer the received power to the implanted heart pump or other internal device and to one or more batteries implanted within the body to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.