Thoracic Receive Resonator Layout for Cooler VAD Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for ventricular assist devices face challenges in dissipating heat generated by implanted modules, particularly when positioned in the pectoral region, leading to excessive temperature rise, and abdominal placements are undesirable due to complex surgery requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid wireless power transfer system utilizing a transmit resonator with Litz wire loops and an implantable receive resonator with stacked plates, positioned in the thoracic cavity, to efficiently dissipate heat through pulmonary circulation and improve power transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the receive resonator is positioned in the pectoral region, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but heat dissipation becomes problematic leading to excessive temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar resonators to three-dimensional nonplanar resonators that span curved surfaces. The transmit resonator is configured as a nonplanar structure conforming to the patient's body contour, while the receive resonator is positioned within the thoracic cavity in a three-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional transformation enables improved heat dissipation pathways through pulmonary circulation while maintaining effective power transfer coupling between the resonators.
2Temperature
If the receive resonator is positioned in the abdominal region, then heat dissipation is improved, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the receive resonator within the thoracic cavity during the initial VAD implantation procedure rather than requiring a separate abdominal placement surgery. The resonator is integrated into the implantable pump assembly before insertion into the heart, allowing simultaneous placement of both the VAD and power receiving components during the primary surgical intervention. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex secondary abdominal surgery while ensuring adequate heat dissipation through the thoracic cavity's vascular and pulmonary structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wire resonators are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but power transfer efficiency and heat management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Litz wire construction for the transmit resonator, which consists of multiple individually insulated thin wires bundled together. This composite wire structure reduces skin effect and proximity effect losses at resonant frequencies, significantly improving power transfer efficiency compared to conventional solid wire resonators. The Litz wire maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while enabling efficient wireless power transfer at the required power levels for VAD operation.
4Device complexity
If planar resonators are used, then device structure is simpler, but positioning flexibility and heat dissipation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit resonator is configured as a nonplanar structure with curved geometry that conforms to the patient's body surface contour. This curved, three-dimensional configuration allows the resonator to adapt to various body shapes and positions while maintaining effective coupling with the receive resonator. The nonplanar structure also provides enhanced heat dissipation surface area and facilitates positioning flexibility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, balancing structural simplicity with adaptability.
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 system effectively manages heat dissipation and enhances power transfer efficiency by positioning the receive resonator in the thoracic cavity, utilizing Litz wire loops and stacked plates, ensuring safe and efficient operation of ventricular assist devices.
Implementation Method 1
An external transmit resonator is configured to transmit wireless power to an implantable receive resonator
Implementation Method 2
the external transmit resonator includes one or more loops of Litz wire
Implementation Method 3
efficiently dissipate heat through pulmonary circulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system includes an external transmit resonator (102) and an implantable receive resonator (104). The transmit resonator (102) is configured to transmit wireless power, wherein the external transmit resonator (102) includes one of i) one or more loops of Litz wire (216) and ii) a plurality of stacked plates (218). The implantable receive resonator (104) is configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the external transmit resonator (102), wherein the implantable receive resonator (104) is configured to power a ventricular assist device (VAD) implanted in a subject using the received wireless power. The implantable receive resonator (104) includes the other of i) the one or more loops of Litz wire (216) and ii) the plurality of stacked plates (218). A method of transmitting wireless power with said system is also provided.