Wireless Monitoring and Control for Implantable Rotary Blood Pumps

Abstract

A wireless biotelemetry system for the transfer of digital data through intact skin and tissue has been developed to provide a safe and noninvasive means of communication between implanted medical devices and the outside of the body. The system utilizes 2 miniature infrared transmitter/receiver modules. Data are transmitted through intact skin and subcutaneous tissue on an 890 nm infrared carrier signal. The system has been evaluated in human cadavers and during in vivo implantation of artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices for durations of up to 96 h. Acceptable data transfer (error rate < 10(-5)) through a typical tissue thickness of 5-25 mm has been demonstrated. The ability to monitor and control a device from a remote site using public communication systems such as telephone lines and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) systems has also been demonstrated. Design optimization is currently ongoing in preparation for clinical utilization with artificial heart systems and other implantable devices (such as rotary blood pumps).

HeartSaver VAD: A Totally Implantable Ventricular Assist Device. Results of In Vivo Studies

“…The unit is powered and monitored/controlled via the energy and information transfer coils, which allow transcutaneous transfer of energy and information through intact skin and tissue, thus eliminating the need for percutaneous connections (17)(18)(19)(20)(21). The energy transfer system provides power to operate the VAD unit from a wearable external battery or other power source (automobile cigarette lighter, Household AC outlet, etc.).…”

Novel technology for the provision of power to implantable physiological devices

“…This is particularly significant when the physiological signal and associated monitoring device have such a high current drain that the useable battery life prohibits its application. Examples include monitoring very-high-bandwidth signals such as sympathetic nerve activity (1), blood flow measurement by ultrasound (16), and the operation of implanted motors (10). The successful implementation of new technology to power such devices has the potential for opening new areas for research and for allowing the development of new clinical diagnostic or treatment instrumentation.…”