Advancements in Resonant Inductive Coupling for the Wireless Powering of Active Implants
摘要
The continuous advancement of science and engineering has led to significant innovations aimed at improving human quality of life, particularly in the medical and biomedical fields. Among these innovations are Implantable Medical Device Systems (IMDs), or implants, which have become essential tools in modern healthcare. These devices are categorized into active and passive types, depending on their function, with active implants requiring a continuous and reliable power source to operate effectively. Since the introduction of IMDs in 1958, various methods have been proposed to address the challenge of powering them, especially considering the health risks and complications associated with battery replacement surgeries. One promising solution is Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), and in particular, Near-Field Resonant Coupling (NFRC), which has shown strong potential for safely and efficiently delivering power through the skin to medical implants. This chapter presents the design and simulation of an NFRC-based wireless power transfer system specifically developed for powering brain implants. The system was modeled using Cadence (CAD) software, with a transmitter circuit delivering one watt of power. Simulation results demonstrate that 0.16 watts can be wirelessly transferred to the receiver side, offering a viable option for sustaining the operation of brain implants. The relevance of such technologies is underscored by the widespread use of portable electronic devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, and medical implants—that rely heavily on stored energy. The limited battery life of these devices presents a major limitation, particularly in biomedical contexts. Wireless power systems such as the one proposed here offer a promising pathway to overcome these energy constraints. A literature review confirms that near-field magnetic WPT is the dominant technique for transcutaneous power transfer. This chapter explores the underlying principles of this method and discusses its application to the wireless powering of implantable medical devices, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and practical implementation.