Thermal evaluation of a hermetic transcutaneous energy transfer system to power mechanical circulatory support devices in destination therapy.
Abstract
Current generation left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are powered by a percutaneous driveline. The high prevalence of driveline infections has motivated the development of transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems which eliminate driveline associated complications by wirelessly delivering power across the skin. Destination therapy (DT) requires long-term reliable operation of the TET electronics suggesting the use of hermetic packaging techniques as used in all other chronically implanted devices. TET coils dissipate heat during operation and in order for the technology to be suitable for patient use, sufficient power must be delivered while maintaining temperatures at levels deemed safe. The heating of a TET system designed for DT which uses hermetic packaging technology was evaluated in silico and in vivo. A numerical model was used to evaluate the temperature of the TET coils. The TET system was fabricated and assessed in vivo using an ovine model. The receiving coil was implanted subcutaneously in a sheep and the transmission coil placed in contact with the skin and concentric to the implanted coil. Temperatures of the system were measured using sensors fixed to the surface of the coils. Numerical modeling indicated...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Artificial Heart & Ventricular Assist Devices
Total artificial hearts (TAH) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) provide cardiac support for patients with end-stage heart disease and have significantly improved the survival of these patients. Discover the latest research on Artificial Heart and Ventricular Assist Devices here.