Transcutaneous Energy Transfer and Inductive Communications for Ventricular-Assist Device Systems¹

Many patients have been implanted with a ventricular-assist device (VAD), which requires a driveline cable through the skin. The driveline cable is a major source of infection [1]. A wireless power transfer system can replace the percutaneous power cable in VADs and artificial hearts. Transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems use a loosely coupled inductive link to transfer power between an external coil and an implanted coil, eliminating the risk of infection at the site of the driveline while increasing the comfort and convenience for patients. There exists a considerable amount of information on optimizing the efficiency in wireless power transfer design [2]. These systems often require an additional or secondary communication link for control as well as status information. The communication link has several disadvantages as they are subject to a large implant antenna and electronics, radio interference, and signal attenuation. A transcutaneous energy transmission system...