Exploration Into Polyphasic Ultrasonic Power Transfer for Implanted Medical Devices

Authors: Dante Riccoboni, Amit Sangwan

SUNY Campus: SUNY Poly

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 37

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: The effective delivery of power to implantable devices within the human body remains a significant challenge in modern biomedical science. As it stands, pacemakers, LVAD and neuromodulators use batteries which need to be serviced via surgeries, increasing risk to patients. Wireless power transfer (WPT) could reduce these risks, but is often accomplished by inductive coupling, which is not always suitable due to coil size and heat generated. With smaller transmitter/receiver sizes, and greater effective range, power transfer with ultrasonics has been proposed as a safe alternative. While most of the existing literature has analyzed and examined single phase power transfer for medical implants, we believe that polyphasic ultrasonic power transfer offers some advantages. In this paper, we model a three phase UPT system, and simulate interference phenomena between each phase. We also propose optimal physical arrangements of transmitters and receivers to minimize this interference while maximizing power delivery efficiency. The mathematical framework presented enables prediction of polyphase UPT system performance across varying tissue depths. Finally, we outline possible future research, particularly focusing on directional ultrasonic beam forming techniques to further enhance the precision and efficiency of power delivery to deeply implanted medical devices. This work establishes a foundation for more capable, efficient, and miniaturized implantable medical technologies with extended operational lifetimes.