Implementable medical devices have been widely used such as Deep Brain Neuro Stimulator, Cochlear Implants, Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator or Insulin Pump to help restore or recover body functions damaged by ageing, disease, unexpected accidents or etc.
However, these implantable medical devices cause patients to be exposed to the high risk of infection by primary battery-based power supplies and to feel uncomfortable, psychological pressure due to the frequent revision surgery of replacing the power supply. Thus, a number of ways to transfer power wirelessly have been recently developed using electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance or ultrasound.
A Korean R&D institute focusing on ICT Bio-healthcare has developed an implementable device employing ultrasonic wireless power transfer technology.
The advantages and innovations are as below.
1) Able to supply power continuously using ultrasonic power transmission
2) Able to build an all-in-one device with integrating ultrasonic wireless power transfer, low-power data communication technology and bio-signal sensing technology
3) Lower inflammation index than 1.5 by packaging the entire device using biocompatible materials
The device consists of detailed technologies.
1) Ultrasonic wireless charging
2) Low-power Bluetooth
3) Wireless battery Charging monitoring and circuit protection
4) Bio-signal processing
5) Biocompatible packaging
6) Nerve stimulating signal process circuit
Any companies or research institutes, related in implantable medical device area, can be the potential partners under the license agreement, technical cooperation and commercial agreement with technical assistance.
Advantages & innovations
- The technology is biocompatible and rechargeable compared to existing implantable devices powered by a primary battery which lasts three years of life span on average.
- It is able to build an all-in-one device including ultrasonic wireless power transfer, low-power data communication technology and bio-signal sensing technology.
- A small device applied with the technology can be operated with up to +/- 18V using an anode power source and up to 10mA.
- Its inflammation index is lower than 1.5 by packaging the entire device using biocompatible materials.
Stage of development
Field tested/evaluated
Partner sought
- Any company, which is a provider of R&D service including animal testing or a manufacturer of implementable medical devices, interested in the technology can be a partner under the license agreement, technical cooperation and commercial agreement with technical assistance.
- Any company or institute interested in joint R&D of Brain-Computer Interface currently being conducted by the Korean R&D institute.