TECHNOLOGY
Wireless power transfer by volume conduction
Wireless power transfer (WPT) methods are frequently used as an alternative to electrochemical batteries to energize electronic implants. However, methods based on inductive coupling or ultrasounds have obtained high miniaturization levels at the expense of link efficiency, penetration depth or functionality.
In the last years we have proposed and demonstrated a WPT method that avoids the use of bulky components within the implant, resulting in thin, flexible and elongated devices that can be deployed by injection. The implants are powered and controlled by applying — through external electrodes — high frequency current bursts that flow through the tissues by volume conduction6. The currents are picked-up by the implant’s electrodes (located at the ends of the elongated body) and are rectified for powering and bidirectional communications. This allows the integration of the electronics in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Research results before FORESEE
Within the eAXON project, we developed tubular addressable microstimulators for neuroprosthetics. The implants included a hermetic capsule that housed an integrated circuit7 and resulted in an overall diameter of 0.97 mm. The devices were successfully tested in anesthetized rabbits and sheep.
We have successfully validated in humans that the applied high frequency current bursts complying with safety standards are innocuous, imperceptible, and safe8, and can be used to power and bidirectionally communicate with implantable devices that can perform electrical stimulation and EMG sensing9.
The use of volume conduction in FORESEE
The FORESEE platform is composed of:
- a wireless multiparametric Intravascular microsensor,
- an External unit that wirelessly powers and communicates with it,
- a Delivery system to deploy the Intravascular microsensor in a branch of the pulmonary artery, and
- an Application to visualize the parameters obtained from each patient, trigger alarms and aid in the monitoring and control of patients.
Our technology could revolutionize this field, as the microsensors:
- can sense multiple parameters in a single intravascular device,
- will be easier and safer to implant, and
- if required, can work as a network of devices for multi-site sensing.
Our microsensing technology is protected by one granted patent (EP21382183.8) and one patent application (EP19382757.3). From its conception, it has been developed according to regulatory guidelines.
