A new, reliable, Wireless Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) System for Implantable VADs

Objective:

Congestive Heart Failure is a common disease in the developed world.

One of the solutions for this disease is a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). The VAD is connected to an external power pack by a transcutaneous driveline, which causes infections. There is a medical need to establish a wireless system capable of providing stable and reliable power to VAD implants, replacing the driveline.

Method:

Leviticus-Cardio developed a unique wireless Coplanar Energy Transfer (CET) system for implantable Left VADs. The CET system enables fully implanted LVAD systems and includes a receiver coil-ring, internal controller, internal battery, external coil-transmitter (belt), and external controller and battery. The system is based on power transmission from the external belt to the internal ring.

In addition to in-vivo chronic trials, in-vitro testing verified power transfer stability of the CET system in different coil alignment scenarios, coil sizes and shapes, and coil proximity to metal objects.

Results:

The CET system is working properly in everyday environments and in metal object proximity, with very low sensitivity to movement and coil misplacement. The CET system can supply up to 30 Watts, and efficiency is above 75%. All internal CET components meet temperature standards.

Conclusions:

• The CET system uses inductive electro-magnetic energy transfer. It is reliable, providing both stable and consistent energy transfer. It reduces complications from driveline infections. CET technology integration has been performed with four commercial VADs. Both in-vivo and in-vitro tests demonstrated a reliable transfer of energy and subsequent pump operation for long periods.