Optimal Transcutaneous Energy Transmission System (TETS) for an Implanted Artificial Heart

Funding: 2004: $110,000
2005: $220,000
2006: $110,000

Project Member(s): Watterson, P.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
Ventracor Limited

Start year: 2005

Summary: This project aims to devise the best way to get electrical power to devices implanted in the human body. The immediate application, the VentrAssist artificial heart, is under pilot trial, in three people to date. In the trial model, the electric lead passes through a hole in the skin, which poses a high infection risk. This project will research a novel, provisionally patented method of inductively transmitting power and signals across the skin, exploiting new ferromagnetic materials, biocompatible coatings and software-controlled electronic circuits. The method should be efficient, secure and infection-proof, with world market potential for all powered medical implants.

Keywords: Artificial Organs, Telemetry, Embedded Microprocessor Control, Transcutaneous Energy Transmission, Electromagnetic Coupling, Biomaterials,

FOR Codes: Medical Biotechnology, Other Electronic Engineering, Communications Technologies not elsewhere classified, Cardiovascular system and diseases, Computer hardware and electronic equipment not elsewhere classified, Communication equipment not elsewhere classified, Electrical and Electronic Engineering not elsewhere classified, Medical Biotechnology not elsewhere classified, Communications engineering not elsewhere classified, Electrical engineering not elsewhere classified, Clinical health

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.