Research and Development: Systems for Transmitting Energy Through Intact Skin

摘要

A Transcutaneous Energy Transmission (TET) system has been developed to deliver electric power to permanent implanted circulatory support systems without passing conductors through the skin. Power is inductively coupled through intact skin using a 'transcutaneous transformer' consisting of a superficial coil of wire resting on the skin surface and coil implanted 1.5-cm deep. Key features of the TET system are: Power is drawn for a 12-volt rechargeable battery (10 to 15 volts) and a dc voltage is delivered to the implanted load. Energy transfer efficiencies (measured dc to dc) exceed 70 percent when delivering 10 to 12 watts mean power. The system will supply more than 20 watts to meet peak demands. Alignment of the superficial and implanted coils is readily achieved and maintained by non-technical persons.