Using the body to self-cool a 10 W transcutaneous energy transfer system

Abstract

Transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) using inductive power transfer is a promising technology for powering implantable medical devices without the need for percutaneous power cables, removing a long-term infection risk. Compared to a driveline, a TET system will produce more heat. The dominant contribution to body heating is ohmic losses in skin contacting and implanted components. This paper reports on using the body’s thermoregulation mechanisms to dissipate the heat of a TET system. The ohmic losses in the primary coil of a TET system were replicated with a DC source. The coil was fixed to human participants and the temperature at the skin was measured with the coil exposed to air, and when insulation covered the coil. The highest temperature recorded was 39 °C, 2 °C lower than the regulatory limit of 41 °C. These results are supportive of using the body to dissipate heat from a TET system.