Biomedical devices powered by. heartbeat

Millions of people around the world rely on pacemakers and other implantable battery-powered life-saving devices. Batteries, however, should be replaced every five to ten years. For this, it is necessary to carry out surgery, whichora can be costly and carries the risk of complications and infections. But a solution is on the horizon, ktore will not require changing batteries in implantable biomedical devices.

Engineers at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College have developed a device thatore can convert the kinetic energy of the heart into electrical energy. The invention is the size of a coin and can generate enough energy to power rotypeow implantow.

The results of a study by American scientistsow appeared in the journal „Advanced Materials Technologies”.

– Prob We solve the ultimate problem for any implantable biomedical device. That is, how to create an effective source ofoenergy source so that the device performs its function for the lifetime of the patient, without the need for battery replacement surgery? – said Professor John X.J. Zhang, the head of theothe lead author of the study conducted with doctors from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Teamoł scientistow has proposed to modify the głowny implant wire using a material called polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The added material is a type of thin polymer piezoelectric film. When it is connected to a porous structure, it can convert even small mechanical motion into electrical energy, ktorą can be used to power biomedical devices.

The researchers found roalso that this solution has additional benefits. These modules can simultaneously be used as sensors for real-time cardiac monitoring.

– We have completed the first round of animal studies with excellent results, which theore wkrotce will be published,” Zhang admitted. – Many companies in the medical industry have already expressed great interest in our solution – added.

A group of scientistsow now wants to complete the preclinical testing process and get approval from the authorityoin the regulatory. In Zhang’s estimation, it will be at least five more years before we see the mass use of self-charging startersoin hearts and other similar implantsow.

Sourceobackground: Dartmouth College, photo. Patricio R. Sarzosa, Thayer School of Engineering