Innovative Wireless Power Transfer for Medical Implants

Researchers at the University of Oulu have pioneered a method using near-infrared light for simultaneous wireless power transfer and communication to electronic implantable medical devices, or IMDs. The study, detailed in the journal Optics Continuum, highlights the potential of this approach to improve the performance and durability of IMDs, while ensuring secure and private communication, free from radio interference.

This development is crucial as traditional IMDs, including pacemakers and defibrillators, often rely on batteries that can deplete within five to seven years, necessitating surgical replacements that pose risks and costs to patients.

The team, consisting of Syifaul Fuada, Mariella Sarestoniemi, and Marcos Katz, demonstrated a proof-of-concept using a single beam of 810 nanometer NIR LED to transfer both data and power through an optical phantom mimicking human tissue.

This innovative technique addresses significant challenges, including the vulnerability of traditional radio communication to hacking and the need for more reliable power sources in IMDs. Future improvements may involve optimizing energy harvesting and communication speeds, while regulatory considerations are being closely followed.

The research emphasizes that NIR light limits coverage to a localized area, which significantly mitigates risks of unauthorized access. This advancement could revolutionize the management of medical implants, reducing the frequency of surgeries and enhancing patient care overall, as noted by Fuada and Katz.