Team 29

Implantable Hemo-Hydraulic Electrical Transducer

Team Members: Alicia Salas, Luci Morin, Aarya Mecwan & Stone Xia

Team Mentors: William Tyler, PhD - SBHSE
Miguel Montero-Baker, MD - Baylor College of Medicine
Femi Oladokun - Creighton University School of Medicine

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/86497379921

Abstract

Implantable Medical Devices that require battery power to operate include cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter-defibrillators, drug delivery pumps and neurostimulators. These devices require replacement surgeries every 5-15 years depending on the battery lifespan. More than 3 million people worldwide have pacemakers, and roughly 600,000 pacemakers are implanted each year. There is room for innovation through a fully autonomous device, specifically for cardiac pacemakers, but this concept has potential to enhance all active implantable medical devices and serve as a lifelong power source. Through the proposed concept of an implantable hemo-hydraulic electrical transducer, this technology would operate inside the vessel by harnessing the changes in arterial pulse pressure and converting this energy into electricity to fully power a cardiac pacemaker. Crucial product specifications this product must meet include sensor accuracy, production of adequate electrical power, long and reliable operation and most importantly does not cause harm or impede emergency procedures. This device will allow for lifelong implantable devices to be possible and completely eradicate the need for multiple replacement surgeries in a patient’s lifetime. There is a large need and many studies in this area of innovation, but the concept of pulse pressure harnessing is sparsely covered in literature and the use of arterial pressure is completely unique. This concept is completely unique but through basic physics, consults with experts and a forthcoming proof of concept, it is anticipated to revolutionize the implantable devices market segment.