Team 29

Implantable Hemo-Hydraulic Electrical Transducer for a Fully Autonomous Pacemaker Solution

Team Members: Alicia Salas
Luci Morin
Aarya Mecwan
Stone Xia

Team Mentors: William Tyler, PhD - SBHSE
Femi Oladokun - Creighton University School of Medicine
Apollo Arquiza, PhD - SBHSE

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

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/85951556215

Abstract

Implantable medical devices that require battery power to operate include cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter-defibrillators, drug delivery pumps and neurostimulators. Pacemakers require replacement surgeries every 5-15 years depending on factors such as battery type, pacing percentage and type of pacemaker. More than 3 million people worldwide have pacemakers with roughly 600,000 implanted each year. Of these, 39% are dual chamber pacemakers that have a shorter longevity, and a patient with <90% pacing will require replacement surgeries every 4-8 years. There is room for innovation through a fully autonomous device that has the 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 specifications this product must meet include accuracy to sense cardiac events, production of adequate electrical power, long and reliable operation and most importantly does not cause harm or impede emergency procedures. This device could allow for lifelong implantable devices and completely eradicate the need for replacement surgeries in a patient’s lifetime. The use of arterial pressure is completely unique but through finalized technical models to verify feasibility, a beta physical prototype was created for initial testing to prove conceptual integrity. With future plans to create a miniaturized gamma prototype for a more rigorous testing protocol, it is possible to revolutionize the implantable devices market segment.