Applications of Wireless Power Transfer in Medicine: State-of-the-Art Reviews

Abstract

Magnetic resonance within the field of wireless power transfer has seen an increase in popularity over the past decades. This rise can be attributed to the technological advances of electronics and the increased efficiency of popular battery technologies. The same principles of electromagnetic theory can be applied to the medical field. Several medical devices intended for use inside the body use batteries and electrical circuits that could be powered wirelessly. Other medical devices limit the mobility or make patients uncomfortable while in use. The fundamental theory of electromagnetics can improve the field by solving some of these problems. This survey paper summarizes the recent uses and discoveries of wireless power in the medical field. A comprehensive search for papers was conducted using engineering search engines and included papers from related conferences. During the initial search, 247 papers were found then nonrelevant papers were eliminated to leave only suitable material. Seventeen relevant journal papers and/or conference papers were found, then separated into defined categories: Implants, Pumps, Ultrasound Imaging, and Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy. The approach and methods for each paper were analyzed and compared yielding a comprehensive review of these state of the art technologies.

Recent Progress in Wireless Sensors for Wearable Electronics

“…Power transfer by non-resonant type inductive coupling provides advantages for simple components and has high efficiency over short distances, but is less suitable for applications requiring power transfer over long distances; i.e., greater than tens of centimeters [21]. Also, precise alignment between transmitting and receiving antenna is needed in order to share the magnetic field to achieve high efficiency [31]. The resonant inductive coupling has advantages in longer transfer lengths.…”

Hybrid Coils-Based Wireless Power Transfer for Intelligent Sensors

“…Sensors 2020, 20, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 25 4 W at 2 and 6 cm, respectively. Advantages included no battery requirement.…”

“…WPT is used in medical applications to supply power to invasive and non-invasive medical sensors or devices measuring medical vital signs. For instance, blood pressure monitors, cardiac defibrillators, electrocardiograms, electromyography, thermometers, pacemakers, neural stimulators, heart rate sensors, and glucose meters are commonly used to improve the quality of life of millions of patients [3,4]. In addition, there are several sources from which to extract energy from the host or the environment to power wearable devices such as biomass, solar, radio frequency, wind, hydro, vibration, heat energy, etc.…”

“…In addition, there are several sources from which to extract energy from the host or the environment to power wearable devices such as biomass, solar, radio frequency, wind, hydro, vibration, heat energy, etc. [4]. There are two kinds of WPT, near and far field.…”

Pain-Administrable Neuron Electrode with Wireless Energy Transmission: Architecture Design and Prototyping

“…Besides, the PRF stimulatory device is single-use and expensive, resulting in the patient's heavy medical burden. Therefore, the development of the wireless energy transferred PRF neural stimulatory device will possess a high impact on the clinical application as well as largely reduce the risk of patient and health care personnel from exposure to radiology during therapeutic operations [9,10].…”