Transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer device
Transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer to drive a VAD or other implanted medical device can be supplied through two spinning (or otherwise moving) permanent magnets, or a moving permanent magnet and a moving ferric material, or a moving permanent magnet and a coil or an array of coils, One part is implanted under the patient's skin, so that the skin does not have to be broken for a connection to take place.
1. A system for transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer, the system comprising:
a first component for implantation in a patient's body, the first component comprising a receiving unit comprising a rotor having permanent magnets circumferentially arranged around the rotor, a generator mechanically coupled to the rotor, and a housing for isolating the rotor, magnets and generator from the patient's body;
a first connection for connecting the rotor of the first component to a medical device in the patient's body to power the medical device; and
a second component for placement outside of the patient's body and for placement in close proximity to the first component while in use, the second component comprising a sending unit comprising a rotor having permanent magnets circumferentially arranged around the rotor, a motor mechanically coupled to the rotor, and a housing for retention of the rotor, magnets and generator.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rotor of the first component is rotated by the magnetic force exerted on it by the rotor of the second component while in use.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein in use rotational energy is transferred from the motor of the second component to the rotor of the second component and then by way of magnetic coupling to the rotor of the first component and then to the generator of the first component.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a battery to which the generator of the first component is connected.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the battery is a lithium titanate battery.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first connection comprises a mechanical connection between the first component and the medical device.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the medical device comprises a pump.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the first connection comprises an electrical connection between the first component and the medical device.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first component further comprises an electromagnetic bearing or bearings for floating the rotor.
10. A system for transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer, the system comprising:
a first component for implantation in a patient's body, the first component comprising a first movable object comprising a ferromagnetic material, a generator mechanically coupled to the first movable object such that mechanical movement of the first movable object is transferred to the generator and movement of the generator in turn generates power, a housing containing the first movable object, and a first connection for supplying power to a medical device; and
a second component for placement outside of the patient's body, the second component comprising a second movable object comprising a permanent magnet, a motor mechanically coupled to the second movable object such that mechanical movement of the motor is transferred to the second movable object, a housing containing the second movable object and a second connection for receiving power from a source of energy.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the permanent magnet is rotatable.
12. A ventricular assist device and power system comprising:
a ventricular assist device for implantation in a patient's body;
a first component for implantation in a patient's body, the first component comprising a first movable object comprising a ferromagnetic material, a generator mechanically coupled to the first movable object such that mechanical movement of the first movable object is transferred to the generator and movement of the generator in turn generates power, a housing containing the first movable object, and a first connection for supplying power to the ventricular assist device; and
a second component for placement outside of the patient's body, the second component comprising a second movable object comprising a permanent magnet, a motor mechanically coupled to the second movable object such that mechanical movement of the motor is transferred to the second movable object, a housing containing the second movable object and a second connection for receiving power from a source of energy.
13. The ventricular assist device and power system of claim 12 , wherein a plurality of at least one of the components is provided to provide redundancy in the ventricular assist device and power system.
14. The ventricular assist device and power system of claim 12 , further comprising a controller which integrates control or telemetry functions for at least one of a pacemaker and a defibrillator.