Resonant Inductive Link for Remote Powering of Pacemakers

This paper presents a wireless power link for powering implantable medical devices. The proposed link operates at 403 MHz and exploits magnetic coupling between an external resonator and an implanted resonator to wirelessly provide power to implantable devices. Experimental results for remote powering of pacemakers are reported and the compliance with safety guidelines is discussed. It is demonstrated that the proposed wireless link is able to deliver up to 1 mW with an induced 10-g average specific absorption rate lower than 1.08 W/kg. This value is significantly below the 2-W/kg recommended limit, thus proving the suitability of the proposed system to be used to energize modern pacemakers.