Implantable ultrasound-powered microchips

Unmet Need: Wireless power source and data transmitter for medical implants

Implantable integrated circuit (IC) chips can improve the efficacy of medical devices in numerous disease areas. However, these chips require a power source, such as batteries, which are typically bulky and require constant replacement or recharging. Wireless power transfer from external energy-emitting sources can reduce the device size by removing the battery component. However, with current methods, drops in power transfer efficiency when the distance between antennas increases can limit the amount of delivered power and the overall performance of implantable or injectable devices powered by inductive coupling.

The Technology: Micron-scale IC chips powered by ultrasound waves

This technology describes the design of micron-scale integrated circuit chips that use a pressure-sensitive transducer to convert mechanical energy from ultrasound signals into electrical energy. This device can thus be powered using ultrasound signals from commercially available ultrasound imaging equipment. These implantable chips can be used to power medical devices, eliminating the need for batteries or bulky inductive coils. Additionally, this chip can be used to wirelessly transmit data to external devices for real-time monitoring applications.

Applications:

Power source for implanted medical devices
Wireless control of implanted medical devices
Wireless, real-time monitoring of patient vitals
Controlled drug delivery

Advantages:

No replacement or recharging of batteries
Compatible with commercially available ultrasound equipment
Reduces size of implanted and injected medical devices
Reduces injury due to inductive or battery-related heating

Lead Inventor:

Kenneth Shepard, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU15073
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel