Highly Efficient Wireless Power Transfer System for a Totally Implantable Artificial Heart Pump

Project Description:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading global and national cause of death. Until recently, heart transplant has been the only effective option, but donor heart availability limits this to less than ten percent of the those on the transplant waiting list. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) became a viable option when the FDA approved the technology for destination therapy, but technical challenges remain for this new technology. Among the top complications with the device is infection at the driveline exit site. While clinical trials have shown positive results for survival advantage and the improvement in the overall quality of life for LVAD recipients, the frequency and severity of the device related complications prevents further expansions to a less ill patient population.

The aim of this project is to design an efficient biocompatible wireless power transfer system (transcutaneous energy transfer system) that can power a totally implantable artificial heart for end stage heart failure patients. The system should provide adequate power to drive an artificial heart continuously for a minimum design life of 5 years. The implantable sub-system should be biocompatible and cause no injury to the body. The wearable external sub-system should be lightweight and comfortable. The whole system needs to meet regulatory requirements on safety and quality standards.

Project Mentor:
Engineering Mentor: Hengchu Cao, Director of Engineering, Edwards Life Sciences, hccao@cox.net
Physician Mentor: None

Other Resources:
Note: student teams need to be able to meet after 3:30pm with other team member.
Note: students will need to sign an IP agreement to work on this project.

Team Members: 

Mira Nabil Asad, Kenny Kaihung Cho, Matthew Lewis Gonzalez, Miami Shafeeq, Aubrey Yuen