An Arterial Cuff Energy Scavenger For Implanted Microsystems

This paper presents a miniature implantable power source that scavenges energy from the expansion and contraction of an artery. The 0.25 cm³ device consists of a piezoelectric thin film embedded within a flexible, self-curling medical-grade silicone cuff. It is expected to enable self-powered implanted microsystems with near-continuous operation, increased lifetime, reduced surgical replacement, and minimized external interface requirements compared to its current alternatives. The fabricated device generates up to 16 nW when tested around a mock artery. Improvements underway are expected to increase power generation to 1.0 muW.