Innovative Receiving Coil for the Wireless Power Transfer System of a Left Ventricular Assist Device

An innovative configuration for a wireless power transfer (WPT) system of a left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) is presented. The LVAD is a high-power implantable pump used to facilitate blood circulation in patients with advanced heart failure. The electrically powered pump is connected to an electronic unit which allows to regulate the blood flow and to the external batteries, worn by the patient, to receive the necessary energy. A percutaneous cable, called driveline, is used to connect the battery with the internal unit, but this is one of the major limitations to the diffusion of this device, due to the possible onset of infections. A possible solution is the use of a WPT system to replace the driveline. Here an innovative solution for the receiver of the WPT system is presented in which the receiving coil is directly integrated into the outflow cannula of the LVAD. Numerical simulations are provided to verify the performances of the system and the compliance with electromagnetic field (EMF) safety limits.