Power transfer for a flexible gastric stimulator

Gastroparesis is a disorder reported to be prevalent among 30-50% of diabetics. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) to the stomach has been used to treat the symptoms of gastroparesis. It usually consists of a large stimulator implanted inside the abdominal cavity with electrodes attached to the stomach tissues. In this work, we have designed, developed and tested a wirelessly powered gastric stimulator based on a flexible substrate that can be rolled into a capsule for endoscopic delivery and implantation. The stimulator can be conformed to the stomach curvature and attached onto the tissues. Characterization of transmitter and receiver antennas to wirelessly power the implant devices was conducted with near-field inductive coupling. Power transfer efficiency of the system was found to be 14 % at an antenna separation distance of 4 cm.