IMDS are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which have a limited lifespan, dependent on cyclic charge discharge cycles and high current drain leading to battery aging and eventual increased requirement for surgical replacement of the battery over time. In contrast, this work demonstrates a smart wearable system that wirelessly charges the implanted battery using inductive power transfer from two sustainable sources, namely solar cells and a piezoelectric harvester. The captured energy is then stored in an external buffer battery,so the system can operate even when sunlight is not available. The device is also equipped with critical safety control functions of start charging, at 3 V (≈20 %) and disconnect the charge when it reached at maximum voltage 4.1 V (≈80–90 %), up to maximum current of 150 mA, while maintaining a controlled surface temperature up to ∼41 °C. Hardware performance was evaluated using Proteus simulation tool and confirmed through prototype implementation on Arduino Nano microcontroller. Results suggest that wireless power transmission is stable and continuous low-power brought lower stress to the lithium-ion battery than conventional charging. The wearable device is mountable on an arm band for optimal light availability and placed about the implant site and provided with a flexible structure to apply it to various types of implantable devices, thereby extending lifespan of a medical device while reducing intervals for surgical battery replacement and/or resource depletion. This is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 through fostering sustainable, patient-centred and cost-effective healthcare technologies that ultimately improve long term treatment effects.

Futun Al-shahrani

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Designing a Smart Wearable System with an Armband for Wireless Power Transfer to Implantable Medical Devices