Update: Subcutaneous Solar Cells Could Power Pacemakers

Feb. 28, 2017

The researchers said that their general idea was that the solar cells could directly be integrated into the pacemaker housing.

Sam Davis

Our original January 27 article, “Subcutaneous Solar Cells Could Power Pacemakers,” described a real-life study that looked at the potential of powering medical implants with solar cells. The study discussed the harvesting of data from subcutaneous solar cells, that is, a solar cell implanted in the layer of skin directly below the dermis and epidermis.

To understand this technology, we first have to review the basic concept. A pacemaker is a device implanted in the abdomen or chest area to control abnormal heart rhythms. It utilizes electrical impulses to help the heart muscle maintain a proper rhythm and heart rate. Most pacemakers are powered with a primary battery that requires a replacement when it is depleted.

Implant replacements due to battery depletion can account for about 25% of implantations of cardiac pacemakers. Besides the cost of these replacements, there is always a risk of complications and added stress for the patient. Several approaches have been used to replace the primary battery with one that is rechargeable. Using a solar cell to recharge the battery is one approach.

According to Lukas Bereuter of Bern University Hospital and the University of Bern in Switzerland, the researchers said that their general idea was that the solar cells could directly be integrated into the pacemaker housing. The implant would be located in the neck region (highest light exposure) instead implanted below the collarbone, as conventional pacemakers are.

They developed a first prototype of such an implant (Fig. 1). Their future research aims at developing a similar prototype, but with all flexible components (flexible solar cells, electronics, flexible accumulator) and very thin. Thus, the implant could adapt to the patients anatomy, which may increase patient comfort and decrease implant-related complications.

Bereuter said that this method to power pacemakers using solar cells would avoid the use of primary batteries. Transcutaneous sunlight maybe converted by subcutaneous solar cells into electrical energy to power a pacemaker. This approach would allow batteryless units that would avoid the associated risks of primary battery replacement.

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About the Author

Sam Davis

Sam Davis was the editor-in-chief of Power Electronics Technology magazine and website that is now part of Electronic Design. He has 18 years experience in electronic engineering design and management, six years in public relations and 25 years as a trade press editor. He holds a BSEE from Case-Western Reserve University, and did graduate work at the same school and UCLA. Sam was the editor for PCIM, the predecessor to Power Electronics Technology, from 1984 to 2004. His engineering experience includes circuit and system design for Litton Systems, Bunker-Ramo, Rocketdyne, and Clevite Corporation.. Design tasks included analog circuits, display systems, power supplies, underwater ordnance systems, and test systems. He also served as a program manager for a Litton Systems Navy program.

Sam is the author of Computer Data Displays, a book published by Prentice-Hall in the U.S. and Japan in 1969. He is also a recipient of the Jesse Neal Award for trade press editorial excellence, and has one patent for naval ship construction that simplifies electronic system integration.

You can also check out his Power Electronics blog.