Relief for millions of patients

Graphic: Example depiction of wireless energy and data transmission MedBase® within the patient's body.

Despite the miniaturization and safety of medical devices and implants, batteries or percutaneous cable connections remain the standard as primary energy sources. MedBase® enables contactless energy and data transfer via inductive, resonant coupling. Numerous implanted devices can be supplied with wireless energy transfer in the future.

Implants, such as heart support systems, have a constant and steady energy requirement. The disadvantage of percutaneous cable connections is the risk of infections. In the context of the REMACH-Study(1), it was found that 41 percent of deaths in heart support systems are due to severe driveline infections. Additionally, drivelines significantly restrict patients in daily life. Furthermore, ongoing wound care must be performed by professionals. With the DUALIS Wireless Technology MedBase®, these problems can be solved, and the quality of life for patients can be significantly improved.

The MedBase® Technology

The physical basis for contactless energy transfer in the near-field range is inductive, resonant coupling in MedBase®. The technology of inductive energy and data transfer within the body is not a new innovation and has been available on the medical technology market for many years. However, the technological advancement with MedBase® lies in the optimized transfer efficiency of energy concerning offset and distance, as well as in the minimal heating of the coupling elements. Only wireless systems that exhibit low sensitivity to shifting the coupling elements and minimal heating of the surrounding body tissue provide sufficient safety and comfort for the patient.

Significant Advantages

The advantages of the technology are evident: complete implantability of the target implant, safe and efficient energy supply, secure bidirectional data communication with high bandwidth. This allows patients to mobilize more quickly and perform daily activities such as showering without worry. Patient monitoring becomes more efficient, and telemetry data can be transmitted to hospital information systems promptly and securely. Healthcare costs can thus be significantly reduced.

Wide Range of Applications

With MedBase®, wireless energy transfer from a few microwatts up to 30 watts and more is possible, making the technology interesting for powering numerous active implants and medical devices. The range of applications is very broad, from artificial heart systems to medication pumps, as well as myoelectric prostheses or external defibrillators. In the future, therapies can be improved or even completely newly developed through inductive energy and data transfer, according to Stephan Sagolla, Managing Director of DUALIS MedTech GmbH.

(1) Eric A. Rose, M.D., Annetine C. Gelljns PH.D. et al: LONG-TERM USE OF A LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE FOR END-STAGE HEART FAILURE in The New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 345, No. 20, November 15, 2001, pp. 1435-1437.