Wireless Power Transfer to Millimeter-Sized Gastrointestinal Electronics Validated in a Swine Model

TLDR

Electronic devices placed in the gastrointestinal tract for prolonged periods could transform clinical evaluation and treatment, but powering millimeter‑sized devices without batteries is challenging. The study examined the feasibility of using mid‑field wireless power transfer to supply energy to such devices at various GI locations. Simulations and ex vivo tests guided the design of 1.2 GHz mid‑field antennas, which were then implanted and externalized in five anesthetized pigs to transmit power to the esophagus, stomach, and colon. In vivo transmission efficiencies of −41.2, −36.1, and −34.6 dB yielded 37.5 µW, 123 µW, and 173 µW at the esophagus, stomach, and colon, respectively, sufficient to power medical devices while staying below safety limits.

Abstract

Abstract Electronic devices placed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for prolonged periods have the potential to transform clinical evaluation and treatment. One challenge to the deployment of such gastroresident electronics is the difficulty in powering millimeter-sized electronics devices without using batteries, which compromise biocompatibility and long-term residence. We examined the feasibility of leveraging mid-field wireless powering to transfer power from outside of the body to electronics at various locations along the GI tract. Using simulations and ex vivo measurements, we designed mid-field antennas capable of operating efficiently in tissue at 1.2 GHz. These antennas were then characterized in vivo in five anesthetized pigs, by placing one antenna outside the body, and the other antenna inside the body endoscopically, at the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Across the animals tested, mean transmission efficiencies of −41.2, −36.1, and −34.6 dB were achieved in vivo while coupling power from outside the body to the esophagus, stomach, and colon, respectively. This corresponds to power levels of 37.5 μW, 123 μW and 173 μW received by antennas in the respective locations, while keeping radiation exposure levels below safety thresholds. These power levels are sufficient to wirelessly power a range of medical devices from outside of the body.