US-based medical device company Greatbatch has extended their collaboration with technology company WiTricity to use its wireless energy transfer technology in the development of implantable medical device applications.
Under the terms of this expanded licensing and collaboration agreement, Greatbatch licenses WiTricity’s intellectual property (IP) to market the high-performance wireless charging and power system solutions across a wide range of medical devices, including active implantable and interventional applications.
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WiTricity’s solutions claim to address the healthcare industry’s power transfer limitations, where presence of wires and cords hinders procedural efficiency as well as promote innovation in the current and next generations of implantable, interventional and portable medical devices.
Greatbatch plans to design and develop advanced wireless power transfer solutions for surgical and portable medical equipment.
Greatbatch advanced surgical, orthopedics and power solutions president Declan Smyth said: "Medical devices and systems are primed for a revolution, and wireless power transfer will allow designers to develop smaller, safer, easier to use and more reliable solutions for physicians and patients.
"Our continued efforts with WiTricity will expand our innovation in wireless power transfer for the medical device industry and we’re looking forward to leading the way in this important market segment."
WiTricity’s patented technology offers benefits for the medical device industry including flexible positioning and increased distance for high-efficiency charging, as well as the ability to charge through non-metallic materials such as plastic and glass.
It allows designers to remove contacts and create sealed systems.
The wireless power transfer can ease sterilisation, reducing procedure time.
The wireless charging subsequently reduces battery size decreasing weight and offering a more ergonomic experience for users.
Additionally, WiTricity’s technology can improve the usability and efficiency of implantable devices charged or powered through the skin.
