Medical device powered by radio design
Friday, 24 February 2012 11:35
A new solid-state medical device that can be placed in a person's bloodstream and used to administer medication locally has been developed by radio design experts.
Scientists at the Stanford School of Engineering unveiled the new device at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference in Washington.
The devices are easily implanted and because they are powered remotely be electromagnetic radio waves they do not need to be replaced or removed and recharged.
Ada Poon, an assistant professor at the university, said: "Such devices could revolutionise medical technology. Applications include everything from diagnostics to minimally invasive surgeries."
Poon's innovative technology relies on a radio transmitter that is operated from outside the body and sends signals to a microscopic receiver built into the implant.
The signal induces a voltage in the device, keeping it operational.
However, the devices are still a long way from commercial application, with Poon claiming: "There is considerable room for improvement and much work remains before these devices are ready for medical applications."
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