2019 Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 296-301
We have been studying a bi-directional transcutaneous communication system (TCS) for a totally implantable artificial heart system. We have already developed a TCS using magnetic coupling and a TCS using near-infrared light. The both TCSs has an advantage to be free from unauthorized access from the outside, but they have both merits and demerits. To overcome the disadvantages, we are developing a TCS using intra-body communication technology that uses a human body as communication medium. The TCS using intra-body communication can communicate in both directions between everywhere on surface of the body and everywhere inside the body. And in this study, we are developing a tissue-induced electrode using titanium-mesh to apply a communication current into the body for an implantable communication unit. The TCS using intra-body communication technology is one of promising methods for realizing a TCS for the totally implantable artificial heart system.
