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Innovation and Invention in Science & Technology Lecture Series

Toward the Bionic Human: Medical Devices and How They Are Powered

Esther Takeuchi, Monday, February 22, 2010

4:30pm, Porter Hall 100 (Gregg Hall)

photo Takeuchi

Esther S. Takeuchi is the SUNY Distinguished Professor, University of Buffalo, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry

It has been more than 35 years since the first human implant of a lithium battery; a lithium/iodine cell which powered an implantable cardiac pacemaker. Since that time several battery systems have been developed and used successfully in a diverse set of implantable medical devices, including pacemakers, neurostimulators, drug pumps, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), and heart assist/replacement devices. The cells used in these devices vary, but there are general requirements that remain constant for all the cells, including: safety, reliability, low weight/small size, predictability of performance, low self discharge and end-of-life indication. Cell parameters along with key device performance factors will be discussed.

Co-sponsored by Biomedical Engineering, Engineering & Technology Innovation Management, the College of Engineering and the Mellon College of Science.

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