Detuning issues and performance of a novel implantable antenna for telemetry applications

In this study, we address design, resonance detuning and performance issues of implantable antennas for biotelemetry in the medical implant communications service (MICS) band (402-405 MHz). A biocompatible skin-implantable antenna model is proposed, which includes varying parameters to deal with the trade-off between miniaturization and gain - enhancement. To speed-up simulations while providing an antenna model for generic (application-independent) skin-tissue implantation, design is performed inside a skin-cube. A 51 mm³ - version of the parametric antenna model is further selected as a compromise between size and exhibited gain, and implanted inside the skin-tissue of canonical head, arm, and trunk models. Inherent resonance detuning issues are discussed and corrected, while the exhibited resonance, radiation and safety performance of the antennas is evaluated and compared. Finite Element (FE) simulations are carried out.