The Skin Tunnel Transformer: A New System that Permits Both High Efficiency Transfer of Power and Telemetry of Data Through the Intact Skin

Artificial organs which are to be chronically implanted require a means of getting power into the body from an external power source with minimum risk of infection and irritation to the skin. The skin tunnel transformer is such a device whereby high level electromagnetic energy can be transmitted through the skin with very low losses and noncritical positioning. Two versions of the transformer are shown and described, and experimental results obtained with dogs are presented. Transmission over 50 watts at better than 95 percent efficiency has been accomplished with no ill effects. The use of the transformer for simultaneous transmission of telemetry data is also discussed.