Implant Evaluation of a Nuclear Power Source - Betacel Battery

In order to evaluate nuclear power sources for biomedical applications, a nuclear battery, Betacel, was used to power two telemetry transmitters designed with a very low power consumption. The transmitters were implanted in a dog to measure the voltage of the battery and the deep body temperature. Special care was given to the glass packaging to prevent possible damage from body fluids. The experiment ran continuously for a 6-month period before termination. At that time, the animal was sacrificed to examine the radiation damage of tissues in the vicinity of the transmitters as well as the effects on vital organs. No measurable abnormality was detected. The experiment suggests that the nuclear power source can be used to extend the working life of implanted medical instruments.