Methodologies for fast and accurate design of implantable antennas: Analysis and comparison

In this paper, we discuss a generic two-step methodology with four variations for the design of implantable antennas used in medical telemetry. The methodology consists of manual refinement of the antenna design (Step A), and further automatic Quasi-Newton optimization targeting at optimized resonance characteristics (Step B). Four variations are suggested, as determined by the tissue models used in each of the two steps of the design. The four variations differ in terms of the accuracy achieved in the resonance characteristics of the final antenna and the simulation time required for the design, given a specific medical application scenario. A flow chart of the proposed generic methodology is initially given, followed by an analysis of the four suggested variations. Feasibility of the variations is further evaluated and comparatively assessed within the framework of designing implantable antennas for intra-cranial pressure monitoring.