https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2002.017
Published: Kem. Ind. 52 (1) (2003) 9–16
Paper reference number: KUI-17/2002
Paper type: Professional paper

New Batteries for Medical Implants

N. Marinčić

Abstract

We have evaluated lithium / fluorographite battery system as a possible candidate for use in high power pulsing applications such as in implantable defibrillators. Cells were designed, constructed and evaluated against the requirement of trains of four consecutive pulses, 1.5 A-1.5 V-10 s each (22.5 J), separated by 10 s with the trains of pulses repeated every 30 min. The test cells were made with the same geometry as the WG8830 cells in use at the time of this evaluation in order to provide the most direct comparison with the state-of-the-art technology. Two such cells were anticipated in each defibrillator battery. The main goals of this program were possible improvements in electrical performance, stability in stand-by mode, reduction in mass and in costs associated with production and quality control. We have demonstrated a desirable reduction of internal resistance of the cell in course of discharge due to the formation of amorphous carbon as one of the discharge products resulting in a more uniform operating voltage throughout the life of the cell. The pulsing was thus extended significantly before the cutoff voltage line of 1.5 V was reached. The projected mass of the cell was reduced by 20 % while the use of more common materials and a greatly improved cell design promised lower material costs and greater yield in production and in acceptance tests.

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Keywords

batteries, lithium, fluorographite, implantable defibrillators