A closed-loop transcutaneous power transmission system with thermal control for artificial urethral valve driven by SMA actuator

This article presents the development of an implanted artificial urethral valve that is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence, with emphasis on a transcutaneous power transmission system with closed-loop thermal control function. The valve uses a shape memory alloy (SMA) plate as the actuator, which is activated with batteries placed outside a patient's body using a transcutaneous power transmission system. The power transmission system is equipped with an implanted temperature monitor circuit and a temperature controller to prevent the SMA actuator from being overheated during a prolonged urination. Laboratory experiments and animal experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, show that the developed power transmission system can successfully control the temperature of the SMA actuator to activate the valve without excessive heating of the SMA actuator.