Ultrasonic communications for real-time video-rate data transmission through tissue

Abstract

Wireless implanted medical devices (IMDs), which communicate data wirelessly from sensors within the body to a receiver outside of the body, are poised to be significant contributors to medical diagnostics and treatment procedures. Currently, radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves are the most frequently used communication method for wireless IMDs. However, high attenuation of RF in the body and strict regulations on the RF frequency spectrum limit the data rates to 267 kbps for in vivo applications. Considering standard definition video streaming requires 1.2 Mbps, and HD requires greater than 3 Mbps, it is not possible to use RF communication, for example, in applications that require real-time video transmission and, possibly, intervention such as real-time video capsule endoscopy. In our work, we use ultrasonic waves to communicate through tissue at video-capable data rates (>1.2 Mbps). Previously, we demonstrated a 4 Mbps data rate with BER less than 1 10-4through beef liver using small, 2-mm biocompatible transducers at 1.3 MHz. In this study, we will investigate the effects of target motion on data rates and demonstrate real-time communication links in situ in a dead animal and in vivo.