A new transintegumental power transformer uses the walls of an isolated intestinal pouch to separate primary and secondary coils. It may surpass transcutaneous devices in heat dissipation potential and in comfort. It was acutely tested in 13 dogs. Corrections in geometry and insulation were suggested by the nine initial trials. In the remaining four animals, up to 14.1 W were delivered, incrementing over 90 to 395 min. Three pouch and two remote thermistors recorded temperature (T) at 10 min intervals. Thirty sets of data were taken at 4 W or less (Group A), 31 at 4–8 W (Group B), and 16 at more than 8 W (Group C). T elevations above reference drift were 0.096 + 0.062°C, 0.468 + 0.234°C, and 0.876 + 0.156°C for groups A, B, and C, respectively. These were significant by t-tests (p < 0.001 for Group A vs. B; p < 0.05 for Group B vs. C). The concept appears to be feasible, and longer term implantation trials seem justified.
©1991 American Society of Artificial Internal Organs
