Apparatus and method for supplying power to subcutaneously implanted devices

A power source for converting mechanical power into electrical power comprises at least one mechano-electric transducer assembly mechanically coupled to involuntarily moving tissue, the mechano-electric transducer assembly including:

• a deformable inner element configured to expand in response to an expansion of a blood vessel;
• a substantially rigid outer structure positioned outward of the inner element;
• a mechano-electric transducer element disposed between the substantially rigid outer structure and the inner element, the mechano-electric transducer element operable to generate electric energy and output the electric energy to a pair of output terminals;
• and
• a deformable biocompatible envelope encasing the outer structure, the inner element and the mechano-electric transducer element;
• wherein the inner element is operable to expand outward towards the outer structure during a systolic period, the expansion of the inner element operable to cause the mechano-electric transducer element to generate electricity.

A device for converting mechanical power into electrical power comprising at least one mechano-electric transducer assembly arranged to be mechanically coupled to involuntarily moving tissue, the mechano-electric transducer assembly includes:

• a substantially rigid outer structure;
• a deformable inner element;
• a mechano-electric transducer element disposed between the substantially rigid outer structure and the inner element, the mechano-electric transducer element operable to generate electric energy and output the electric energy to a pair of output terminals;
• and
• a deformable biocompatible envelope substantially surrounding the outer structure, the inner element and the mechano-electric transducer element;
• wherein the inner element is operable to apply a predetermined pressure on a substantially surrounded blood vessel during a diastolic period and to expand outward towards the outer structure during a systolic period, the expansion of the inner element operable to cause the mechano-electric transducer element to generate electricity;
• and
• wherein the mechano-electric transducer element includes:
• a multi-plate capacitor including of a first set of conductive plates interleaved with a second set of conductive plates;
• and
• a high dielectric coefficient material movable within a space between the first and second sets of plates.