Effect of Component Misalignment on Human Tissue Temperatures Associated With Recharging Neuromodulation Devices

A synergistic experimental and numerical investigation has provided quantitative information on the response of human tissue temperatures to misalignment of the implant and antenna of neuromodulation devices during recharging. It was found that misalignment increases tissue temperatures for all of the investigated devices. These increases ranged from $0.5°C$ to $2.7°C$⁠. Notwithstanding these increases, the lowest temperatures were attained by the Restore Ultra device for all operating conditions. The temperature levels achieved by the Precision Plus and Eon Mini devices were found to be greater than those for the Restore Ultra, but their relative rankings depend on the thermal boundary conditions and the duration of the recharging period.