Design and development of a mechatronic system for noninvasive refilling of implantable artificial pancreas

The aim of this study is to contribute to the advancement of the mechatronic implantable artificial organs field by demonstrating the feasibility of a mechatronic refilling module to be used with implantable artificial organs (and particularly suitable for an artificial pancreas), and permitting a completely noninvasive refilling procedure without the need for dedicated surgical interventions. We described a refilling module, chronically interfaced with the duodenum wall, based on a magnetic switchable device, and able to reversibly dock an ingestible insulin carrier, whenever required. The capsule was provided with sensors in order to reveal its approach. A punching system was also developed with the aim of assuring a safe transfer of the insulin from the capsule to an implanted reservoir. The key components of the system were developed and tested. Finally, they were integrated in a preliminary prototype.