Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100069992 | Implantable Medical Device with Single Coil for Charging and Communicating - A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source. | 03-18-2010 |
20100106206 | METHOD TO DETECT PROPER LEAD CONNECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION SYSTEM - An implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator for coupling to a lead with a distal end and a proximal end, the lead comprising at least one terminal disposed at the proximal end. The implantable pulse generator comprises a connector for receiving the proximal end of the lead, the connector having at least one contact, and a sensor configured and arranged for detecting electrical connectivity between the implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator and the lead, the sensor comprising at least one sensor contact, the sensor contact being configured and arranged for electrically coupling to a terminal of the lead and at least one of the contacts of the connector when the lead is fully inserted in the connector and thereby detecting electrical connectivity between the implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator and the lead. | 04-29-2010 |
20100137948 | EXTERNAL CHARGER WITH ADJUSTABLE ALIGNMENT INDICATOR - Electrical energy is transcutaneously transmitted at a plurality of different frequencies to an implanted medical device. The magnitude of the transmitted electrical energy respectively measured at the plurality of frequencies. One of the frequencies is selected based on the measured magnitude of the electrical energy (e.g., the frequency at which the measured magnitude of the electrical energy is the greatest). A depth level at which the medical device is implanted within the patient is determined based on the selected frequency. For example, the depth level may be determined to be relatively shallow if the selected frequency is relatively high, and relatively deep if the selected frequency is relative low. A charge strength threshold at which a charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal can then be set based on the determined depth level. | 06-03-2010 |
20100204756 | External Device for Communicating with an Implantable Medical Device Having Data Telemetry and Charging Integrated in a Single Housing - An improved embodiment of an external device for an implantable medical device system is described herein, where the external device has both circuitry for charging the implantable medical device and circuitry for telemetering data to and from the medical implant contained within a single housing. The external device in one embodiment includes orthogonal radiators in which both the radiators are used for data transfer, and in which at least one of the radiators is used for power transfer. Having charging and data telemetry circuitry fully integrated within a single external device conveniences both patient and clinician. | 08-12-2010 |
20100305663 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM HAVING SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN AN EXTERNAL CONTROLLER AND AN EXTERNAL CHARGER - Disclosed is an improved system for providing charging information during the powering of a medical implantable device by an external changer. In the disclosed system, relevant charging information originates in the external charger, or is transmitted to the external charger from the implant during charging. The charging information is transferred from the external charger to an external controller using a short range communication link that is not orientation dependent (i.e., omni-directional), such as one employing a Bluetooth™ or Zibgee™ protocol for example. Once received, the external controller can convey the charging information to the patient or clinician, such as by displaying the charging information on the graphical user interface of the external controller. Additionally, the short range communication link between the external controller and the external charger allows the external charger to be controlled by the external controller, which adds system flexibility and convenience. | 12-02-2010 |
20100318159 | MINIATURE REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A miniature remote controller for an implantable medical device provides a subset of the functionality of a full-sized remote controller for the implantable medical device. The two remote controllers each have a user interface, which can be different from each other. A remote controller for an implantable medical device can have a coil for communicating with the implantable medical device, where the coil is wrapped around a coil axis parallel to a long axis of a housing of the remote controller. A user interface of the remote controller can have an indicator light to indicate success or failure of a communication with the implantable medical device and status of the implantable medical device. The housing of the remote controller can have two differently sized sections. | 12-16-2010 |
20110004278 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Sensing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field sensing coils in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, two or more field sensing coils are arranged to sense the reflected magnetic field. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths of the sensing coils, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 01-06-2011 |
20110071597 | External Charger Usable with an Implantable Medical Device Having a Programmable or Time-Varying Temperature Set Point - An improved external charger for charging the battery within or providing power to an implantable medical device is disclosed. The improved external charger includes circuitry for detecting the temperature of the external charger and for controlling charging to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature. The external charger in some embodiments includes a user interface for allowing a patient to set the external charger's maximum temperature. The user interface can be used to select either constant maximum temperatures, or can allow the user to choose from a number of stored charging programs, which programs can control the maximum temperature to vary over time. Alternatively, a charging program in the external charger can vary the maximum temperature set point automatically. By controlling the maximum temperature of the external charger during charging in these manners, the time needed to charge can be minimized while still ensuring a temperature that is comfortable for that patient. | 03-24-2011 |
20110093048 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 04-21-2011 |
20110112611 | External Controller/Charger System for an Implantable Medical Device Capable of Automatically Providing Data Telemetry Through a Charging Coil During a Charging Session - An improved external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is described herein, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil. Specifically, in one embodiment, the external controller/charger system automatically decouples the external charging coil from the charging circuitry and couples it to the telemetry circuitry. The device and the implantable medical device then carry out the desired telemetry via the external charging coil. After a predetermined time, or after the telemetry session is complete, the external controller/charger system automatically decouples the external coil from the telemetry circuitry and recouples it to the charging circuitry. | 05-12-2011 |
20110178576 | Pressure-Sensitive External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a sensed pressure impingent on its case, which pressure is indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes pressure detection circuitry coupled to one or more pressure sensors for controlling the external device in accordance with the sensed impingent pressure. The sensed pressure can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger based on the measured pressure, or by issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the measured pressure, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user. | 07-21-2011 |
20110234155 | Inductive Charger with Magnetic Shielding - To recharge an implanted medical device, an external device, typically in the form of an inductive charger, is placed over the implant to provide for transcutaneous energy transfer. The external charging device can be powered by a rechargeable battery. Since the battery is in close proximity to the charge coil, the large magnetic field produced by the charge coil induces eddy currents that flow on the battery's metallic case, often resulting in undesirable heating of the battery and reduced efficiency of the charger. This disclosure provides a means of shielding the battery from the magnetic field to reduce eddy current heating, thereby increasing efficiency. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield consists of one or more thin ferrite plates. The use of a ferrite shield allows the battery to be placed directly over the charge coil as opposed to outside the extent of the charge coil. | 09-29-2011 |
20120092354 | External Controller for an Implantable Medical Device with Dual Microcontrollers for Improved Graphics Rendering - An improved external controller with dual microcontrollers useable with an implantable medical device is disclosed. The external controller comprises a low speed (low frequency) microcontroller and a high speed (high frequency) microcontroller. The low speed microcontroller receives telemetry data from the medical device, converts data into graphical commands, and transmits commands to the high speed microcontroller. The high speed microcontroller interprets the graphical commands, retrieves images indicative of the commands from a storage device, and renders the images onto a display screen. The high speed microcontroller may also process more complicated data sent from the low speed microcontroller, and return the results to the low speed microcontroller to allow it to form the graphics command for the high speed microcontroller to execute. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095744 | Telemetry Optimization in an Implantable Medical Device System to Achieve Equal and Maximal Distances in Bidirectional Communications - Methods for optimizing telemetry in an implantable medical device system are disclosed, with the goal of equating and maximizing the communication distances between devices in the system, such as the external controller and the Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). The method involves computerized simulation of maximum communication distances in both directions between the two devices while varying at least two parameters of the telemetry circuitry, such as the number of turns in the telemetry coils in the two devices. This results in a simulation output comprising a matrix in which each element comprises the bidirectional distance values. An element is determined for which the distances are equal (or nearly equal) and maximized (or nearly maximized), and the optimal values for the parameters are then chosen on that basis, with the result that the communication distance in one direction equals the communication distance in the other direction, and is maximized. | 04-19-2012 |
20120101551 | External Controller For an Implantable Medical Device Formed Using a Sub-Assembly - An improved external controller useable with an implantable medical device is disclosed. The external controller comprises a front cover, a back cover, and a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly comprises an electronics chassis on which non-surface mount components, such as the telemetry coils and the battery, can be affixed. The sub-assembly also includes the printed circuit board for the external controller, which is integrated into the chassis and electrically coupled to the telemetry coils and the battery. Once completed, the sub-assembly can be bolted between a front cover and a back cover, such that edges of the sub-assembly comprise the edges of the external case of the external controller. | 04-26-2012 |
20120123502 | External Trial Stimulator Useable in an Implantable Neurostimulator System - An improved external trial stimulator provides neurostimulation functionality for implanted medical electrodes prior to implantation of an implantable neurostimulator. The external trial stimulator is housed in a four-part housing that provides mechanical and electrostatic discharge protection for the electronics mounted in a central frame of the housing. Connectors attached to leads from the electrodes connect to contacts that are recessed in the housing through ports that are centered for easy access. Multiple indicators provide information to users of the external trial stimulator. | 05-17-2012 |
20120172948 | Implantable Medical Device with Single Coil for Charging and Communicating - A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source. | 07-05-2012 |
20120215285 | System for Communication with Implantable Medical Devices Using a Bridge Device - A communications bridge device communicates between a consumer electronics device, such as a smart telephone, and an implantable medical device. The bridge forwards instructions and data between the consumer electronics device and the implantable medical device. The bridge contains a first transceiver that operates according to a communication protocol operating in the consumer electronics device (such as Bluetooth®), and second transceiver that operates according to a communications technique operating in the implantable medical device (e.g., Frequency Shift Keying). A software application is installed on the consumer electronics device, which provides a user interface for controlling and reading the implantable medical device. The software application is downloadable using standard cellular means. The bridge is preferably small, and easily and discreetly carried by the implantable medical device patient. The bridge is preferably also simple to operate, and may have only a simple user interface, or no user interface at all. | 08-23-2012 |
20120296398 | TELEMETRY WAND - A telemetry wand to facilitate communication between a programmer and a neurostimulator device. The telemetry wand comprises an antenna, telemetry circuitry configured for transmitting signals between the programmer and the neurostimulator device via the antenna coil, a threaded screw receptacle configured for receiving a bolt of a conventional camera tripod, and a housing carrying the antenna coil, the telemetry circuitry, and the threaded screw receptacle. | 11-22-2012 |
20130041429 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 02-14-2013 |
20130053925 | External Charger Usable with an Implantable Medical Device Having a Programmable or Time-Varying Temperature Set Point - An improved external charger for charging the battery within or providing power to an implantable medical device is disclosed. The improved external charger includes circuitry for detecting the temperature of the external charger and for controlling charging to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature. The external charger in some embodiments includes a user interface for allowing a patient to set the external charger's maximum temperature. The user interface can be used to select either constant maximum temperatures, or can allow the user to choose from a number of stored charging programs, which programs can control the maximum temperature to vary over time. Alternatively, a charging program in the external charger can vary the maximum temperature set point automatically. By controlling the maximum temperature of the external charger during charging in these manners, the time needed to charge can be minimized while still ensuring a temperature that is comfortable for that patient. | 02-28-2013 |
20130073005 | External Device for Communicating with an Implantable Medical Device Having Data Telemetry and Charging Integrated in a Single Housing - An improved embodiment of an external device for an implantable medical device system is described herein, where the external device has both circuitry for charging the implantable medical device and circuitry for telemetering data to and from the medical implant contained within a single housing. The external device in one embodiment includes orthogonal radiators in which both the radiators are used for data transfer, and in which at least one of the radiators is used for power transfer. Having charging and data telemetry circuitry fully integrated within a single external device conveniences both patient and clinician. | 03-21-2013 |
20130096650 | Position-Determining External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a determined position of the external charger, which position may be indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes one or more position determination elements, e.g., an accelerometer or gyrometer, and control circuitry for controlling the external device in accordance with the determined position. The determined position of the external charger can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting the intensity of charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger, or issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the determined position, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096651 | Charger Alignment in an Implantable Medical Device System Employing Reflected Impedance Modulation - The disclosed means of determining alignment between an external charger and an implantable medical device (IMD) involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IMD. During charging, the charging coil in the IMD is pulsed to modulate its impedance. The difference in the coil voltage (ΔV) produced at the external charger as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the external charger to indicate coupling. If the magnitude of ΔV is above a threshold, the external charger considers the coupling to the IMD to be adequate, and an alignment indicator in the external charger is controlled accordingly. The magnitude of Vcoil can be assessed in addition to ΔV to determine alignment with the IMD with improved precision, and/or to further define a high quality alignment condition. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096652 | Closed Loop Charger for an Implantable Medical Device System Employing Reflected Impedance Modulation - The disclosed system for providing closed loop charging between an external charger and an implantable medical device such as an IPG involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IPG. During charging, the charging coil in the IPG is periodically pulsed to modulate its impedance. The magnitude of the change in the coil voltage produced at the external charger ΔV as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the controller circuitry in the external charger as indicative of the coupling between the external charger and the IPG. The external charger adjusts its output power (e.g., Icharge) in accordance with the magnitude of ΔV, thus achieving closed loop charging without the need of telemetering coupling parameters from the IPG. | 04-18-2013 |
20130110203 | Managing a Multi-function Coil in an Implantable Medical Device Using an Optical Switch | 05-02-2013 |
20130123881 | External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device System Having a Coil for Communication and Charging - Disclosed in an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external controller as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging. Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the external controller so that it can be reviewed by the user, who may take corrective action if necessary. Also disclosed are schemes for synchronizing and arbitrating communications between the devices in the system. | 05-16-2013 |
20130165993 | System for an Implantable Medical Device Having an External Charger Coupleable to Accessory Charging Coils - An external charger system is disclosed comprising an external charger with an internal charging coil, as well as an output port coupleable to one of a plurality of types of external accessory charging coils of varying shapes and sizes. If the internal charging coil of the external charger is sufficient for a given patient's charging needs, the accessory charging coils may be detached from the external charger, and the external charger may serve as a standalone self-contained external charger. The external charger can automatically detect which of the plurality of types of accessory charging coils is connected, and can adjust its operation accordingly. This versatile design allows the external charger system to be used by large numbers of patients, even if their particular implant charging scenarios are different. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165995 | Multiple Telemetry and/or Charging Coil Configurations for an Implantable Medical Device System - An implantable medical device system for orientation-independent telemetry to and from the device are disclosed. The system includes an external controller which produces an electromagnetic field to induce a current in a coil in the implantable medical device and vise versa. In a preferred embodiment, the external controller comprises three orthogonal coils, each of which is potentially activated to generate or receive the electromagnetic field. Algorithms are disclosed to allow for the choice of one or more of the coils best suited for telemetry based on the chosen coil's orientation with respect to the telemetry coil in the implantable medical device. Because all three of the orthogonal coils are potentially activated if necessary, the result is that at least one of the coils will be in a proper orientation with respect to the coil in the implantable medical device, thereby improving telemetry or power transfer efficiency. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165997 | Pressure-Sensitive External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a sensed pressure impingent on its case, which pressure is indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes pressure detection circuitry coupled to one or more pressure sensors for controlling the external device in accordance with the sensed impingent pressure. The sensed pressure can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger based on the measured pressure, or by issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the measured pressure, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user. | 06-27-2013 |
20130184785 | Automatic On-Off Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed which can automatically detect an implant and generate a charging field. The technique uses circuitry typically present in an external charger, such as control circuitry, a Load Shift Keying (LSK) demodulator, and a coupling detector. An algorithm in the control circuitry periodically issues charging fields of short duration in a standby mode. If the coupling detector detects the presence of a conductive material, the algorithm issues a listening window during which a charging field is generated. If an LSK reply signal is received at the LSK demodulator, the external charger can charge the implant in a normal fashion. If a movement signature is detected at the LSK demodulator indicative of a predetermined user movement of the external charger, a charging field is issued for a set timing period, to at least partially charge the IPG battery to restore LSK communications. | 07-18-2013 |
20130245721 | External Controller/Charger System for an Implantable Medical Device Capable of Automatically Providing Data Telemetry Through a Charging Coil During a Charging Session - An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil. | 09-19-2013 |
20130261704 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Sensing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field sensing coils in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, two or more field sensing coils are arranged to sense the reflected magnetic field. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths of the sensing coils, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 10-03-2013 |
20140012352 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 01-09-2014 |
20140022092 | Receiver and Digital Demodulation Circuitry for an External Controller Useable in an Implantable Medical Device System - Receiver and digital demodulation circuitry for an external controller for communicating with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is used to sample received analog data transmitted from the IMD at a lower rate than would otherwise be required for the frequency components in the transmitted data by the Nyquist sampling criteria. To allow for this reduced sampling rate, the incoming data is shifted to a lower intermediate frequency using a switching circuit. The switching circuit receives a clock signal, which is preferably but not necessarily the same clock signal used by the DSP to sample the data. The switching circuit multiplies the received data with the clock signal to produce lower intermediate frequencies, which can then be adequately sampled at the DSP at the reduced sampling rate per the Nyquist sampling criteria. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025139 | Receiver With Dual Band Pass Filters and Demodulation Circuitry for an External Controller Useable in an Implantable Medical Device System - Receiver and demodulation circuitry for an external controller for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The circuitry comprises two high Quality-factor band pass filters (BFPs) connected in series. Each BFP is tuned to a different center frequency, such that these center frequencies are outside the band of frequencies transmitted form the IMD. The resulting frequency response is suitably wide to receive the band without attenuation, but sharply rejects noise outside of the band. The resulting filtered signal is input to a comparator to produce a square wave of the filtered signal, which maintains the frequencies of the received signal and is suitable for input to a digital input of a microcontroller in the external controller. Demodulation of the square wave occurs in the microcontroller, and involves assessing the time between transitions in the square wave. These transmission timings are compared to expected transition times for the logic states in the transmitted data. The results of these comparisons are stored and filtered to remove noise and to recover the transmitted data. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025140 | Self-Affixing External Charging System for an Implantable Medical Device - An external charging system for charging or powering an implantable medical device is disclosed which is self-affixing to the patient without the need for a holding device. The charging system can comprise two modules attached to opposite ends of a flexible member. The flexible member is bendable, and when bent will firmly hold its position on the patient. The two modules can comprise a coil module containing a charging coil, and an electronics module including a user interface and the necessary electronics for activating the charging coil to produce a magnetic charging field. Wires can couple the charging coil in the coil module to the electronics in the electronics modules. The entire assembly can be encased in a water proof sleeve having a high-friction surface, which protects the charging system and helps the charging system to adhere to the patient. | 01-23-2014 |
20140046403 | External Charger Usable with an Implantable Medical Device Having a Programmable or Time-Varying Temperature Set Point - An improved external charger for charging the battery within or providing power to an implantable medical device is disclosed. The improved external charger includes circuitry for detecting the temperature of the external charger and for controlling charging to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature. The external charger in some embodiments includes a user interface for allowing a patient to set the external charger's maximum temperature. The user interface can be used to select either constant maximum temperatures, or can allow the user to choose from a number of stored charging programs, which programs can control the maximum temperature to vary over time. Alternatively, a charging program in the external charger can vary the maximum temperature set point automatically. By controlling the maximum temperature of the external charger during charging in these manners, the time needed to charge can be minimized while still ensuring a temperature that is comfortable for that patient. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046405 | Pressure-Sensitive External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device - An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a sensed pressure impingent on its case, which pressure is indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes pressure detection circuitry coupled to one or more pressure sensors for controlling the external device in accordance with the sensed impingent pressure. The sensed pressure can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger based on the measured pressure, or by issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the measured pressure, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user. | 02-13-2014 |
20140114373 | Intermediate Coupler to Facilitate Charging in an Implantable Medical Device System - An intermediate coupler is used to improve inductive coupling between an external charger and an implantable medical device having a battery requiring charging. The intermediate coupler comprises a coil (inductor) coupled to a capacitor, whose values are chosen to resonate at the frequency of the magnetic field emitted by the external charger. The intermediate coupler preferably contains no power source such as a battery, and can operate passively. When the intermediate coupler receives the magnetic field from the external charger, a current is induced in its coil, and the intermediate coupler generates its own magnetic field which is captured by the implantable medical device and used to charge its battery. | 04-24-2014 |
20140197786 | SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING AN EXTERNAL CHARGER COUPLEABLE TO ACCESSORY CHARGING COILS - An external charger system is disclosed comprising an external charger with an internal charging coil, as well as an output port coupleable to one of a plurality of types of external accessory charging coils of varying shapes and sizes. If the internal charging coil of the external charger is sufficient for a given patient's charging needs, the accessory charging coils may be detached from the external charger, and the external charger may serve as a standalone self-contained external charger. The external charger can automatically detect which of the plurality of types of accessory charging coils is connected, and can adjust its operation accordingly. This versatile design allows the external charger system to be used by large numbers of patients, even if their particular implant charging scenarios are different. | 07-17-2014 |
20140324127 | Implantable Medical Device with Multi-Function Single Coil - A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source. | 10-30-2014 |
20140354211 | Solar-Powered External Charger and Solar-Powered External Charger Cradle for Medical Implantable Device Systems - Disclosed are an external charger including a solar cell array for charging or powering an implantable medical device (IMD), and a cradle including a solar cell array for charging or powering an external charger for charging or powering an implantable medical device. The disclosed improved external charger or improved cradle are particularly beneficial for charging a battery in an external charger used to charge or power an IMD when a power source is otherwise unavailable, such as a wall socket. | 12-04-2014 |
20150054459 | Self-Affixing External Charging System for an Implantable Medical Device - An external charging system for charging or powering an implantable medical device is disclosed which is self-affixing to the patient without the need for a holding device. The charging system can comprise a charging coil attached to a flexible member. The flexible member is bendable, and when bent will firmly hold its position on the patient. The system can include an electronics module including a user interface and the necessary electronics for activating the charging coil to produce a magnetic charging field. Wires can couple the charging coil in the coil module to the electronics in the electronics modules. The entire assembly can be encased in a water proof sleeve having a high-friction surface, which protects the charging system and helps the charging system to adhere to the patient. | 02-26-2015 |