Patent classifications
A61N1/37229
3D Antenna Structure for Directional Independent Wireless Power Transfer for Implantable Medical Devices
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) are described. The IMDs are configured to wirelessly receive power from an electromagnetic field provided by an external charger. The IMDs include a conductive case and a header that is typically non-conductive, and which houses a three dimensional antenna structure configured to couple with the external magnetic field. Currents induced in the antenna structure are used to provide power to the IMD. The three dimensional antenna structure may be configured as a cage structure comprising a first loop antenna proximate and parallel to the front of the header, a second loop antenna proximate and parallel to the back of the header, and a third loop antenna proximate and parallel to the top of the header. The three dimensional antenna structure allows the IMD to effectively receive power from different directions, for example, if the orientation of the IMD is flipped or otherwise shifted within the patient's body.
Antenna assembly for supplying power to an implantable neural stimulator device
An antenna assembly includes a metal layer configured to emit linearly polarized electromagnetic energy to a receiving antenna implanted underneath a subject's skin; and a feed port configured to connect the antenna assembly to a signal generator such that the antenna assembly receives an input signal from the signal generator and then transmits the input signal to the receiving dipole antenna, wherein the antenna assembly is less than 200 um in thickness, and wherein the metal layer is operable as a dipole antenna with a reflection ratio of at least 6 dB, the reflection ratio corresponding to a ratio of a transmission power of the antenna assembly in transmitting the input signal and a reflection power seen by the antenna assembly resulting from electromagnetic emission of the input signal.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO IMPROVE SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING USING CLOSED-LOOP FEEDBACK
Neural stimulation is provided according to a closed loop algorithm to treat sleep disordered breathing (SOB), including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The closed loop algorithm is executed by a system comprising a processor (which can be within the neural stimulator). The closed loop algorithm includes monitoring physiological data (e.g., EMG data) recorded by a sensor implanted adjacent to an anterior lingual muscle; identifying a trigger within the physiological data, wherein the trigger is identified as a biomarker for a condition related to sleep (e.g., inspiration); and applying a rule-based classification (which can learn) to the trigger to determine whether one or more parameters of a stimulation should be altered based on the biomarker.
Wirelessly Powered Stimulator
Wirelessly powered implantable pulse generators (IPG) are described. In an embodiment, a wirelessly powered stimulator, includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG), including: an Rx antenna that receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from an external Tx antenna; a rectifier; an energy storage capacitor C.sub.STOR, where the RF signal coupled to the Rx antenna is rectified by the rectifier to generate VDD and charges the C.sub.STOR; a demodulator; an output voltage regulator that generates a stable voltage to activate the demodulator; and where the demodulator outputs a stimulation that releases the energy stored in the C.sub.STOR on an electrode based on detecting amplitude modulation in the received RF signal; and a Tx antenna that generates the RF signal that wirelessly powers the IPG and that controls timing of output stimulations of the IPG, where amplitude modulation is applied to the RF signal to control the timing of the output stimulations.
Stimulation apparatus
Provided is a medical apparatus for a patient comprising an external system and an implantable system. The external system can be configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal comprising at least power or data. The implantable system can be configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system. The external system comprises a first external device comprising at least one external antenna configured to transmit a first transmission signal to the implantable system. The implantable system comprises a first implantable device comprising at least one implantable antenna configured to receive the first transmission signal from the first external device. At least one of the external antenna or implantable antenna comprises an antenna assembly comprising: at least one transmitting/receiving antenna; and at least one shielding element positioned between the at least one transmitting/receiving antenna and an interfering component.
MEDICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING AN IMPLANTED INTERNAL UNIT, AN EXTERNAL UNIT, AND A METHOD OF INITIATING OPERATION OF EXTERNAL UNIT
A method of initiating operation of an external unit for a medical system further comprising an internal unit implanted into a body of a patient; a transformer core arranged under the skin of the patient; and internal cabling connecting the internal unit and the transformer core, the internal cabling comprising an internal winding around the transformer core, wherein the external unit comprises external cabling including an external winding around the transformer core to allow supply of power from the external unit to the internal unit via the transformer core, the method comprising the steps of: evaluating, by the external unit, a signal indicative of a magnetic flux in the transformer core; when the signal indicates that the magnetic flux in the transformer core is below a predefined threshold flux, providing power to the internal unit by the external unit via the transformer core.
SOUND PROCESSORS
A sound processor comprises one or more electrical signal outputs configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals. The plurality of electrical signals are generated in specific tuned audio frequency bands in respective audio channels, in response to sound information received at the sound processor in the specific tuned audio frequency bands. The sound processor further comprises a transmitter coupled to the one or more electrical signal outputs for transmission of the plurality of electrical signals. The transmitter is configured to transmit the electrical signal in the respective audio channel over a separate respective transcutaneous communication link.
TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODES TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS
Techniques for placing implantable electrodes to treat sleep apnea, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A representative method includes percutaneously implanting one or more signal delivery devices, each at or near a respective target signal delivery location in a patient. Each signal delivery device can include one or more electrodes, and individual ones of the electrodes can be positioned to produce a net positive protrusive motor response of the patient's tongue. The representative method further includes providing power to one or more of the electrodes from a wearable power source to cause the electrode(s) to deliver an electrical signal to the respective target signal delivery location(s) to produce the net positive protrusive motor response.
Spinal cord stimulator system
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on a Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.
Implantable neural interface
A neural interface arrangement has multiple probes for subdural implantation into or onto a human brain. Each probe has at least one sensing electrode, a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry coupled to the electrode(s), and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data signals arising from the electrode(s). An array of coils is implanted above the dura beneath the skull, for inductively coupling with the coil of each probe, and for transmitting power to the probes. A primary coil is connected to the coil array, for inductively coupling with an external transmitter device, and for receiving power from the external transmitter device. In use, the primary coil is operable to receive power from the external transmitter device by inductive coupling and to cause the coil array to transmit power to the probes by inductive coupling, and the probes wirelessly transmit data signals arising from the electrodes.