MEDICAL DEVICE

Abstract

A medical device includes: an implantable unit configured to be at least partly implanted in the body of a user; a transformer core configured to be arranged at least partly under the skin of the user; and an internal cabling configured to connect the implantable unit to the transformer core. The internal cabling includes a first winding around the transformer core; and an external unit configured to be at least partly arranged outside the body of the user, the external unit including: a power supply circuity and a connector coupled to the power supply circuity configured to supply power from the power supply circuity to the implantable unit via the transformer core. The connector includes a first connector part and a second connector part.

Claims

1. Medical device comprising: an implantable unit configured to be at least partly implanted in the body of a user; a transformer core configured to be arranged at least partly under the skin of the user; an internal cabling configured to connect the implantable unit to the transformer core, wherein the internal cabling comprises a first winding around the transformer core; and an external unit configured to be at least partly arranged outside the body of the user, the external unit comprising: a power supply circuity and a connector coupled to the power supply circuity configured to supply power from the power supply circuity to the implantable unit via the transformer core, wherein the connector comprises a first connector part and a second connector part; wherein a first conductor path conductively connecting the power supply circuity and the first connector part, a middle loop conductor path conductively connecting a first section of the second connector part and a second section of the second connector part, wherein the middle loop conductor path preferably at least partly extends in the first connector part; a final conductor path conductively connecting the first connector part and the power supply circuity; wherein the first connector part and the second connector part are joinable to conductively connect the first conductor path and the final conductor path via the middle loop conductor path in series and, wherein a second winding is formable around the transformer core by joining the first connector part and the second connector part.

2. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the medical device further comprises: a second conductor path conductively connecting the first conductor path and the second connector part; a first loop conductor path conductively connecting a first section of the first connector part and a second section of the first connector part; a final loop conductor path conductively connecting a third section of the first connector part and a fourth section of the first connector part; and a third conductor path conductively connecting the second connector part to the final conductor path.

3. Medical device according to claim 2, wherein the first connector part and the second connector part are joinable to conductively connect the second conductor path and the middle loop conductor path via the first loop conductor path in series and to conductively connect the middle loop conductor path and the third conductor path via the final loop conductor path in series.

4. Medical device according to claim 2, wherein the first loop conductor path and the final loop conductor path solely extend in the first connector part.

5. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor path and the final conductor path solely extend in the first connector part.

6. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the first connector part and/or the second connector part are joinable via a plug connection.

7. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the portions of the conductor paths extending in between the first connector part and the second connector part are enclosed at least partially by a protective housing.

8. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the transformer core is substantially circular and/or comprises a through hole.

9. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the device is selected from a group consisting of one or more of a cochlear implant comprising an implantable electrode array configured to be positioned within a cochlea of the user, the electrode array being configured to deliver electrical charges in accordance with the output, an auditory transmodiolar implant comprising an implantable electrode array configured to be positioned within a modiolus of the user, the electrode array being configured to deliver electrical charges in accordance with the output, an auditory brainstem implant comprising an implantable electrode array configured to be implanted directly onto brainstem, the electrode array being configured to deliver the electrical charges in accordance with the output, a bone conduction hearing aid comprising an implantable vibrator configured to be attached to skull of the user, the vibrator being configured to generate vibrations in accordance with the output, a middle ear implant comprising a vibratory unit configured to attach to one of the bones of the middle ear and/or to one of the windows of the cochlea, the vibratory unit being configured to generate vibrations in accordance with the output, an artificial pacemaker comprising an electrode array configured to deliver electrical charges in accordance with the output; an implantable ventricular assist device comprising a pump configured to be attached to a user's heart, the pump being configured to provide blood flow within user's body; an implantable drug delivery system comprising an implantable capsule comprising a drug and a pump that is configured to attach to the implantable capsule and release, through a pumping action, a predefined amount of drug from the capsule to the user's body; and an implantable brain computer interface system comprising an implantable sensor adapted to capture neural signals in response to brain activity.

10. Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the medical device is an implantable hearing aid system and the external unit further comprises a housing and an earhook attached to the housing.

11. Medical device according to claim 10, wherein the power supply circuity is arranged inside the housing.

12. Medical device according to claim 10, wherein the first connector part is at least partly arranged inside the earhook and wherein the earhook comprises a port, in particular a plug port, to connect the first connector part and the second connector part.

13. Medical device according to claim 9, wherein the first connector part is at least partly arranged inside the earhook and wherein the earhook comprises a port, in particular a plug port, to connect the first connector part and the second connector part, and wherein the second connector part is at least partly arranged inside the earhook and wherein at least a part of the earhook is configured to be inserted through the through hole of the transformer core.

14. Medical device according to claim 10, wherein the transformer core is configured to be implanted fully or partially within a part of an ear of the user.

15. Medical device according to claim 10, wherein the external unit is a Behind-The-Ear hearing aid, an In-The-Ear hearing aid, or an earhook hearing aid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] The aspects of the disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just show details to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspect may each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a medical device comprising a first and a second connector part;

[0052] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a detail view of a first embodiment of a part of an external unit;

[0053] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detail view of a second embodiment of a part of an external unit;

[0054] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an external unit of a second embodiment of a medical device being an implantable hearing aid system;

[0055] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an external unit of a third embodiment of a medical device being an implantable hearing aid system;

[0056] FIG. 6 schematically shows the external unit depicted in FIG. 5 attached to the ear of a user;

[0057] FIG: 7 schematically shows the external unit; and

[0058] FIG: 8 schematically shows another example of the external unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and methods are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). Depending upon particular application, design constraints or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer program, or any combination thereof.

[0060] The electronic hardware may include micro-electronic-mechanical systems (MEMS), integrated circuits (e.g. application specific), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCB) (e.g. flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure, e.g. sensors, e.g. for sensing and/or registering physical properties of the environment, the device, the user, etc. Computer program shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0061] The medical device may be a hearing device (or hearing instrument, hearing assistance device) which may be or include a hearing aid that is adapted to improve or augment the hearing capability of a user by receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings, generating a corresponding audio signal, possibly modifying the audio signal and providing the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one of the user's ears. ‘Improving or augmenting the hearing capability of a user’ may include compensating for an individual user's specific hearing loss. The “hearing device” may further refer to a device such as a hearable, an earphone or a headset adapted to receive an audio signal electronically, possibly modifying the audio signal and providing the possibly modified audio signals as an audible signal to at least one of the user's ears. Such audible signals may be provided in the form of an acoustic signal radiated into the user's outer ear, or an acoustic signal transferred as mechanical vibrations to the user's inner ears through bone structure of the user's head and/or through parts of the middle ear of the user or electric signals transferred directly or indirectly to the cochlear nerve and/or to the auditory cortex of the user.

[0062] A “hearing system” refers to a system comprising one or two hearing devices, and a “binaural hearing system” or a “bimodal hearing system” refers to a system comprising two hearing devices where the devices are adapted to cooperatively provide audible signals to both of the user's ears either by acoustic stimulation only, acoustic and mechanical stimulation, mechanical stimulation only, acoustic and electrical stimulation, mechanical and electrical stimulation or only electrical stimulation. The hearing system, the binaural hearing system or the bimodal hearing system may further include one or more auxiliary device(s) that communicates with at least one hearing device, the auxiliary device affecting the operation of the hearing devices and/or benefitting from the functioning of the hearing devices. A wired or wireless communication link between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device is established that allows for exchanging information (e.g. control and status signals, possibly audio signals) between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device. Such auxiliary devices may include at least one of a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, a wireless communication device, e.g. a mobile phone (such as a smartphone) or a tablet or another device, e.g. comprising a graphical interface, a public-address system, a car audio system or a music player, or a combination thereof. The audio gateway may be adapted to receive a multitude of audio signals such as from an entertainment device like a TV or a music player, a telephone apparatus like a mobile telephone or a computer, e.g. a PC. The auxiliary device may further be adapted to (e.g. allow a user to) select and/or combine an appropriate one of the received audio signals (or combination of signals) for transmission to the at least one hearing device. The remote control is adapted to control functionality and/or operation of the at least one hearing device. The function of the remote control may be implemented in a smartphone or other (e.g. portable) electronic device, the smartphone / electronic device possibly running an application (APP) that controls functionality of the at least one hearing device.

[0063] In general, a hearing device includes i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal, and/or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving an input audio signal. The hearing device further includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence on the processed audio signal.

[0064] The input unit may include multiple input microphones, e.g. for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. Such directional microphone system is adapted to (relatively) enhance a target acoustic source among a multitude of acoustic sources in the user's environment and/or to attenuate other sources (e.g. noise). In one aspect, the directional system is adapted to detect (such as adaptively detect) from which direction a particular part of the microphone signal originates. This may be achieved by using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may include an amplifier that is adapted to apply a frequency dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may further be adapted to provide other relevant functionality such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unit may include an output transducer such as a loudspeaker/receiver for providing an air-borne acoustic signal to the ear of the user, a mechanical stimulation applied transcutaneously or percutaneously to the skull bone, an electrical stimulation applied to auditory nerve fibers of a cochlea of the user. In some hearing devices, the output unit may include one or more output electrodes for providing the electrical stimulations such as in a Cochlear Implant, or the output unit may include one or more vibrators for providing the mechanical stimulation to the skull bone.

[0065] Now referring to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a medical device 100 comprising a wireless transcutaneous link. The medical device 100 comprises an implantable unit 102 configured to be at least partly implanted in the body of a user. Furthermore, the medical device comprises an external unit 104 configured to be at least partly arranged outside the body of a user. Additionally, the medical device 100 comprises a transformer core 106 which is arranged at least partly under the skin 108 of the user.

[0066] The transformer core 106 is substantially circular and comprises a substantially circular through hole 110. Additionally, a hole 112 is pierced into the skin 108, wherein the pierced hole 112 in the skin 108 goes through the through hole 110 of the transformer core 106.

[0067] The implantable or internal unit 102 is connected via an internal cabling 114 to the transformer core 106. The internal cabling 114 comprises a first winding 113 around the transformer core 106.

[0068] The external unit 104 of the medical device 100 comprises a power supply circuity 116 and a connector 118 coupled to the power supply circuity 116 via a conductor path 120. The connector 118 comprises a first connector part 122 and a second connector part 124. The first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 are conductively connected to each other via at least one conductor path. The at least one conductor path preferably is enclosed by a protective cover or a protective housing 126. The second connector part 124 is movable through the pierced hole 112 in the skin 108 and thus also through the through hole 110 of the transformer core 106, whereby a second winding 115 is formable around the transformer core 106 in a reliable and convenient manner.

[0069] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a detail view of a first embodiment of a part of an external unit 104. As described in FIG. 1 the external unit 104 comprises a power supply circuity 116, a first connector part 122 and a second connector part 124. The external unit 104 comprises a first conductor path 128 for conductively connecting the power supply circuity 116 to the first connector part 122. Additionally a middle loop conductor path 134 conductively connects a first section 136 and a second section 138 of the second connector part 124, wherein the middle loop conductor path 134 partly extends in the first connector part 122. Additionally, a final conductor path 144 conductively connects the first connector part 122 and the power supply circuity 116. When joining the first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 along arrow 146 through the through hole 110 of the transformer core 106, a second winding 115 is formable around the transformer core 106. This embodiment allows for at least one loop being formed around the transformer core 106 via the second winding 115. In particular, the first conductor path 128 is connected via the first portion 136 to middle loop conductor path 134 and the middle loop conductor path 134 is connected via the second portion 138 to the final conductor path 144.

[0070] Connecting the first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 to each other and activating a voltage of the power supply circuity 116 leads to a time varying magnetic flux being formed in the transformer core 106 via the second winding 115 transferring energy to the internal unit 102 via the internal winding 114.

[0071] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detail view of a second embodiment of a part of an external unit 106. Differing from the first embodiment of a part of the external unit 106 depicted in FIG. 2, the medical device 100 further comprises a second conductor path 130 conductively connecting the first conductor path 128 and the second connector part 124; a first loop conductor path 132 conductively connecting a first section 148 of the first connector part 122 and a second section 150 of the first connector part 122; a final loop conductor path 140 conductively connecting a third section 152 of the first connector part 122 and a fourth section 154 of the first connector part 122; and a third conductor path 142 conductively connecting the second connector part 124 to the final conductor path 144.

[0072] When joining the first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 along arrow 146 through the through hole 110 of the transformer core 106, a second winding 115 is formable around the transformer core 106. This embodiment allows at least one more loop being formed around the transformer core 106 via the second winding 115 in comparison to the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

[0073] Connecting the first connector part 122 to the second connector part 124 leads to a conductive connection between the second conductor path 130 and the middle loop conductor path 134 via the first loop conductor path 132 and to a conductive connection between the middle loop conductor path 134 and the third conductor path 142 via the final loop conductor path 140.

[0074] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a medical device 100 being an implantable hearing aid system, wherein the external unit 104 comprises a housing 156 and an earhook 158 attached to the housing 156. The power supply circuity 116 is arranged inside the housing 156 of the implantable hearing aid system. The first connector part 122 is arranged inside the earhook 158 and conductively connected to the second connector part 124 as displayed in FIG. 2 or 3. The earhook 158 comprises a plug port 160 in which the second connector part 124 may be plugged in order to connect the first connector part 122 to the second connector part 124. The portions in between the first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 are enclosed by a protective cover or housing 126.

[0075] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of a medical device 100 being an implantable hearing aid system. Differing from the second embodiment of a medical device 100 being illustrated in FIG. 4, the second connector part 124 is also arranged inside the earhook 158. As shown in FIG. 6, the earhook 158 may be inserted through the pierced hole 112 in the skin 108 of an ear 162 of the user and thus also through the through hole 110 of the transformer core 106, whereby a second winding 115 is formable around the transformer core 106 in a reliable and convenient manner. In order to connect the second connector part 124 with the first connector part 122, the tip of the earhook 158 may be plugged into a plug port 160.

[0076] FIG. 7 shows the external unit 104 comprising a housing 156 and an earhook 158 attached to the housing 156. The power supply circuity 116 is arranged inside the housing 156 of the implantable hearing aid system. The first connector part 122 is arranged inside the housing 156 and conductively connected to the second connector part 124 as displayed in FIG. 2 or 3. The housing 156 comprises a plug port 160 in which the second connector part 124 may be plugged in order to connect the first connector part 122 to the second connector part 124. The portions in between the first connector part 122 and the second connector part 124 are enclosed by a protective cover or housing 126. In this present example, the plug port 160 and the first connector part are arranged in vicinity to a battery of the external 104 or to a lower part of the external unit 104. The pierced hole 112 is in the skin of an ear flip of the ear (i.e. lobule). FIG. 8 illustrates a similar example where the external unit 104 is an in-the-ear hearing aid.

A Computer Program:

[0077] A computer program (product) comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out (steps of) the method described above, in the ‘detailed description of embodiments’ and in the claims is furthermore provided by the present application. </mention relevant parts of the method that may be implemented in software; if not all/>

A Computer Readable Medium

[0078] In an aspect, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a tangible computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium includes computer storage media adapted to store a computer program comprising program codes, which when run on a processing system causes the data processing system to perform at least some (such as a majority or all) of the steps of the method described above, in the description and in the claims.

[0079] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. In addition to being stored on a tangible medium, the computer program can also be transmitted via a transmission medium such as a wired or wireless link or a network, e.g. the Internet, and loaded into a data processing system for being executed at a location different from that of the tangible medium. </mention relevant parts of the method that may be implemented in software; if not all/>

A Data Processing System

[0080] In an aspect, a data processing system comprising a processor adapted to execute the computer program for causing the processor to perform at least some (such as a majority or all) of the steps of the method described above and in the claims.

[0081] It is intended that the structural features of the devices described above, either in the detailed description and/or in the claims, may be combined with steps of the method, when appropriately substituted by a corresponding process.

[0082] As used, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e. to have the meaning “at least one”), unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but an intervening element may also be present, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method are not limited to the exact order stated herein, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0083] It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an aspect” or features included as “may” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

[0084] Accordingly, the scope should be judged in terms of the claims that follow.