摘要:
The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action.
摘要:
An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
摘要:
An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
摘要:
An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with on-off keying (OOK) modulation to transmit control data. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the control data in accordance with the OOK modulation. An exemplary method of communicating with an implantable stimulator includes modulating a signal with control data using OOK modulation and transmitting the signal to the implantable stimulator.
摘要:
An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with either on-off keying (OOK) modulation or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the OOK modulation and a second telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the FSK modulation.
摘要:
An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
摘要:
An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, e.g., neurological disorders, uses a self-contained power source such as a primary battery, a rechargeable battery, or other energy sources. For the rechargeable battery, and other energy sources that may require a periodic or occasional replenishment, such recharging or replenishment is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A suitable bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator system to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the system, including the charge level of the power source, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry within the microstimulator automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case. Further, the case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
摘要:
Battery management circuitry for an implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator is described. The circuitry has a T-shape with respect to the battery terminal, with charging circuitry coupled between rectifier circuitry and the battery terminal on one side of the T, and load isolation circuitry coupled between the load and the battery terminal on the other side. The load isolation circuitry can comprise two switches wired in parallel. An undervoltage fault condition opens both switches to isolate the battery terminal from the load to prevent further dissipation of the battery. Other fault conditions will open only one the switches leaving the other closed to allow for reduced power to the load to continue implant operations albeit at safer low-power levels. The battery management circuitry can be fixed in a particular location on an integrated circuit which also includes for example the stimulation circuitry for the electrodes.
摘要:
An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bi-directional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.
摘要:
An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicate with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit, extra circuitry can easily be added off chip to modify or add functionality to the IPG without the need for a major redesign of the main IPG IC.