Device for controlling, regulating and/or putting an active implant into operation

• US 20040023623A1
• Filed: 05/06/2003
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wittenstein AG
• Original Assignee: Wittenstein AG
• Inventors: Stauch, Roman, Wittenstein, Manfred
• Application Number:
  US10/416,196
• Publication Number:
  US 20040023623A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/115.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7216 for bone lengthening or compression A61B17/7258 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3067 for data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0002 for data transfer

Abstract

A device for controlling, regulating an/or putting an active implant, especially a distraction device, into operation which can be implanted together with a receiver and to which data and/or power can be provided from the exterior via a transmitter. The device is further characterized in that the receiver can be directly placed on the implant in such a manner that it can be detached, or it can be linked with the implant.

Claims

1. A device for controlling, regulating and/or putting an active implant (1) into operation, especially a distraction device, which can be implanted with a receiver unit (2) and to which data and/or power can be supplied from the outside via a transmitter unit (3), characterized in that the receiver unit (2) can be placed directly on the implant (1) in such a way that it can be detached again or can be made to adjoin the implant (1).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, after inserting the implant (1) into a medullary space of a limb (9) of a bone, the receiver unit (2) can be connected to establish electrical contacts or connections for power transmission and/or data exchange, if appropriate bidirectionally.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) can be connected to the implant (1) end-on in such a way that it can be detached again.

4. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) has at least one offset (4) for the internal contacting and transmission of data and/or power to the implant (1), adjoined by a thread (5), if appropriate with a centering means, or if appropriate bayonet fasteners, plug-in latching connections or the like.

5. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the implant (1) is provided at the end face with a corresponding internal thread (7) and a corresponding contact area (6) for contacts of at least one offset (4) of the receiver unit (2).

6. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) is formed in a cross-sectionally round and elongate manner.

7. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) can be connected in such a way that it can be detached again to an end piece (8) of the implant (1), in particular can be connected in such a way that it can be detached again.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) can be screwed into the end piece (8) to establish the mechanical and electrical connection as an interface from the receiver unit (2) to the implant (1).

9. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) can be connected to the implant (1) in such a way that it can be exchanged and replaced at any time.

10. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that power is supplied from the outside via the transmitter unit (3), in particular by means of inductive power transmission, to the receiver unit (2), which feeds the inductively coupled-in power to the implant (1) for putting a drive device into operation, especially a micromotor.

11. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiver unit (2) transmits data, such as telemetric data of sensor signals, path signals, force signals, to the transmitter unit (3), also bidirectionally.

12. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transmitter unit (3) is formed in the manner of a cuff, in the manner of a circular ring, and if appropriate extends coaxially over the receiver unit (2) for the exchange of power and/or data.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the transmitter unit (3) is formed flexibly or rigidly and can be placed onto the limbs (9) coaxially, laterally or end-on from the outside.

14. The device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a power transmission and/or a data exchange take place inductively between the receiver unit (2) and the implant (1), if appropriate also bidirectionally.