ACOUSTIC SWITCH AND APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USING ACOUSTIC SWITCHES

• US 20060142819A1
• Filed: 03/06/2006
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies Ltd. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies Ltd. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Penner, Avi, Doron, Eyal
• Granted Patent: US 7,617,001 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0257 using atmospheric pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0412 Low-profile patch shaped housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/00 Measuring for diagnostic purposes radiation diagnosis A61B6/00; diagnosis by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves A61B8/00; Identification of persons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0215 by means inserted into the body catheters A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/076 Permanent implantations telemetry using implanted circuitry A61B5/0031; implanted stimulators for therapy A61N1/3605, A61N1/362, A61N1/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4281 characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4472 Wireless probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/56 Details of data transmission or power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37217 characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37235 Aspects of the external programmer
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37252 : Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 : from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 : Radio telemetry

Abstract

Systems and methods for communicating with an implant within a patient'"'"'s body using acoustic telemetry includes an external communications device attachable to the patient'"'"'s skin. The device includes an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic signals into the patient'"'"'s body and/or for receiving acoustic signals from the implant. The device includes a battery for providing electrical energy to operate the device, a processor for extracting data from acoustic signals received from the implant, and memory for storing the data. The device may include an interface for communicating with a recorder or computer, e.g., to transfer data from the implant and/or to receive instructions for controlling the implant. The device is secured to the patient'"'"'s skin for controlling, monitoring, or otherwise communicating with the implant, while allowing the patient to remain mobile.

Claims

1. A system for activating an implant within a body, comprising:

an external controller for contacting an exterior surface of a patients body, the controller comprising a first acoustic transducer for transmitting a first acoustic signal into the patient'"'"'s body, and an energy source for powering the first acoustic transducer; and

an implant for placement within the patient'"'"'s body, the implant comprising an electrical circuit configured for performing one or more commands when the implant is activated, an energy storage device, a switch coupled to the electrical circuit and the energy storage device, and a second acoustic transducer coupled to the switch, the second acoustic transducer configured for receiving the first acoustic signal from the first acoustic transducer, the switch being closed in response to the first acoustic signal to allow current flow from the energy storage device to the electrical circuit.

2-38. -38. (canceled)