Methods and apparatus for tissue activation and monitoring
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject'"'"'s body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.
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Citations
75 Claims
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1-65. -65. (canceled)
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66. A medical apparatus for interacting with a body, the apparatus comprising:
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a controller-power source with at least a first electrode contacting the body;
a satellite unit for placement within the body, said satellite unit including satellite circuitry connected to at least a second electrode, said second electrode being in electrical contact with the body; and
a single conductor between said controller-power source and said satellite unit, wherein data and power current flow from said controller-power source through said single conductor to said satellite unit, through said second electrode, through the body, through said first electrode, and to said controller-power source. - View Dependent Claims (67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75)
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Specification