Antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device, system and method

• US 20070255349A1
• Filed: 04/28/2006
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Kast, John, Kelly, Kevin, Goblish, Todd, Torgerson, Nathan
• Granted Patent: US 7,962,211 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/61
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37229 Shape or location of the implanted or external antenna
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

System, method and antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A housing has a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. A primary coil is operatively coupled to the external power and is capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil, the primary coil being wound forming generally concentric loops having an axis. The housing has a protrusion extending from the first surface.

Claims

1. An antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to said therapeutic componentry, comprising:

a housing having a first surface adapted to be placed closest to said secondary coil of said implantable medical device; and

a primary coil operatively coupled to said external power and being capable of inductively energizing said secondary coil, said primary coil being wound forming generally concentric loops having an axis;

said housing having a protrusion extending from said first surface.

2. The antenna of claim 1 wherein said protrusion is a central protrusion centrally located with respect to said axis of said primary coil.

3. The antenna of claim 2 wherein said central protrusion comprises a magnetic core.

4. The antenna of claim 2 further comprising a magnetic core at least partially contained in said central protrusion.

5. The antenna of claim 2 wherein said housing further has a peripheral protrusion extending from said first surface at least partially surrounding an outer periphery of said primary coil.

6. The antenna of claim 5 wherein said peripheral protrusion comprises a plurality of bumps, spaced from each other, surrounding said outer periphery of said primary coil and extending from said first surface.

7. The antenna of claim 5 wherein said peripheral protrusion extends from said first surface approximately one-half centimeter.

8. The antenna of claim 5 wherein said peripheral protrusion extends from said first surface not greater than central protrusion extends from said first surface.

9. The antenna of claim 8 wherein said peripheral protrusion extends from said first surface less than said central protrusion extends from said first surface.

10. The antenna of claim 8 wherein said peripheral protrusion extends from said first surface approximately one-half of the distance said central protrusion extends from said first surface.

11. The antenna of claim 2 wherein said protrusion is generally aligned with said axis of said primary coil.

12. The antenna of claim 11 wherein said protrusion has a circular cross-section.

13. The antenna of claim 12 wherein said protrusion has a round tip.

14. The antenna of claim 12 wherein said protrusion is conical.

15. The antenna of claim 11 wherein a diameter of said circular cross-section of said protrusion is not greater than a distance between an inner periphery of said primary coil.

16. The antenna of claim 1 wherein said protrusion extends from said first surface approximately one-half centimeter.

17. The antenna of claim 1 wherein an extent of extension of said protrusion from said first surface is adjustable.

18. The antenna of claim 17 wherein said protrusion comprises a screw having threads adapted to mate with corresponding threads of said housing.

19. The antenna of claim 17 wherein said protrusion comprises a ratchet plunger having mating teeth features to mate with corresponding teeth of said housing.

20. A system for transcutaneous energy transfer, comprising:

an implantable medical device, comprising;

a therapeutic componentry; and

a secondary coil operatively coupled to said therapeutic componentry; and

an external power source, comprising;

a primary coil capable of inductively energizing said secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of said secondary coil; and

an antenna as in claim 1.

21. A method of transcutaneous energy transfer to a medical device implanted in a patient having a secondary charging coil using an external power source having a housing containing a primary coil, said housing having a first surface nearest to said secondary coil, said housing having a protrusion extending from said first surface, comprising the steps of:

positioning said primary coil externally of said patient with respect to said secondary coil;

pressing said protrusion against skin of said patient;

transferring energy transcutaneously from said primary coil to said secondary coil.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said protrusion is a central protrusion centrally located with respect to said axis of said primary coil.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said pressing step further comprises pressing said first surface against said skin of said patient.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of adjusting a distance of extension of said protrusion.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein said pressing step further comprise pressing a peripheral protrusion extending from said first surface at least partially surrounding an outer periphery of said primary coil against said skin of said patient.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein said peripheral protrusion comprises a plurality of bumps, spaced from each other, surrounding said outer periphery of said primary coil and extending from said first surface.

27. The method of claim 22 wherein said housing further has a peripheral protrusion extending from said first surface at least partially surrounding an outer periphery of said primary coil and which further comprises the step of pressing said peripheral protrusion against said skin of said patient.

28. The method of claim 22 wherein said central protrusion comprises a magnetic core.

29. The method of claim 22 wherein said housing further comprises a magnetic core carried at least partially in said central protrusion.