TECHNIQUES FOR MINIMIZING RADIOFREQUENCY-INDUCED TISSUE HEATING
First Claim
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1. A method for wirelessly powering a medical device that is located in a living subject, comprising the steps of:
- generating a radiofrequency energy field at a first position outside said subject, said field extending into said subject to energize said device; and
from a second position outside said subject passively reradiating said field generally toward said first position.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for wirelessly powering a medical device in a living subject using external radiofrequency energy. A radiofrequency driving unit outside the subject irradiates the medical device. A passive antenna is positioned outside the subject, generally opposing the driving unit to redirect the field generally toward the device. The reradiating element increases uniformity of the electromagnetic field produced by the driving unit, which reduces local tissue heating in the subject and in personnel attending the subject.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for wirelessly powering a medical device that is located in a living subject, comprising the steps of:
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generating a radiofrequency energy field at a first position outside said subject, said field extending into said subject to energize said device; and from a second position outside said subject passively reradiating said field generally toward said first position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for wirelessly powering a medical device that is located in a living subject that is energized by external radiofrequency energy, comprising:
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a radiofrequency driving unit disposed at a first position outside said subject for generating a radiofrequency energy field, said field extending into said subject to irradiate said device; and a reradiating element disposed in said field at a second position outside said subject to redirect said field generally toward said device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for wirelessly powering a medical device that is located in a living subject, comprising the steps of:
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generating a radiofrequency energy field outside said subject, said field extending into said subject to energize said device; and shielding a portion of said subject from said field, said portion excluding said device. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. An apparatus for wirelessly powering a medical device that is located in a living subject that is energized by external radiofrequency energy, comprising:
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a radiofrequency driving unit disposed at a first position outside said subject for generating a radiofrequency energy field, said field extending into said subject to irradiate said device; and a shield that reduces exposure of a portion of said subject from radiant energy of said field. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification