DETECTION OF IMPLANT FUNCTIONALITY
First Claim
1. A method of testing an ionic polymer-metal composite device implanted within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:
- supplying power to the device in a first testing interval;
measuring an electrical response of the device in the first testing interval;
supplying power to the device continuously following the first testing interval;
supplying power to the device in a second testing interval after the predetermined time;
measuring the electrical response of the device in the second testing interval; and
detecting a functionality of the device based on the electrical response measured in the first and second testing intervals.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for detecting a functionality of a medical device implanted within the human body. A testing method includes delivering power to and measuring an electrical response of ion exchange polymer metal composite (IPMC) material that is part of the implant device in a first testing interval. Power can be transmitted at radio frequencies which penetrate tissue such that direct contact with the implant device is not required. Following the first testing interval, the implant can be powered continuously for a predetermined time. The implant can be powered in a second testing interval and the electrical response can again be measured. A functionality of the implant device can be detected based on the electrical response in the first and second testing intervals. The testing method can be practiced in connection with a handheld device, a retainer, or other suitable apparatus.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method of testing an ionic polymer-metal composite device implanted within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:
-
supplying power to the device in a first testing interval; measuring an electrical response of the device in the first testing interval; supplying power to the device continuously following the first testing interval; supplying power to the device in a second testing interval after the predetermined time; measuring the electrical response of the device in the second testing interval; and detecting a functionality of the device based on the electrical response measured in the first and second testing intervals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A device for testing an ionic polymer-metal composite implant, comprising:
-
a transducer configured to supply power to the implant when the implant is within a patient'"'"'s body; a detector configured to measure an electrical response of the implant within the patient'"'"'s body; and a controller coupled to the transducer and the detector for controlling their respective operations, wherein the controller is configured to perform a test of the implant by supplying power to and measuring the electrical response of the implant in a testing interval, and the controller is configured to detect a functionality of the implant by performing a first test, powering the implant continuously, and performing a second test after the implant is continuously powered. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification