WIRELESSLY-POWERED IMPLANTABLE EMG RECORDING SYSTEM

• US 20140088379A1
• Filed: 07/31/2013
• Published: 03/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation (The Trustees of Purdue University (d/b/a Purdue University))
• Original Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation (The Trustees of Purdue University (d/b/a Purdue University))
• Inventors: Irazoqui, Pedro, Bercich, Rebecca
• Granted Patent: US 11,737,896 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/302
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• 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: A61F 2/72 Bioelectric control, e.g. myoelectric

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for the measurement and transmission of data pertaining to the tissue of an animal. In one embodiment, there is an implantable device that is wirelessly powered and also wirelessly transmits data. Preferably, the implant measures neuromuscular activity.

Claims

1. An electronic device implantable in an animal, comprising:

a radio frequency antenna adapted and configured to transmit an RF signal;

a digital controller transmitting data by said antenna;

a pair of spaced-apart electrodes each in electrical communication with the tissue of the animal and each providing an electrical signal to said controller corresponding to the electrical activity of the tissue;

a source of electrical power to power said controller; and

a biocompatible housing encasing said antenna, said controller, said source, and at least a portion of each said electrode.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said controller includes an application specific integrated circuit.

3. The device of claim 1 which further comprises a rectifier operably connected to said source, wherein said antenna is adapted and configured to receive a radio frequency signal external to the animal and provide the external signal to said rectifier

4. The device of claim 1 wherein a part of each said electrode not encased in said housing is in contact with the tissue.

7. The device of claim 1 which further comprises a trochanter having a cylindrical pocket, wherein the shape of said housing is adapted and configured to fit within the pocket.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

8. A method for an electronic device implantable in an animal, comprising:

providing an electrical circuit, an electrical storage device, and a transmitter;

receiving an RF signal at a first predetermined frequency;

storing electrical energy received by the antenna in the storage device;

encoding data from the electrical circuit at the RF frequency with the transmitter; and

transmitting the encoded data.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said providing includes an antenna, and said receiving is by the antenna and said transmitting is with the antenna.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said storing is by rectifying the received RF signal.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. An electronic device implantable in an animal, comprising:

a digital controller wirelessly transmitting data from within the animal;

a wirelessly replenished source of electrical power for powering said controller, said source storing electrical power in an ion absorption-type capacitor; and

a biocompatible housing encasing said controller and said source.

17. The device of claim 14 which further comprises a first radio frequency antenna providing power to said source.

19. The device of claim 14 which further comprises a single radio frequency antenna providing power to said source and transmitting the data.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. An electronic device implantable in an animal, comprising:

a radio frequency antenna adapted and configured to transmit an RF signal;

a digital controller transmitting data by said antenna;

a source of electrical power to power said controller;

a rectifier operably connected to said source, wherein said antenna is adapted and configured to receive a radio frequency signal external to the animal and provide the external signal to said rectifier; and

a biocompatible housing encasing said antenna, said controller, and said source.

27. The device of claim 26 wherein said controller includes an application specific integrated circuit.

28. The device of claim 26 which further comprises a trochanter having a cylindrical pocket, wherein the shape of said housing is adapted and configured to fit within the pocket.