Implantable device having an electrolytic storage electrode
First Claim
1. In an implantable device, means for receiving electromagnetic energy and to convert such electromagnetic energy to electrical energy, internal electrical circuitry, capacitor means connected to receive and store at least a portion of said electrical energy and connected to provide at least a portion of said stored energy to said internal electrical circuitry, and wherein said capacitor means comprises an electrolytic, capacitive electrode adapted for disposal at least partially in body fluids.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrolytic, capacitive electrode, adapted to be disposed in body fluids when implanted, is used to store electrical energy for use in providing electrical energy to at least a portion of the internal electrical circuitry of an implantable device. Substantial capacitance is provided, particularly when constructed of anodized, porous tantalum with a counterelectrode of activated iridium. Such capacitive electrodes, exposed outside the implantable device, alleviate the requirement for space for a storage capacitor within miniature, implantable devices and may also serve as stimulating electrodes.
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Citations
38 Claims
- 1. In an implantable device, means for receiving electromagnetic energy and to convert such electromagnetic energy to electrical energy, internal electrical circuitry, capacitor means connected to receive and store at least a portion of said electrical energy and connected to provide at least a portion of said stored energy to said internal electrical circuitry, and wherein said capacitor means comprises an electrolytic, capacitive electrode adapted for disposal at least partially in body fluids.
- 12. In an implantable device, means for receiving electrical energy, internal electrical circuitry, capacitor means connected to receive and store at least a portion of said energy as an energy source for at least a portion of said internal electrical circuitry of said device, and wherein said capacitor means comprises an electrolytic, capacitive electrode connected to provide at least a portion of said electrical energy to said internal electrical circuitry and adapted to be disposed at least partially in body fluids.
- 19. In an implantable device, internal electrical circuitry, means for receiving electrical energy, capacitor means connected to receive electrical energy from said means for receiving electrical energy and connected to store at least a portion of said electrical energy, and wherein said capacitor means is connected to provide energy for at least a portion of said internal electrical circuitry of said device, and wherein said capacitor means comprises at least one electrolytic, capacitive electrode and a counterelectrode, each adapted to be disposed at least partially in body fluids, and wherein said electrodes are connected and adapted to provide stimulating pulses to the body.
- 23. In an implantable device, means for receiving electromagnetic energy and to provide therefrom electrical energy, capacitor means connected to receive and store at least a portion of said electrical energy, said capacitor means connected to provide electrical energy for said implantable device, and wherein said capacitor means comprises an electrolytic, capacitive electrode adapted to be at least partially disposed in body fluids.
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36. In an implantable device, internal electrical circuitry, said device further comprising capacitor means for storing electrical energy, said capacitor means comprising an electrolytic, capacitive electrode, said electrode adapted to be disposed at least partially in body fluids and wherein said capacitor means is connected to provide at least a portion of the electrical energy utilized by said implantable device.
- 37. The method of storing electrical energy in an implanted device for providing at least a portion of the electrical energy for said device, comprising providing an electrolytic, capacitive electrode disposed at least partially in body fluids and storing said electrical energy by charging said electrolytic, capacitive electrode, and discharging said electrolytic, capacitive electrode to provide said electrical energy.
Specification