Electromagnetic noise detector for implantable medical devices
First Claim
1. An electromagnetic interference detector for use in a medical device that is implantable within a patient, comprising:
- a. a receiver whereby electromagnetic interference signals are received;
b. an antenna as part of the receiver and on which the interference signals are received;
c. a signal detector that detects the presence of the received interference signals, the detector being independent of any other circuitry of the implantable medical device; and
d. signal processing circuitry that comprises a threshold detector that selects those portions of the detected interference signals that are above a designated threshold value of a signal feature and provides a signal that depends on the presence of electromagnetic interference above the threshold value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and method for detecting electromagnetic interference (EMI), or noise, that may disrupt the proper operation of medical devices implantable in patients, such as cardiac stimulators. Circuitry of the detector of the invention is independent of other circuitry of the medical device. EMI is magnetically induced on an antenna that may be within the metal housing of the device in a receiver circuit, and the EMI signals are output to the noise detector. A variety of alert signals may be provided to the medical device circuitry to warn of the presence of EMI so that appropriate responses may be taken to insure the safety of the patient dependent on the device. The detector may share the telemetry antenna of the medical device, or utilize a separate, dedicated antenna to receive EMI. Alternative antennas external to the metal housing of the medical device include leads from the device to the heart of the patient, and a dedicated antenna in the non-metal header of the device.
484 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An electromagnetic interference detector for use in a medical device that is implantable within a patient, comprising:
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a. a receiver whereby electromagnetic interference signals are received; b. an antenna as part of the receiver and on which the interference signals are received; c. a signal detector that detects the presence of the received interference signals, the detector being independent of any other circuitry of the implantable medical device; and d. signal processing circuitry that comprises a threshold detector that selects those portions of the detected interference signals that are above a designated threshold value of a signal feature and provides a signal that depends on the presence of electromagnetic interference above the threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of detecting electromagnetic interference in a medical device that is implantable in a patient, comprising the following steps:
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a. providing a receiver circuit, including an antenna; b. providing an electromagnetic interference detector that is independent of any other circuitry of the medical device; c. detecting electromagnetic interference signals received on the antenna, using the detector; d. processing the detected interference signals, including comparing them to a designated threshold value of a signal feature; and e. providing a communication to the medical device that depends on the presence of interference above the threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification