Implantable medical power module

• US 6,894,456 B2
• Filed: 12/05/2002
• Issued: 05/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Quallion, LLC (EnerSys)
• Original Assignee: Quallion, LLC (EnerSys)
• Inventors: Tsukamoto, Hisashi, Tan, Pang Hoo
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward H.
• Application Number:
  US10/310,390
• Publication Number:
  US 20030085684A1
• Time in Patent Office: 894 Days
• Field of Search: 607/116, 607/119, 320/107, 320/112, 320/114, 320/115, 320/150, 320/153
• US Class Current: 320/107
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/613 Cooling or keeping cold
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/623 Portable devices, e.g. mobile telephones, cameras or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6554 Rods or plates
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/658 by thermal insulation or shielding
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/659 by heat storage or buffering, e.g. heat capacity or liquid-solid phase changes or transition
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00034 Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00302 Overcharge protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00304 Overcurrent protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00306 Overdischarge protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00309 Overheat or overtemperature protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

Disclosed is a medically implantable integrated biocompatible power module incorporating a power source (e.g., battery), a power management circuit (PMC), a magnetically inductive coupling system (MICS) for remote communication and/or inductive charging and a homing device for locating the implanted inductive charging coil. Three configurations are disclosed, each generally suitable for a specified range of energy capacities. The implantable power module (IPM) allows for improved design flexibility for medical devices since the power source may be located remotely and be recharged safely in situ. Special safety aspects may be incorporated, including endothermic phase change heat absorption material (HAM), emergency energy disconnect and emergency energy drain circuits. Communication (one or two way) may be carried out using the inductive charging link, a separate inductive pathway, or other pathway such as RF or via light waves. Homing devices and other means for precisely locating the IPM and/or MICS are disclosed.

Claims

1. An implantable power module comprising:

a hermetically scaled biocompatible case;

an electrochemical energy storage device housed within said case;

a power management circuit housed within said case;

a couple for remotely communicating with said power module;

said couple electrically connected to said power management circuit;

and at least one connector for functionally interconnecting said electrochemical energy storage device to an implantable medical device;

wherein

said power management circuit manages the safety and operation of said implantable power module;

said power management circuit senses acid responds to one or more of the following conditions;

overcharging, over-discharging, excessive battery temperature, abnormal voltage, and abnormal current; and

said power management circuit response comprises;

disconnecting said electrochemical energy storage device from at least one electrical circuit; and

connecting the terminals of said energy storage device to an energy-drain circuit to rapidly deplete the energy content of said energy storage device.

2. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said energy-drain circuit comprises at least a portion of said couple.

3. The implantable power module of claim 2 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil.

4. The implantable power module of claim 1, further comprising:

a heat absorption material in thermal contact with said energy drain circuit.

5. The implantable power module of claim 4 wherein said heat absorption material comprises a phase change material having an endothermic phase change at about between 50°

C. to 80°

C.

6. The implantable power module of claim 5 wherein said heat absorption material comprises paraffin.

7. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said power management circuit comprises a data processing circuit.

8. The implantable power module of claim 1 further comprising a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted.

9. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said power management circuit further comprises said homing device for locating said power module.

10. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises magnetic material.

11. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one passive transponder.

12. The implantable module of claim 11 wherein said at least one passive transponder comprises at least one microchip.

13. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one active transponder.

14. The implantable power module of claim 13 wherein said at least one active transponder comprises at least one microchip.

15. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter.

16. The implantable power module of claim 15 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted further comprises an initiator circuit responsive to a signal from outside said power module, wherein said initiator circuit switches on said radio frequency transmitter upon receiving said signal from outside said power module.

17. The implantable power module of claim 16 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a radio frequency signal.

18. The implantable power module of claim 16 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a magnetic field.

19. The implantable power module of claim 16 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises an audio signal.

20. The implantable power module of claim 16 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a light signal.

21. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a metal object wherein said metal object is detectible trauscutaneously with a metal detector.

22. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a light-producing device detectable transcutaneously.

23. The implantable power module of claim 22 wherein said light-producing device comprises at leant on light-emitting diode.

24. The implantable power module of claim 22 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 400 to 700 nm range.

25. The implantable power module of claim 22 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 0.8 to 2.5 μ

m range.

26. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing, device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises radioactive material which can be detected transcutaneously.

27. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending from said secondary charger coil intercutaneously such that it may be detected by touch.

28. The implantable power module of claim 8 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending transcutaneously from said secondary charger coil to outside the patient'"'"'s body.

29. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one primary battery.

39. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

40. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said at least one connector comprises a combined power and data connector.

41. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one power connector, and at least one data connector.

42. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said hermetically sealed biocompatible case comprises at least one of the following:

metal and ceramic.

43. The implantable power module of claim 42 wherein said metal comprises titanium or an alloy of titanium.

44. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said medical device is contiguously attached to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises electrical contacts contained within an external hermetic plug.

45. The implantable power module of claim 1 further comprising a means for communicating status remotely.

46. The implantable power module of claim 45 wherein said means for communicating comprises signals carried via said couple.

47. The implantable power module of claim 46 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

48. The implantable power module of claim 45 wherein said means for communicating comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

49. The implantable power module of claim 45 wherein said means for communicating comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

50. The implantable power module of claim 1 further comprising a means for remotely controlling said power module.

51. The implantable power module of claim 50 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises signals carried via said couple.

52. The implantable power module of claim 51 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

53. The implantable power module of claim 50 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

54. The implantable power module of claim 50 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

55. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said connector for coupling said electrochemical energy storage device to a medical device is further characterized by being detachably connectable to said medical device.

56. The implantable power module of claim 1 wherein said implantable module is monolithic.

30. The implantable power module of claim wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

31. The implantable power module of claim 30 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device further comprises at least one primary battery.

32. The implantable power module of claim 30 wherein at least a portion of said rechargeable battery is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

33. The implantable power module of claim 32 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

34. The implantable power module of claim 30 wherein at least a portion of said power management circuit is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

35. The implantable power module of claim 34 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

36. The implantable power module of claim 30 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil interoperatively connected to said rechargeable battery wherein a fluctuating electromagnetic field generates a current in said secondary inductive coil effecting recharging of said rechargeable battery.

37. The implantable power module of claim 36 wherein said power management module controls said recharging.

38. The implantable power module of claim 36 wherein said secondary inductive coil at least partially surrounds said electrochemical storage device.

57. An implantable power module comprising:

a hermetically sealed biocompatible case;

an electrochemical energy storage device housed within said case;

a power management circuit housed within said case;

a couple for remotely communicating with said power module;

said couple electrically connected to said power management circuit;

at least one connector for functionally interconnecting said electrochemical energy storage device to an implantable medical device; and

a heat absorption material in thermal contact with said electrochemical energy storage device.

58. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said heat absorption material comprises a phase change material having an endothermic phase change at about between 50°

C. to 80°

C.

59. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said heat absorption material comprises paraffin.

60. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said heat absorption material is located external to said electrochemical energy storage device.

61. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said heat absorption material is located within said electrochemical energy storage device.

62. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said power management circuit comprises a data processing circuit.

63. The implantable power module of claim 57 further comprising a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted.

64. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said power management circuit further comprises said homing device for locating said power module.

65. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises magnetic material.

66. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one passive transponder.

67. The implantable module of claim 66 wherein said at least one passive transponder comprises at least one microchip.

68. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one active transponder.

69. The implantable power module of claim 68 wherein said at least one active transponder comprises at least one microchip.

70. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter.

71. The implantable power module of claim 70 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted further comprises an initiator circuit responsive to a signal from outside said power module, wherein said initiator circuit switches on said radio frequency transmitter upon receiving said signal from outside said power module.

72. The implantable power module of claim 71 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a radio frequency signal.

73. The implantable power module of claim 71 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a magnetic field.

74. The implantable power module of claim 71 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises an audio signal.

75. The implantable power module of claim 71 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a light signal.

76. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a metal object wherein said metal object is detectible transcutaneously with a metal detector.

77. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a light-producing device detectable transcutaneously.

78. The implantable power module of claim 77 wherein said light-producing device comprises at least on light-emitting diode.

79. The implantable power module of claim 77 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 400 to 700 nm range.

80. The implantable power module of claim 77 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 0.8 to 2.5 μ

m range.

81. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises radioactive material which can be detected transcutaneously.

82. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending from said secondary charger coil intercutaneously such that it may be detected by touch.

83. The implantable power module of claim 63 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending transcutaneously from said secondary charger coil to outside the patient'"'"'s body.

84. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one primary battery.

85. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

86. The implantable power module of claim 85 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device further comprises at least one primary battery.

87. The implantable power module of claim 85 wherein at least a portion of said rechargeable battery is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

88. The implantable power module of claim 87 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

89. The implantable power module of claim 85 wherein at least a portion of said power management circuit is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

90. The implantable power module of claim 85 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

91. The implantable power module of claim 85 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil interoperatively connected to said rechargeable battery wherein a fluctuating electromagnetic field generates a current in said secondary inductive coil effecting recharging of said rechargeable battery.

92. The implantable power module of claim 91 wherein said power management module controls said recharging.

93. The implantable power module of claim 91 wherein said secondary inductive coil at least partially surrounds said eloctrochemical storage device.

94. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

95. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said at least one connector comprises a combined power and data connector.

96. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one power connector, and at least one data connector.

97. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said hermetically sealed biocompatible case comprises at least one of the following:

metal and ceramic.

98. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said metal comprises titanium or an alloy of titanium.

99. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said medical device is contiguously attached to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises electrical contacts contained within an external hermetic plug.

100. The implantable power module of claim 57 further comprising a means for communicating status remotely.

101. The implantable power module of claim 100 wherein said means for communicating comprises signals carried via said couple.

102. The implantable power module of claim 101 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

103. The implantable power module of claim 100 wherein said means for communicating comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

104. The implantable power module of claim 100 wherein said means for communicating comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

105. The implantable power module of claim 57 further comprising a means for remotely controlling said power module.

106. The implantable power module of claim 105 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises signals carried via said couple.

107. The implantable power module of claim 106 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

108. The implantable power module of claim 105 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

109. The implantable power module of claim 105 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

110. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said connector for coupling said eleotrochemical energy storage device to a medical device is further characterized by being detachably connectable to said medical device.

111. The implantable power module of claim 57 wherein said implantable module is monolithic.

112. An implantable power module comprising:

a hermetically sealed biocompatible case;

an electrochemical energy storage device housed within said case;

a power management circuit housed within said case;

a couple for remotely communicating with said power module;

said couple electrically connected to said power management circuit; and

at least one connector for functionally interconnecting said electrochemical energy storage device to an implantable medical device;

wherein

said medical device is remotely located to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises at least one external hermetic plug and wires interoperatively connecting said power module and said biomedical device.

113. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said wires conduct power to operate said medical device and transmit data between said medical device and said implantable power module.

114. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said power management circuit comprises a data processing circuit.

115. The implantable power module of claim 112 further comprising a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted.

116. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said power management circuit further comprises said homing device for locating said power module.

117. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises magnetic material.

118. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one passive transponder.

119. The implantable module of claim 118 wherein said at least one passive transponder comprises at least one microchip.

120. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one active transponder.

121. The implantable power module of claim 120 wherein said at least one active transponder comprises at least one microchip.

122. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter.

123. The implantable power module of claim 122 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted further comprises an initiator circuit responsive to a signal from outside said power module, wherein said initiator circuit switches on said radio frequency transmitter upon receiving said signal from outside said power module.

124. The implantable power module of claim 123 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a radio frequency signal.

125. The implantable power module of claim 123 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a magnetic field.

126. The implantable power module of claim 123 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises an audio signal.

127. The implantable power module of claim 123 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a light signal.

128. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a metal object wherein said metal object is detectible transcutaneously with a metal detector.

129. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a light-producing device detectable transcutaneously.

130. The implantable power module of claim 129 wherein said light-producing device comprises at least on light-emitting diode.

131. The implantable power module of claim 129 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 400 to 700 nm range.

132. The implantable power module of claim 129 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 0.8 to 2.5 μ

m range.

133. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises radioactive material which can be detected transcutaneously.

134. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending from said secondary charger coil intercutaneously such that it may be detected by touch.

135. The implantable power module of claim 115 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending transcutaneously from said secondary charger coil to outside the patient'"'"'s body.

136. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one primary battery.

137. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

138. The implantable power module of claim 137 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device further comprises at least one primary battery.

139. The implantable power module of claim 137 wherein at least a portion of said rechargeable battery is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

140. The implantable power module of claim 139 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

141. The implantable power module of claim 137 wherein at least a portion of said power management circuit is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

142. The implantable power module of claim 141 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

143. The implantable power module of claim 137 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil interoperatively connected to said rechargeable battery wherein a fluctuating electromagnetic field generates a current in said secondary inductive coil effecting recharging of said rechargeable battery.

144. The implantable power module of claim 143 wherein said power management module controls said recharging.

145. The implantable power module of claim 143 wherein said secondary inductive coil at least partially surrounds said electrochemical storage device.

146. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

147. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said at least one connector comprises a combined power and data connector.

148. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one power connector, and at least one data connector.

149. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said hermetically sealed biocompatible case comprises at least one of the following:

metal and ceramic.

150. The implantable power module of claim 149 wherein said metal comprises titanium or an alloy of titanium.

151. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said medical device is contiguously attached to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises electrical contacts contained within an external hermetic plug.

152. The implantable power module of claim 112 further comprising a means for communicating status remotely.

153. The implantable power module of claim 152 wherein said means for communicating comprises signals carried via said couple.

154. The implantable power module of claim 153 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

155. The implantable power module of claim 152 wherein said means for communicating comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

156. The implantable power module of claim 152 wherein said means for communicating comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

157. The implantable power module of claim 112 further comprising a means for remotely controlling said power module.

158. The implantable power module of claim 157 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises signals carried via said couple.

159. The implantable power module of claim 158 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

160. The implantable power module of claim 157 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

161. The implantable power module of claim 157 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

162. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said connector for coupling said electrochemical energy storage device to a medical device is further characterized by being detachably connectable to said medical device.

163. The implantable power module of claim 112 wherein said implantable module is monolithic.

164. An implantable power module comprising:

a hermetically sealed biocompatible case;

an electrochemical energy storage device housed within said case;

a power management circuit housed within said case;

a couple for remotely communicating with said power module;

said couple electrically connected to said power management circuit;

at least one connector for functionally interconnecting said eleotrochemical energy storage device to an implantable medical device; and

at least one additional connector for coupling said electrochemical energy storage device to at least one additional medical device.

165. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said power management circuit comprises a data processing circuit.

166. The implantable power module of claim 164 further comprising a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted.

167. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said power management circuit further comprises said homing device for locating said power module.

168. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises magnetic material.

169. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one passive transponder.

170. The implantable module of claim 169 wherein said at least one passive transponder comprises at least one microchip.

171. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one active transponder.

172. The implantable power module of claim 171 wherein said at least one active transponder comprises at least one microchip.

173. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter.

174. The implantable power module of claim 173 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted further comprises an initiator circuit responsive to a signal from outside said power module, wherein said initiator circuit switches on said radio frequency transmitter upon receiving said signal from outside said power module.

175. The implantable power module of claim 174 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a radio frequency signal.

176. The implantable power module of claim 174 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a magnetic field.

177. The implantable power module of claim 174 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises an audio signal.

178. The implantable power module of claim 174 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a light signal.

179. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a metal object wherein said metal object is detectible transcutaneously with a metal detector.

180. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a light-producing device detectable transcutaneously.

181. The implantable power module of claim 180 wherein said light-producing device comprises at least on light-emitting diode.

182. The implantable power module of claim 180 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 400 to 700 nm range.

183. The implantable power module of claim 180 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 0.8 to 2.5 μ

m range.

184. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises radioactive material which can be detected transcutaneously.

185. The implantable power module of claim 166 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending from said secondary charger coil intercutaneously such that it may be detected by touch.

186. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending transcutaneously from said secondary charger coil to outside the patient'"'"'s body.

187. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one primary battery.

188. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

189. The implantable power module of claim 188 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device further comprises at least one primary battery.

190. The implantable power module of claim 188 wherein at least a portion of said rechargeable battery is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

191. The implantable power module of claim 190 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

192. The implantable power module of claim 188 wherein at least a portion of said power management circuit is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

193. The implantable power module of claim 192 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

194. The implantable power module of claim 188 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil interoperatively connected to said rechargeable battery wherein a fluctuating electromagnetic field generates a current in said secondary inductive coil effecting recharging of said rechargeable battery.

195. The implantable power module of claim 194 wherein said power management module controls said recharging.

196. The implantable power module of claim 194 wherein said secondary inductive coil at least partially surrounds said electrochemical storage device.

197. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

198. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said at least one connector comprises a combined power and data connector.

199. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one power connector, and at least one data connector.

200. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said hermetically sealed biocompatible case comprises at least one of the following:

metal and ceramic.

201. The implantable power module of claim 200 wherein said metal comprises titanium or an alloy of titanium.

202. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said medical device is contiguously attached to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises electrical contacts contained within an external hermetic plug.

203. The implantable power module of claim 164 further comprising a means for communicating status remotely.

204. The implantable power module of claim 203 wherein said means for communicating comprises signals carried via said couple.

205. The implantable power module of claim 204 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

206. The implantable power module of claim 203 wherein said means for communicating comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

207. The implantable power module of claim 203 wherein said means for communicating comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

208. The implantable power module of claim 164 further comprising a means remotely coutrolling said power module.

209. The implantable power module of claim 208 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises signals carried via said couple.

210. The implantable power module of claim 209 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

211. The implantable power module of claim 208 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

212. The implantable power module of claim 208 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

213. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said connector for coupling said electrochemical energy storage device to a medical device is further characterized by being detachably connectable to said medical device.

214. The implantable power module of claim 164 wherein said implantable module is monolithic.

215. An implantable power module comprising:

a hermetically sealed biocompatible case;

an electrochemical energy storage device housed within said case;

a power management circuit housed within said case;

a couple for remotely communicating with said power module;

said couple electrically connected to said power management circuit; and

at least one connector for functionally interconnecting said electrochemical energy storage device to an implantable medical device;

wherein

said implantable module comprises at least two submodules operatively interconnected by electrical conductors.

216. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein a first submodule contains at least said couple, said first submodule located remotely from a second submodule, said second submodule containing one or more additional components comprising said implantable power module, said first submodule interconnected with second submodule by electrical conducting wires.

217. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said power management circuit comprises a data processing circuit.

218. The implantable power module of claim 215 further comprising a homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted.

219. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said power management circuit further comprises said homing device for locating said power module.

220. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises magnetic material.

221. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one passive transponder.

222. The implantable module of claim 221 wherein said at least one passive transponder comprises at least one microchip.

223. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one active transponder.

224. The implantable power module of claim 223 wherein said at least one active transponder comprises at least one microchip.

225. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter.

226. The implantable power module of claim 225 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted further comprises an initiator circuit responsive to a signal from outside said power module, wherein said initiator circuit switches on said radio frequency transmitter upon receiving said signal from outside said power module.

227. The implantable power module of claim 226 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a radio frequency signal.

228. The implantable power module of claim 226 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a magnetic field.

229. The implantable power module of claim 226 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises an audio signal.

230. The implantable power module of claim 226 wherein said signal from outside said power module comprises a light signal.

231. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a metal object wherein said metal object is detectible transcutaneously with a metal detector.

232. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a light-producing device detectable transcutaneously.

233. The implantable power module of claim 232 wherein said light-producing device comprises at least on light-emitting diode.

234. The implantable power module of claim 232 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 400 to 700 nm range.

235. The implantable power module of claim 232 wherein said light producing device emits light in the approximately 0.8 to 2.5 μ

m range.

236. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises radioactive material which van be detected transcutaneously.

237. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending from said secondary charger coil intercutaneously such that it may be detected by touch.

238. The implantable power module of claim 218 wherein said homing device for locating said power module after it is implanted comprises a biocompatible tendril or protrusion extending transcutaneonsly from said secondary charger coil to outside the patient'"'"'s body.

239. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one primary battery.

240. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

241. The implantable power module of claim 240 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device further comprises at least one primary battery.

242. The implantable power module of claim 240 wherein at least a portion of said rechargeable battery is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

243. The implantable power module of claim 242 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

244. The implantable power module of claim 240 wherein at least a portion of said power management circuit is surrounded with a ferrous magnetic material.

245. The implantable power module of claim 244 wherein said a ferrous magnetic material comprises ferrite.

246. The implantable power module of claim 240 wherein said couple comprises a secondary inductive coil interoperatively connected to said rechargeable battery wherein a fluctuating electromagnetic field generates a current in said secondary inductive coil effecting recharging of said rechargeable battery.

247. The implantable power module of claim 246 wherein said power management module controls said recharging.

248. The implantable power module of claim 246 wherein said secondary inductive coil at least partially surrounds said electrochemical storage device.

249. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said electrochemical energy storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

250. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said at least one connector comprises a combined power and data connector.

251. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one power connector, and at least one data connector.

252. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said hermetically scaled biocompatible case comprises at least one of the following:

metal and ceramic.

253. The implantable power module of claim 252 wherein said metal comprises titanium or an alloy of titanium.

254. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said medical device is contiguously attached to said power module and wherein said connecting means comprises electrical contacts contained within an external hermetic plug.

255. The implantable power module of claim 215 further comprising a means for communicating status remotely.

256. The implantable power module of claim 255 wherein said means for communicating comprises signals carried via said couple.

257. The implantable power module of claim 256 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

258. The implantable power module of claim 255 wherein said means for communicating comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

259. The implantable power module of claim 255 wherein said means for communicating comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

260. The implantable power module of claim 215 further comprising a means for remotely controlling said power module.

261. The implantable power module of claim 260 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises signals carried via said couple.

262. The implantable power module of claim 261 wherein said couple comprises an inductive coil.

263. The implantable power module of claim 260 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver.

264. The implantable power module of claim 260 wherein said means for controlling said power module comprises a light wave transmitter and a light wave receiver.

265. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said connector for coupling said electrochemical energy storage device to a medical device is further characterized by being detachably connectable to said medical device.

266. The implantable power module of claim 215 wherein said implantable module is monolithic.