Method of data communication with implanted device and associated apparatus

• US 7,228,183 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2004
• Issued: 06/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
• Original Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
• Inventors: Mickle, Marlin H., Sun, Mingui, Sclabassi, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAYNO, CARL HERNANDZ
• Application Number:
  US10/829,556
• Publication Number:
  US 20040199222A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,139 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/046 in a matrix array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0028 Body tissue as transmission medium, i.e. transmission systems where the medium is the human body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/352 Detecting R peaks, e.g. for synchronising diagnostic apparatus; Estimating R-R interval
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/904 for medical, immunological, body treatment, or diagnosis

Abstract

Apparatus and method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device. Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings.

Claims

1. An antenna for transmitting current through biological tissue comprising:

a pair of electrically conductive concave shells facing in opposed directions from each other, said concave shells having convex surfaces generally facing each other, and electrically insulative material disposed on said convex surfaces, said antenna shells being asymmetrical.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, including

said antenna having an upper portion that is longer than a lower portion measured along the shells.

3. An antenna for transmitting current through biological tissue comprising:

a pair of electrically conductive concave shells facing in opposed directions from each other, said antenna having a maximum thickness of less than about 4 mm.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, including

said concave shells having a generally circular configuration as viewed in end elevations.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, including

said antenna shells being generally symmetrical.

6. An antenna for transmitting current through biological tissue comprising:

a pair of electrically conductive concave shells facing in opposed directions from each other, said concave shells having a generally rectangular configuration as viewed in end elevation.