Implantable power module for powering a medical device
First Claim
1. An implantable power module, comprising:
- a hermetically sealed biocompatible case;
an electrochemical energy storage device housed in the case;
a power management circuit housed within the case;
a couple for remotely communicating with the power module, the couple being in electrical communication with the power management circuit;
at least one connector for functionally interconnecting the electrochemical energy storage device and an implantable medical device such that the electrochemical energy storage device powers the medical device, andexcluding electronics for controlling operation of the implantable medical device.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
64 Claims
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1. An implantable power module, comprising:
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a hermetically sealed biocompatible case; an electrochemical energy storage device housed in the case; a power management circuit housed within the case; a couple for remotely communicating with the power module, the couple being in electrical communication with the power management circuit; at least one connector for functionally interconnecting the electrochemical energy storage device and an implantable medical device such that the electrochemical energy storage device powers the medical device, and excluding electronics for controlling operation of the implantable medical device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. A method for charging an implanted electrical storage device, comprising:
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providing a power module comprising an electrochemical storage device, a secondary inductive charging coil, a charger circuit, a protection circuit, a magnetic material, and excluding electronics for controlling operation of an implantable medical device; positioning the magnetic material coaxially with the charging coil to create the strongest magnetic field in the center of the charging coil; implanting the power module into a patient; providing a primary charging coil comprising a primary inductive coil, a Hall effect sensor located in the center of the primary inductive coil, and a feedback device responsively connected to the Hall effect sensor; bringing the primary charging coil in proximity to the implanted power module; moving the primary charging coil until the feedback device signals that the primary charging coil is aligned with the secondary charging coil; and applying a fluctuating current to the primary charging coil to cause a fluctuating field, inducing a current in the secondary charging coil thereby charging the electrochemical storage device.
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58. A method for charging an implanted electrical storage device, comprising:
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providing a power module comprising an electrochemical storage device, a secondary inductive charging coil, a charger circuit, a protection circuit, at least one transponder microchip, and excluding electronics for controlling operation of an implantable medical device; positioning the at least one transponder microchip in proximity to the charging coil to locate the center of the secondary charging coil; implanting the power module into a patient; providing a primary charging coil comprising a primary inductive coil, an RF scanner/transceiver, and a feedback device responsively connected to the RF scanner/transceiver, bringing the primary charging coil in proximity to the implanted power module; moving the primary charging coil until the feedback device signals that the primary charging coil is aligned with the secondary charging coil; and applying a fluctuating current to the primary charging coil to cause a fluctuating field, inducing a current in the secondary charging coil thereby charging the electrochemical storage device. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64)
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Specification