Techniques for minimizing radiofrequency-induced tissue heating
First Claim
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1. A method for wirelessly powering a medical device that is adapted to be disposed within a living subject, the method comprising the steps of:
- generating a radiofrequency energy field in a first direction from a first position outside said living subject, said radiofrequency energy field extending into said living subject to energize said medical device; and
from a second position outside said living subject opposite to said first position from which said radiofrequency energy field is generated, reradiating in a second direction opposite to said first direction, at least a portion of said radiofrequency energy field such that said radiofrequency energy field is generally uniformly distributed between the first position and the second position.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for wirelessly powering a medical device in a living subject using external radiofrequency energy. A radiofrequency driving unit outside the subject irradiates the medical device. A passive antenna is positioned outside the subject, generally opposing the driving unit to redirect the field generally toward the device. The reradiating element increases uniformity of the electromagnetic field produced by the driving unit, which reduces local tissue heating in the subject and in personnel attending the subject.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for wirelessly powering a medical device that is adapted to be disposed within a living subject, the method comprising the steps of:
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generating a radiofrequency energy field in a first direction from a first position outside said living subject, said radiofrequency energy field extending into said living subject to energize said medical device; and from a second position outside said living subject opposite to said first position from which said radiofrequency energy field is generated, reradiating in a second direction opposite to said first direction, at least a portion of said radiofrequency energy field such that said radiofrequency energy field is generally uniformly distributed between the first position and the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for wirelessly powering a medical device that is adapted to be disposed within a living subject and that is energized by external radiofrequency energy, the apparatus comprising:
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a radiofrequency driving unit, adapted to be disposed at a first position outside said living subject, for generating a radiofrequency energy field in a first direction, to irradiate said medical device; and one or more reradiating elements adapted to be disposed in said radiofrequency energy field at a second position outside said living subject opposite to said first position at which said radiofrequency driving unit is disposed, to reradiate in a second direction opposite to said first direction, at least a portion of said radiofrequency energy field, wherein said one or more reradiating elements is configured to reradiate a portion of said radiofrequency energy field such that said radiofrequency energy field is generally uniformly distributed between the first position and the second position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification