Circuit for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes for an active implantable medical device

• US 8,255,048 B2
• Filed: 12/27/2007
• Issued: 08/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sorin CRM USA (MicroPort Scientific Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sorin CRM USA (MicroPort Scientific Corp.)
• Inventors: Dal Molin, Renzo, Ripart, Alain
• Primary Examiner(s): Lavert, Nicole F
• Application Number:
  US11/965,432
• Publication Number:
  US 20080177343A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,706 Days
• Field of Search: 607/9, 607115-116, 607 30- 31, 607 60- 61
• US Class Current: 607/9
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3627 for treating a mechanical deficiency of the heart, e.g. congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/372 Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators

Abstract

A circuit for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes, for an active implantable medical device. This circuit is located in a lead equipped with multiplexed sensing/pacing electrodes. This circuit decodes a signal generated by a generator, commanding a series of switches, which ensures selective coupling of the various electrodes to the proximal and distal terminals of the generator. This signal is a modulated signal comprising a coded series of logic pulses defining a particular configuration for coupling the lead electrodes to the proximal or distal terminal of the generator. The signal comprises a micropulse, that precedes the coded series of logic pulses and has an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the logic pulses. The detection of this micropulse activates, in response, all the circuit switches to an open position over a duration (PHASE 1) at least equal to the duration of reception of the coded series of logic pulses.

Claims

1. A system for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes for an active implantable medical device, comprising

a lead comprising electrodes adapted to be multiplexed and for sensing/pacing;

at least one proximal terminal and/or distal terminal;

a plurality of electrode terminals, wherein each electrode terminal is respectively coupled to an electrode adapted to be multiplexed and for sensing/pacing of the lead;

a plurality of switches, wherein each switch has a closed position, in which a corresponding electrode terminal is connected to the proximal terminal and/or distal terminal, and an open position, in which a corresponding electrode terminal is isolated from the proximal terminal and/or distal terminal; and

command means, comprising means for;

receiving a modulated signal from a generator at the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, wherein the modulated signal comprises a coded series of logic pulses and a micropulse and contains switch configuration information of the plurality of switches;

decoding the modulated signal to actuate the plurality of switches corresponding to a configuration of closed or open positions as identified by the modulated signal;

detecting the micropulse within the received modulated signal, wherein the micropulse precedes the coded series, of logic pulses and has an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the coded series of logic pulses; and

actuating, in response to the micropulse, the plurality of switches being in an open position over a duration at least equal to the duration of receiving the coded series of logic pulses.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting the micropulse further comprises a fast comparator presenting a response time shorter than 10 μ

s.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of distinct sub-circuits, each sub-circuit comprising an electrode terminal respectively connected to at least one of the sensing/pacing electrodes of the lead, at least one switch of the plurality of switches, wherein each sub-circuit includes its own command means.

4. A lead for an active implantable medical device comprising:

an elongated body comprising at least one conductor,

a connector connected to the at least one conductor and a proximal terminal and/or distal terminal of a generator,

a plurality of multiplexed sensing/pacing electrodes, and

a controlled commutation circuit selectively coupling or uncoupling each of the electrodes to the at least one conductor, the controlled commutation circuit comprising a plurality of switches,

wherein the controlled commutation circuit receives from the generator a modulated signal comprising a coded series of logic pulses and micropulse and containing switch configuration information of the plurality of switches, and

wherein the controlled commutation circuit actuates the plurality of switches corresponding to the switch configuration information identified by the modulated signal.

5. The lead of claim 4, wherein the connector is level with a first extremity of the elongated body and wherein the plurality of multiplexed sensing/pacing electrodes is level with a second extremity of the elongated body, and wherein the second extremity of the elongated body is positioned opposite from the first extremity of the elongated body.

6. The lead of claim 5, wherein the controlled commutation circuit is within the lead and is level with the second extremity and in the vicinity of the sensing/pacing electrodes.

7. The lead of claim 5, wherein the controlled commutation circuit comprises a plurality of distinct sub-circuits, each sub-circuit comprising an electrode terminal respectively connected to one of the sensing/pacing electrodes of the lead, a switch, or plurality of switches, associated with the electrode terminal, wherein each sub-circuit includes its own command means, and wherein the sub-circuits are each incorporated into the elongated body of the lead, in close physical proximity to a corresponding electrode, and coupled to the at least one conductor.

8. A generator for providing commands to a system for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes for an active implantable medical device, the generator comprising:

means for delivering a modulated signal and a micropulse to a proximal terminal and/or distal terminal, of the system for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes,

wherein the modulated signal comprises a coded series of logic pulses defining identifying a particular configuration for coupling the multiplexed electrodes to the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, and

wherein the micropulse precedes the coded series of logic pulses and has an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the coded series of logic pulses.

9. The generator of claim 8 further comprises means for setting the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, to a high level of impedance prior to delivering the micropulse.

10. The generator of claim 9 further comprises:

means for setting one of the proximal terminal or the distal terminal to a state of high impedance, and;

means for setting the other terminal to the ground, prior to delivering the micropulse.

11. A generator producing a commutations command signal for an active implantable medical device, the commutation command signal comprising a modulated signal and the modulated signal comprising a coded series of logic pulses identifying a particular configuration for coupling lead electrodes to at least one proximal terminal and/or distal terminal of the generator, the modulated signal further comprising a micropulse, the micropulse preceding the coded series of logic pulses and presenting an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the logic pulses.

12. A system for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes for an active implantable medical device, comprising

a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes for sensing/pacing wherein said plurality of electrodes are multiplexed;

at least one proximal terminal and/or distal terminal;

a plurality of electrode terminals, wherein each electrode terminal is respectively coupled to one of said multiplexed electrodes for sensing/pacing of the lead;

a plurality of switches, wherein each switch has a closed position, in which a corresponding electrode terminal is connected to the proximal terminal and/or distal terminal, and an open position, in which a corresponding electrode terminal is isolated from the proximal terminal and/or distal terminal; and

command means, comprising means for;

receiving a modulated signal from a generator at the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, wherein the modulated signal comprises a coded series of logic pulses and a micropulse and contains switch configuration information of the plurality of switches;

decoding the modulated signal to actuate the plurality of switches corresponding to a configuration of closed or open positions as identified by the modulated signal;

detecting the micropulse within the received modulated signal, wherein the micropulse precedes the coded series of logic pulses and has an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the coded series of logic pulses; and

actuating, in response to the micropulse, the plurality of switches being in an open position over a duration at least equal to the duration of receiving the coded series of logic pulses.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the means for detecting the micropulse further comprises a fast comparator presenting a response time shorter than 10 μ

s.

14. The system of claim l2 further comprising a plurality of distinct sub-circuits, each sub-circuit comprising an electrode terminal respectively connected to at least one of the sensing/pacing electrodes of the lead, at least one switch of the plurality of switches, wherein each sub-circuit includes its own command means.