Implantable zero-wire communications system
First Claim
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1. A system for communicating information within a body of a patient, the system comprising:
- (a) a first device comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a quasi-electrostatic signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to the body of the patient; and
(b) a second device comprising a receiver configured to receive the transmitted quasi-electrostatic signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to the body of the patient;
wherein the quasi-electrostatic signal is transmitted between the first and second device within the body of the patient and wherein the body of the patient is the conducting medium for the quasi-electrostatic signal.
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Abstract
The present invention provides implantable systems that communicate wirelessly with each other using a unique format that enables devices configurations and applications heretofore not possible. Embodiments of the present invention provide communication apparatuses and methods for exchanging information with implantable medical devices. In some embodiments, two implantable devices communicate with each other using quasi-electrostatic signal transmission in a long wavelength/low frequency electromagnetic band, with the patient'"'"'s body acting as a conductive medium.
961 Citations
54 Claims
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1. A system for communicating information within a body of a patient, the system comprising:
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(a) a first device comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a quasi-electrostatic signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to the body of the patient; and (b) a second device comprising a receiver configured to receive the transmitted quasi-electrostatic signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to the body of the patient; wherein the quasi-electrostatic signal is transmitted between the first and second device within the body of the patient and wherein the body of the patient is the conducting medium for the quasi-electrostatic signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A communications device for use within a body of a patient, said communications device comprising:
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(a) a power supply; (b) a signal generating circuit coupled to said power supply and configured to generate a quasi-electrostatic signal; and (c) an antenna coupled to said signal generating circuit and configured to transmit said quasi-electrostatic signal via quasi-electrostatic coupling to said body; wherein the quasi-electrostatic signal is transmitted from said antenna within the body of the patient and wherein the body of the patient is the conducting medium for the quasi-electrostatic signal. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A method for communicating information within a body of a patient, said method comprising:
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(a) operating a transmitter of a device located within said body to generate a quasi-electrostatic signal; and (b) detecting said quasi electrostatic signal using a receiver; wherein the quasi-electrostatic signal is transmitted from said transmitter within the body of the patient and wherein the body of the patient is the conducting medium for the quasi-electrostatic signal. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A kit comprising at least one of:
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(a) a first device comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to a body of a patient; and (b) a second device comprising a receiver configured to receive the transmitted signal via a quasi-electrostatic coupling to said body; wherein the quasi-electrostatic signal is transmitted from said transmitter within the body of the patient and wherein the body of the patient is the conducting medium for the quasi-electrostatic signal. - View Dependent Claims (54)
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Specification