CIRCUIT FOR CONTROLLED COMMUTATION OF MULTIPLEXED ELECTRODES FOR AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

• US 20080177343A1
• Filed: 12/27/2007
• Published: 07/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sorin CRM USA (MicroPort Scientific Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sorin CRM SAS
• Inventors: DAL MOLIN, Renzo, Ripart, Alain
• Granted Patent: US 8,255,048 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/17
• 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 circuit for controlled commutation of multiplexed electrodes for an active implantable medical device, comprising

a pulse generator;

a lead comprising multiplexed electrodes for sensing/pacing connected to the pulse generator;

at least one proximal terminal and/or distal terminal, able to be coupled to the pulse generator;

a plurality of electrode terminals, wherein each electrode terminal may be respectively coupled to a multiplexed electrode 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 or the distal terminal, and an open position, in which a corresponding electrode terminal is isolated from the proximal terminal and the distal terminal; and

command means, comprising means for;

receiving a modulated signal from the generator, wherein the modulated signal comprises a coded series of logic pulses, at the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal;

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

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

activating, in response to the micropulse, all the 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 circuit of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting a micropulse further comprises a fast comparator presenting a response time shorter than 10 μ

s.

3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the controlled commutation circuit comprises a plurality of distinct sub-circuits, each sub-circuit comprising an electrode terminal respectively able to be connected to one of the sensing/pacing electrodes of the lead, as well as the switch, or plurality of switches, associated with the electrode terminal, and wherein each sub-circuit includes its own command means.

4. A lead with multiplexed electrodes for pacing/sensing for an active implantable medical device comprising:

an elongated body comprising at least one conductor,

a connector, level with a first extremity of the body, connected to a conductor, or a plurality of conductors, and able to be connected to at least one corresponding proximal terminal and/or distal terminal of a generator,

a plurality of multiplexed sensing/pacing electrodes, level with a second extremity of the body, wherein the second extremity of the body is positioned opposite from the first extremity of the body, and

a controlled commutation circuit able to selectively couple or uncouple each of the electrodes to a conductor, or a plurality of conductors.

5. The lead of claim 4, 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.

6. The lead of claim 4, wherein the controlled commutation circuit comprises a plurality of distinct sub-circuits, each sub-circuit comprising an electrode terminal respectively able to be connected to one of the sensing/pacing electrodes of the lead, as well as the 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 lead body, in close physical proximity to a corresponding electrode, and coupled to a conductor, or plurality of conductors.

7. A generator for an active implantable medical device comprising:

at least a proximal electrode and/or a distal electrode; and

command means comprising means for delivering a modulated signal to the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, wherein the modulated signal comprises a coded series of logic pulses defining a particular configuration for coupling the lead electrodes to the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal, and means for delivering a micropulse with the modulated signal, wherein the micropulse precedes the coded series of logic pulses and presents an amplitude and duration lower than the amplitude and duration of each of the logic pulses.

8. The generator of claim 7, wherein the command means further comprises means for setting the proximal terminal and/or the distal terminal to a high level of impedance prior to delivering the micropulse.

9. The generator of claim 8, wherein the command means 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.

10. A generator producing a commutation command signal for an active implantable medical device comprising a modulated signal comprising a coded series of logic pulses defining a particular configuration for coupling lead electrodes to at least one proximal terminal and/or distal terminal of a generator, the modulated signal 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.