Methods and apparatus for tissue activation and monitoring
First Claim
1. A medical apparatus for interacting with a body, the apparatus comprising:
- a controller-power source with a first electrode adapted to contact the body;
a first satellite unit comprising satellite circuitry and a second electrode and adapted to be placed within the body, the satellite circuitry electrically connected to the second electrode and configured to control the second electrode based on data and power current from the controller-power source distally located from the satellite circuitry; and
a single conductor connected between the controller-power source and the first satellite unit, wherein the data and power current flow from the controller-power source through the single conductor, through the satellite circuitry, through the second electrode, through the body, through the first electrode, and to the controller-power source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject'"'"'s body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.
141 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A medical apparatus for interacting with a body, the apparatus comprising:
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a controller-power source with a first electrode adapted to contact the body; a first satellite unit comprising satellite circuitry and a second electrode and adapted to be placed within the body, the satellite circuitry electrically connected to the second electrode and configured to control the second electrode based on data and power current from the controller-power source distally located from the satellite circuitry; and a single conductor connected between the controller-power source and the first satellite unit, wherein the data and power current flow from the controller-power source through the single conductor, through the satellite circuitry, through the second electrode, through the body, through the first electrode, and to the controller-power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification