Implantable position and motion sensor
US4846195A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36542
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable medical device for controlling a physiological function includes functional apparatus for controllably duplicating the selected normal physiological function of the patient's body. A sensor detects the physical orientation of the implanted medical device within the body, which is indicative of whether the patient is standing, sitting or reclining. The sensor is also responsive to forces of acceleration on the medical device within the body, indicative of the state of rest or activity movement of the patient. Apparatus in the device is responsive to the physical position and the physical state of the patient, as detected by the sensor, to control the duplication of the normal physiological function according to that position and state. In one embodiment, the medical device is a cardiac pacemaker and the physiological function is heart rate. The sensor of that embodiment includes a chamber, a mercury ball confined within the chamber, and a multiplicity of electrodes within the chamber for making or not making electrical contact with the ball to signify the physical orientation of the medical device. The electrodes are disposed about a surface of the chamber against whi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.