Patent · US Expired

Closed loop transmitter for medical implant

US5117825A · kind A · utility

124Cited by
3References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 9, 1990
Grant dateJun 2, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 9, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S128/903
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A technique for improving the radio frequency coupling between an external programming device and a medical device implanted within a patient. The radio frequency coupling is typically used to non-invasively change the operating parameters of the implanted device, such as a cardiac pacer. A common frequency for transmission is 175 khz. At this frequency, in view of the low power and the short distances involved, positioning of the external antenna with respect to the implanted antenna becomes critical. This criticality is heightened because of the great change in transmitter antenna loading and tuning with small changes in relative position. To assist the attending medical personnel, the transmitter antenna is ordinarily mounted within a paddle-like structure. A feedback coil is placed within the same physical package. The signal induced within the feedback coil is amplified, filtered, and integrated to produce a signal which controls the output amplifier of the transmitter. In this manner, a constant output field strength is provided, even though slight changes in physical position modifies output loading.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.