Implanted apparatus having micro processor controlled current and voltage sources with reduced voltage levels when not providing stimulation
US5179950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implant for stimulating the vagus nerve receives commands over a radio frequency link. The implant disables a voltage convertor used in providing the stimulation signal at periodic intervals to monitor for communications attempts. The implant provides radio frequency marker pulses before providing stimulation signals of certain frequencies. During the providing of stimulation signals the implant monitors the voltage overhead present between the voltage source and the load and adjusts the overhead to a desired level. The implant changes the voltage applied to certain internal components during stimulation periods to allow full power operation during those intervals and reduced power levels at other intervals. The implant is reset by the placing of a magnet in a given location in conjunction with the application of a radio frequency transmission for a given period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.