Method and apparatus for power link detection with implantable medical devices
US6321118A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36038
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual directional coupler is placed in the forward power-delivery path of an external transmitter adapted to transmit power to a receiver of an implantable medical device. The dual directional coupler monitors both the forward and reflected (or reverse) power being sent to, and being reflected from, the implantable device. When a valid power link is established between the external transmitter and the implantable medical device, the reflected power falls below a prescribed threshold. When a valid power link does not exist, or when a previously-established power link is broken, then the reflected power rises above the prescribed threshold. The presence of a valid power link is established by monitoring whether the reflected power is above or below the prescribed threshold. The dual directional coupler may be realized using passive discrete circuit components, such as capacitors and inductors; or alternatively using a pair of small transformers, each having a primary and secondary winding wound on a magnetic toroidal core.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.