Implantable device with optical telemetry
US6349234B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/903
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system is provided for optically communicating with an implantable device. In one embodiment, the system includes an implantable device having a large memory and an external unit which downloads information from the memory for analysis and display. The implantable device includes a light-emitting diode (LED) and a modulator for driving the LED. Although various frequencies can be used, frequencies which experience relatively little attenuation through body tissue are presently preferred. The external device includes a photo-multiplier tube (PMT) and a demodulator for equalizing and demodulating the detection signal produced by the PMT in response to detected light. A high bandwidth channel (perhaps as much as 500 Mbits/sec) is created by these components. This channel advantageously allows for a substantially reduced download time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.