Apparatus and method for allowing immediate retrieval for information and identification from an implantable medical device having a depleted power source

US6456883B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Nathan A. Torgerson · Andover, US
• John J. Grevious · Minneapolis, US
• Steven L. Jensen · Andover, US
• John W. Forsberg · Mentor, US
• Robert Leinders · Limbricht, NL
• Raymond F. McMullen · Shorewood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 26, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 26, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/8206
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus and method that will allow for external communication, via an external programmer, for positive device identification and for retrieval of device or patient information stored by an implantable medical device with a depleted power source. The external programmer will deliver energy to a secondary power source located inside the implanted device using RF telemetry sufficient to charge up the secondary power source, e.g., a small capacitor. The capacitor will charge up immediately within milliseconds. Once the secondary power source is sufficiently charged, it can be used to power up a controller having the stored information in the implantable medical device. Once the controller is operational, the implanted device will transmit device and patient information to the external programmer via RF telemetry.