Body heat powered implantable medical device
US6470212B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3785
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for and method of providing power to an implanted medical device within a patient is disclosed. The system (250) includes a first (262) and a second heat conduit (264) positioned within the patient. A thermoelectric device (252) is connected to the first and second heat conduits for thermally converting the temperature difference between the conduits to a voltage. A DC-DC converter (254) is connected to the thermoelectric element and increases the voltage. A storage element (256) is connected to the DC-DC converter-for receiving the increased voltage. The storage element is also connected to the implanted medical device (258), thereby providing power to the implanted medical device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.