Device for the protected operation of neuroprostheses and method therefor

US6493587B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Intelligent Implants Limited · IE

Inventors

• Rolf Eckmiller · Bonn, DE
• Valerij Ortmann · Meckenheim, DE
• Michael Becker · Knittlingen, DE
• Ralph Hünermann · Cologne, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 9, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2002
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L63/10
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the protection of neuroprosthesis operation against unauthorized access to the function or operating data. The system is assigned to neuroprostheses for treating functional disorders of the nervous system. This neuroimplant protection system (NIS) comprises at least one neuroprosthesis component which is in contact or operational connection with nerve tissue. Neuroprosthesis operation takes place only during the period of a specific authorization and/or comprises an authorized data transmission between external component and implanted component and/or an authorized communication for monitoring and/or defining the neuroprosthesis functional state. The communication between external and implanted component is in encrypted form.