Methods for configuring implantable satellite effectors
US7637867B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2001/0585
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.