External charger for a medical implantable device using field inducing coils to improve coupling
US8311638B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36071
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.