Method of Energy Transfer to an Implantable Medical Device While Coupling Energy to Charging Unit

Abstract

External power source, charger, system and method for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A primary charging coil is capable of transcutaneously inductively energizing the secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. Drive circuitry is operatively coupled to the primary charging coil for exciting the primary charging coil. A rechargeable power source is operatively coupled to the drive circuitry. A secondary recharging coil is operatively coupled to the rechargeable power source. A primary recharging coil is adapted to be coupled to a source of AC power which when placed in proximity of the secondary recharging coil can inductively energize the secondary recharging coil in order to charge the rechargeable power source.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 836,318, filed Apr. 30, 2004 and claims priority therefrom.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to implantable medical devices and, in particular, to energy transfer devices, systems and methods for implantable medical devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Implantable medical devices for producing a therapeutic result in a patient are well known. Examples of such implantable medical devices include implantable drug infusion pumps, implantable neurostimulators, implantable cardioverters, implantable cardiac pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and cochlear implants. Of course, it is recognized that other implantable medical devices are envisioned which utilize energy delivered or transferred from an external device. [0004] A common element in all of these implantable medical devices is the need for electrical power in the implanted medical device. The implanted...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an external power source for an implantable medical device that allows the patient to be at least partially mobile while still being able to transfer energy to the device. The external power source uses a primary charging coil that can inductively energize a secondary coil when placed in proximity of the secondary coil. A drive circuitry is operatively coupled to the primary charging coil for exciting it. A rechargeable power source is operatively coupled to the drive circuitry. A secondary recharging coil is operatively coupled to the rechargeable power source. A primary recharging coil is adapted to be coupled to a source of AC power which can induively energize the secondary recharging coil in order to charge the rechargeable power source. The invention also provides a system for transcutaneous energy transfer and a method of transferring energy to a medical device implanted in a patient.

Problems solved by technology

However, obtaining power directly from standard readily available AC power not only limits the patient's mobility but also poses a potentially serious health risk.

Placing a primary inductive charging coil directly on the patient's skin while the external power source is connected directly to standard AC power risks shock to the patient in the event of a malfunction of the external power source.

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