Magnet Management MRI Compatibility

Abstract

An implantable medical device comprises: a magnet and a body surrounding the magnet, wherein the implantable medical device includes structural components in the body, and the structural components are configured to: when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, the structural components move away from each other when the magnet initially rotates relative to the body, thereby limiting the rotation of the magnet beyond the initial rotation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201680034453.3 and application date June 10, 2016, and invention name “Magnet Management MRI Compatibility”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 174,788, filed on June 12, 2015, and entitled MAGNET MANAGEMENT MRI COMPATIBILITY, naming Charles Roger LEIGH of Australia as the inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] Hearing loss can result from many different causes, which are generally classified into two types: conductive and sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to the loss or destruction of hair cells in the cochlea, which convert sound signals into nerve impulses. Various hearing prostheses are available on the market to provide individuals with sensorineural hearing loss with the ability to perceive sound. One example of a hearing prosthesis is a cochlear implant.

[0005] Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathway that provides sound to the hair cells in the cochlea is impaired, for example due to damage to the ossicular chain or the ear canal. Because the hair cells in the cochlea may remain intact, individuals with conductive hearing loss may retain some form of residual hearing.

[0006] Individuals with hearing loss are often treated with acoustic hearing aids. Conventional hearing aids rely on the principle of air conduction to transmit acoustic signals to the cochlea. In particular, hearing aids typically use an arrangement located within the recipient's ear canal or on the outer ear to amplify the sound received by the recipient's outer ear. The amplified sound reaches the cochlea, causing movement of the perilymph and stimulation of the auditory nerve. Cases of conductive hearing loss are often treated with bone conduction hearing aids. In contrast to conventional hearing aids, these devices use mechanical actuators coupled to the skull to apply the amplified sound.

[0007] In contrast to hearing aids, which rely primarily on the principle of air conduction, certain types of hearing prostheses, often referred to as cochlear implants, convert received sound into electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation is applied to the cochlea, which results in the perception of the received sound.

[0008] Many devices, such as medical devices that interface with a recipient, have structural and / or functional features where there is utility in adjusting these features for an individual recipient. The process by which a device that interfaces with a recipient or is otherwise used by a recipient is tailored or customized or otherwise adjusted to a particular need or requirement or feature of the recipient is generally referred to as adaptation. One type of medical device where adaptation has utility for an individual recipient is the cochlear implant mentioned above. That being said, other types of medical devices, such as other types of hearing prostheses, where adaptation has utility for a recipient also exist. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, an implantable medical device is provided, comprising a magnet and a body surrounding the magnet, wherein the implantable medical device includes structural components in the body, the structural components being configured such that when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field that imparts a torque on the magnet, the structural components move away from each other upon initial rotation of the magnet relative to the body, thereby limiting rotation of the magnet beyond the initial rotation.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment, an implantable medical device is provided, comprising a magnet arrangement and a body surrounding the magnet arrangement, wherein when the magnet arrangement is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field that imparts a torque on the magnet arrangement, the implantable medical device resists rotation of the magnet arrangement relative to the body in at least one plane due to the slidability of the magnet arrangement relative to a component located within the body.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment, an implantable medical device is provided that includes a magnet and an elastomeric body surrounding the magnet, wherein the body has a slit configured to enable the magnet to pass therethrough.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, comprising: subjecting a subcutaneous medical device including a magnet to a magnetic field of at least 0.2 T, thereby imparting a torque to the magnet having a component in a plane orthogonal to the surface of a recipient's skin; and limiting at least a portion of the torque imparted to the magnet to a support device of the medical device, wherein the support device supports the magnet via a structure of the subcutaneous medical device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary hearing prosthesis in which at least some of the teachings detailed herein may be applicable;

[0015] Figure 1B is a top view of an exemplary hearing prosthesis in which at least some of the teachings detailed herein may be applicable;

[0016] Figure 1C is a side view of an exemplary hearing prosthesis in which at least some of the teachings detailed herein may be applicable;

[0017] Figure 2A is a functional block diagram of a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2B is an alternative functional block diagram of a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3A is a functional block diagram of a cochlear implant according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3B is an alternative functional block diagram of a cochlear implant according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3C is yet another alternative functional block diagram of a cochlear implant according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4A is a simplified schematic diagram of a transceiver unit of an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4B is a simplified schematic diagram of a transmitter unit of an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4C is a simplified schematic diagram of a stimulator / receiver unit including a data receiver for an implantable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4D is a simplified schematic diagram of a stimulator / receiver unit including a data transceiver of an implantable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4E is a simplified schematic diagram of a stimulator / receiver unit including a data receiver and a communication component configured to vary an effective coil area of ​​an implantable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4F is a simplified schematic diagram of a stimulator / receiver unit including a data transceiver and a communication component configured to vary the effective coil area of ​​an implantable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is an exemplary conceptual schematic diagram of a magnet system arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 is another exemplary conceptual schematic diagram of a magnet system arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] 7A to 7D An exemplary conceptual schematic diagram showing components according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 A functional schematic diagram depicting an exemplary scenario resulting from use of the exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 9 Another functional schematic diagram depicting an exemplary scenario resulting from use of the exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Fig.10 Another functional schematic diagram depicting an exemplary scenario resulting from use of the exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figures 11 to 13 depicts an exemplary conceptual data graph relating force to distance between plates according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Fig.14 Exemplary conceptual diagrams representing components according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Fig.15 Exemplary scenarios showing the use of concepts according to exemplary embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D Exemplary conceptual schematic diagrams of various components according to various exemplary embodiments are presented;

[0038] Fig.17 Exemplary scenarios showing the use of concepts according to exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Fig.18A An exemplary conceptual schematic diagram showing components according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 18B to FIG. 18C Exemplary scenarios showing the use of concepts according to exemplary embodiments;

[0041] Fig.19 An exemplary conceptual schematic diagram showing components according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figures 20 to 23E Various exemplary conceptual schematic diagrams that variously represent various exemplary components according to various exemplary embodiments;

[0043] Figures 24 to 28C Various exemplary conceptual schematic diagrams that variously represent various exemplary components according to various exemplary embodiments;

[0044] Fig.29 shows an exemplary embodiment of a magnet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Fig.30 an exemplary flow chart representing an exemplary method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Fig.31 represents exemplary tools according to exemplary embodiments for use in some exemplary methods according to the teachings detailed herein;

[0047] Fig.32 denoting an exemplary magnet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Fig.33 Depicts a method of Fig.31 Tools and Fig.32 for use with an exemplary magnet arrangement of;

[0049] Fig.34 represents an exemplary magnet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0050] Fig.35 By way of example, Fig.31 Tools and Fig.25 for use with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Exemplary embodiments will be described in terms of cochlear implants. That being said, it should be noted that the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be used with other types of hearing prostheses, such as, for example, bone conduction devices, DACI / DACS / middle ear implants, etc. Additionally, it should be noted that the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be used with other types of prostheses, such as pacemakers, muscle stimulators, etc. In some cases, the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof are applicable to any type of implant component (referred to herein as a medical device) having a magnet that can be implanted in a recipient.

[0052] Figure 1Ais a perspective view of a cochlear implant, referred to as cochlear implant 100, implanted in a recipient, to which some embodiments and / or variations thereof detailed herein are applicable. As will be described in detail below, in some embodiments, cochlear implant 100 is part of a system 10, which may include external components. It should be noted that, in at least some embodiments, the teachings detailed herein are applicable to partially implantable and / or fully implantable cochlear implants (i.e., with respect to the latter, such as cochlear implants with an implanted microphone). It should also be noted that the teachings detailed herein are also applicable to other stimulation devices that utilize electrical current in addition to cochlear implants (e.g., auditory brain stimulators, pacemakers, etc.). In addition, it should be noted that the teachings detailed herein are also applicable to other types of hearing prostheses, such as, by way of example but not limitation, bone conduction devices, direct acoustic cochlear stimulators, middle ear implants, etc. In fact, it should be noted that the teachings detailed herein are also applicable to so-called hybrid devices. In exemplary embodiments, these hybrid devices apply both electrical stimulation and acoustic stimulation to the recipient. Any type of hearing prosthesis for which the teachings and / or variations of the teachings detailed herein are useful may be used in some embodiments of the teachings detailed herein.

[0053] In view of the above, it should be understood that at least some of the embodiments and / or variations thereof described herein are directed to body-worn sensory supplemental medical devices (e.g., Figure 1A It should be noted that at least some exemplary embodiments of some sensory supplemental medical devices are directed to devices such as conventional hearing aids (which supplement the hearing sense in cases where some natural hearing ability has been retained), as well as visual prostheses (both for recipients with residual natural visual ability and for recipients without natural visual ability). Accordingly, the teachings detailed herein are applicable to any type of sensory supplemental medical device in which the teachings detailed herein can be used in a practical manner. In this regard, the phrase sensory supplemental medical device refers to any device that is capable of providing sensory abilities to a recipient, regardless of whether the applicable natural sense is only partially impaired or completely impaired.

[0054] The recipient has an outer ear 101, a middle ear 105, and an inner ear 107. The components of the outer ear 101, the middle ear 105, and the inner ear 107 are described below, followed by a description of the cochlear implant 100.

[0055] In a fully functional ear, the outer ear 101 includes the auricle 110 and the ear canal 102. Sound pressure or sound waves 103 are collected by the auricle 110 and directed into and through the ear canal 102. The eardrum 104, located at the distal end of the ear canal 102, vibrates in response to the sound waves 103. The vibrations are coupled to the oval window or foramen ovale 112 through three bones of the middle ear 105, which are collectively referred to as the ossicles 106 and include the malleus 108, the incus 109, and the stapes 111. The bones 108, 109, and 111 of the middle ear 105 serve to filter and amplify the sound waves 103, causing the oval window 112 to engage or vibrate in response to the vibrations of the eardrum 104. This vibration causes waves of fluid movement of the perilymph within the cochlea 140. This fluid movement, in turn, activates tiny hair cells (not shown) inside the cochlea 140. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be generated and transmitted through spiral ganglion cells (not shown) and the auditory nerve 114 to the brain (also not shown), where they are perceived as sound.

[0056] As shown, cochlear implant 100 includes one or more components that are temporarily or permanently implanted into a recipient. Figure 1A , which has an external device 142 as part of system 10 (together with cochlear implant 100), the external device 142 being configured to provide power to the cochlear implant as described below, and the implantable cochlear implant including a battery that is charged by the power provided by the external device 142.

[0057] exist Figure 1A In the illustrative arrangement of , external device 142 may include a power source (not shown) placed in behind-the-ear (BTE) unit 126. External device 142 also includes components of a transcutaneous energy transfer link, referred to as an external energy transfer assembly. The transcutaneous energy transfer link is used to transfer power and / or data to cochlear implant 100. Various types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive transfer, may be used to transfer power and / or data from external device 142 to cochlear implant 100. In Figure 1A In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the external energy transfer assembly includes an external coil 130 that forms part of an inductive radio frequency (RF) communication link. The external coil 130 is typically a wire antenna coil that includes multiple turns of electrically insulated single or multiple strands of platinum or gold wire. The external device 142 also includes a magnet (not shown) positioned within the wire turns of the external coil 130. It should be understood that Figure 1A The external devices shown are illustrative only, and other external devices may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] The cochlear implant 100 includes an internal energy transfer assembly 132 that can be positioned in a recess of the temporal bone adjacent to the recipient's auricle 110. As described in detail below, the internal energy transfer assembly 132 is a component of a transcutaneous energy transfer link and receives power and / or data from an external device 142. In the illustrative embodiment, the energy transfer link includes an inductive RF link, and the internal energy transfer assembly 132 includes a main internal coil assembly 136. As will be described in more detail below, the internal coil assembly 136 generally includes a wire antenna coil that includes multiple turns of electrically insulated single or multiple strands of platinum or gold wire.

[0059] Cochlear implant 100 also includes a main implantable component 120 and an elongated electrode assembly 118. Coil assembly 136, main implantable component 120, and electrode assembly 118 collectively correspond to the implantable components of system 10.

[0060] In some embodiments, the internal energy transfer component 132 and the main implantable component 120 are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing. In some embodiments, the main implantable component 120 includes an implantable microphone component (not shown) and a sound processing unit (not shown) to convert sound signals received by the implantable microphone or via the internal energy transfer component 132 into data signals. That being said, in some alternative embodiments, the implantable microphone component can be located in a separate implantable component (e.g., having its own housing component, etc.) that communicates with the main implantable component 120 signals (e.g., via leads between the separate implantable component and the main implantable component 120, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof can be used with any type of implantable microphone arrangement.

[0061] The main implantable component 120 also includes a stimulator unit (in Figure 1A The electrical stimulation signal is delivered to the recipient via the elongated electrode assembly 118.

[0062] The elongated electrode assembly 118 has a proximal end connected to the main implantable component 120, and a distal end implanted in the cochlea 140. The electrode assembly 118 extends from the main implantable component 120 through the mastoid bone 119 to the cochlea 140. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 118 can be implanted at least in the base region 116, and sometimes more deeply. For example, the electrode assembly 118 can extend toward the top of the cochlea 140 (referred to as the cochlear apex 134). In some cases, the electrode assembly 118 can be inserted into the cochlea 140 via a cochleostomy 122. In other cases, the cochleostomy can be formed through the round window 121, the oval window 112, the promontory 123, or through the apical gyrus 147 of the cochlea 140.

[0063] The electrode assembly 118 includes a longitudinally aligned and distally extending array 146 of electrodes 148 arranged along its length. As described above, the stimulator unit generates stimulation signals that are applied by the electrodes 148 to the cochlea 140, thereby stimulating the auditory nerve 114.

[0064] Figure 1B An exemplary high-level diagram of implantable component 100 of system 10 is depicted, looking down toward the skull from outside the skull. As can be seen, implantable component 100 includes magnet 160 surrounded by coil 137, which communicates bidirectionally with stimulator unit 122 (although in other embodiments, communication is unidirectional), which in turn communicates with electrode assembly 118. Implantable component 100 also includes a magnet 160 located above (relative to) magnet 160. Figure 1B 170. Figure 1B In the exemplary embodiment shown, the longitudinal axis of plate 170 is at least substantially aligned with (including aligned with) magnet arrangement 160, although in other embodiments, such alignment does not exist. Figure 1B It cannot be seen in Figure 1C It can be seen that ( Figure 1C The image taken from the center of the implantable component 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1B 100 ), another plate 172 is located on the opposite side of the magnet arrangement 160, resulting in the magnet arrangement 160 being sandwiched between the plates in this example embodiment. In at least some embodiments, the plate 172 is the same as the plate 170, while in other embodiments, the plates are different. Other features of these plates will be described in more detail below.

[0065] Still reference Figure 1B , it should be noted that the plate 170 (and base plate), the stimulator unit 122 and the magnet arrangement 170 are located in a housing made of an elastomeric material 199 (such as silicone, by way of example only and not limitation). Hereinafter, the elastomeric material 199 of the housing is generally referred to as silicone. However, it should be noted that any reference to silicone herein also corresponds to a reference to any other type of component capable of implementing the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof, such as, by way of example and not limitation, biocompatible rubber, etc.

[0066] from Figure 1B As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the housing made of elastomeric material 199 includes slits 180 (in Figure 1C 180 because in some embodiments the slit is not used). In an exemplary embodiment, the slit 180 has practical value because it enables the insertion and / or removal of the magnet assembly 160 from the housing made of the elastomeric material 199.

[0067] It should be noted that the magnet device 160 is presented in a conceptual manner. In this regard, it should be noted that in at least some embodiments, the magnet device 160 is a component including a magnet surrounded by a biocompatible coating. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the magnet device 160 is such a component in which the magnet is located in a container having an internal size roughly corresponding to the external size of the magnet. The container can be hermetically sealed to isolate the magnet in the container from the body fluids of the recipient that penetrate the shell (for the above-mentioned coated magnet, the same operating principle occurs). In an exemplary embodiment, the container allows the magnet to rotate or otherwise move relative to the container. Additional details of the container will be described below. In this regard, it should be noted that although the term "magnet" is sometimes used as an abbreviation for the phrase "magnet device", any disclosure of "magnet" herein also corresponds to the disclosure of a "magnet device" according to the aforementioned embodiment and / or its variant and / or any other configuration that can have practical value according to the teachings detailed herein.

[0068] Reference now Figure 1C , it should be noted that the outline of the housing made of elastomeric material 199 is presented in a dashed format to facilitate discussion. In an exemplary embodiment, silicone or some other elastomeric material fills the interior within the dashed lines in addition to other components of the implantable device (e.g., plates, magnets, stimulators, etc.). That being said, in alternative embodiments, silicone or some other elastomeric material substantially fills the interior within the dashed lines in addition to the components of the implantable device (e.g., there may be a pocket within the dashed lines in which neither the components nor the silicone are located).

[0069] It should be noted that Figure 1B and Figure 1C The diagrams are conceptual and are presented for discussion purposes. The commercial embodiments corresponding to these diagrams may differ from those shown in the diagrams.

[0070] Additional details of the plates, magnets, and housing made of elastomeric material will be described in greater detail below. First, however, additional functional details of cochlear implant 100 will now be described.

[0071] Figure 2A 2 is a functional block diagram of a prosthesis 200A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The prosthesis 200A includes an implantable component 244 configured to be implanted under the skin or other tissue 250 of a recipient, and an external device 204. For example, the implantable component 244 may be Figure 1A The external device may be an implantable component 100. Figure 1A External device 142. Similar to the above reference Figure 1AIn the described embodiment, the implantable component 244 includes a transceiver unit 208 that receives data and power from the external device 204. The external device 204 transmits power and data 220 to the transceiver unit 208 via the magnetic induction data link 220 through the transceiver unit 206. As used herein, the term "receiver" refers to any device or component configured to receive power and / or data, such as a receiving portion of a transceiver or a separate component for receiving. The details of transmitting power and data to the transceiver unit 208 are provided below. With respect to the transceiver, it should be noted that at this point, although embodiments of the present invention may use a transceiver, a separate receiver and / or transmitter may be used appropriately. This will be clear in view of the following description.

[0072] The implantable component 244 may include a power storage element 212 and a functional component 214. The power storage element 212 is configured to store power received by the transceiver unit 208 and distribute the power to the components of the implantable component 244 as needed. The power storage element 212 may include, for example, a rechargeable battery 212. Examples of functional components may be, for example, Figure 1B A stimulator unit 120 is shown.

[0073] In some embodiments, implantable component 244 may include a single unit having all components of implantable component 244 disposed in a common housing. In other embodiments, implantable component 244 includes a combination of several separate units that communicate via a wired or wireless connection. For example, power storage element 212 may be a separate unit enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing. The implantable magnet device and the plate associated therewith may be attached to or otherwise become part of any of these units, and more than one of these units may include a magnet device and plate according to the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein.

[0074] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the external device 204 includes a data processor 210 that receives data from a data input unit 211 and processes the received data. The processed data from the data processor 210 is transmitted by the transceiver unit 206 to the transceiver unit 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the data processor 210 may be a sound processor, such as Figure 1A In the sound processor for cochlear implant, the data input unit 211 may be a microphone of an external device.

[0075] Figure 2B Presentation Figure 2A An alternative embodiment of the prosthesis 200A, in Figure 2B Identified as prosthesis 200B. Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs can be seen in comparison, the data processor may be located in the external device 204 or may be located in the implantable component 244. In some embodiments, both the external device 204 and the implantable component 244 may include a data processor.

[0076] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, external device 204 may include power source 213. As will be described in more detail below, power from power source 213 may be transmitted by transceiver unit 206 to transceiver unit 208 to provide power to implantable component 244.

[0077] Although in Figure 2A and Figure 2B 204 and / or the implantable component 244 include corresponding inductive communication components. These inductive communication components can be connected to the transceiver unit 206 and the transceiver unit 208, allowing power and data 220 to be transferred between the two units by magnetic induction.

[0078] As used herein, an inductive communication component includes a standard inductive coil and an inductive communication component that is configured to vary its effective coil area.

[0079] As mentioned above, Figure 2A The prosthesis 200A may be a cochlear implant. In this regard, Figure 3A Provided Figure 2A Additional details of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the prosthesis 200A is a cochlear implant. Specifically, Figure 3A is a functional block diagram of a cochlear implant 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] It should be noted that Figure 2A and Figure 2B The components detailed in Figure 3A The same components as detailed in Figure 3A The components can be found in Figure 2A and Figure 2B used in the described embodiments.

[0081] Cochlear implant 300A includes an implantable component 344A (eg, implantable component 100 of FIG. 1 ) configured to be implanted beneath a recipient's skin or other tissue 250, and an external device 304A. External device 304A may be an external component such as external component 142 of FIG.

[0082] Similar to the above reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the described embodiment, implantable component 344A includes a transceiver unit 208 (which may be a transceiver unit connected to a processor) that receives data and power from external device 304A. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The external device 304A sends data and / or power 320 to the transceiver unit 208 via the magnetic induction data link. This can be done while the module 202 is being charged.

[0083] The implantable component 344A also includes a power storage element 212, an electronics module 322 (which may include components such as a sound processor 126 and / or may include components corresponding to Figure 1B of the stimulator unit 122 of the stimulator unit 322) and the electrode assembly 348 (which may include Figure 1A The power storage element 212 is configured to store power received by the transceiver unit 208 and distribute the power to elements of the implantable component 344A as needed.

[0084] As shown, the electronic module 322 includes a stimulator unit 332. The electronic module 322 may also include one or more other functional components for generating or controlling the delivery of the electrical stimulation signal 315 to the recipient. Figure 1A As depicted, electrode assembly 348 is inserted into the cochlea of ​​a recipient and is configured to deliver electrical stimulation signals 315 generated by stimulator unit 332 to the cochlea.

[0085] exist Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, the external device 304A includes a sound processor 310 configured to convert a sound signal received from a sound input unit 311 (e.g., a microphone, an electrical input for an FM hearing system, etc.) into a data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the sound processor 310 corresponds to Figure 2A The data processor 210 is configured to:

[0086] Figure 3B An alternative embodiment of a cochlear implant 300B is presented. The elements of cochlear implant 300B correspond to the elements of cochlear implant 300A, except that external device 304B does not include sound processor 310. Instead, implantable component 344B includes sound processor 324, which may correspond to Figure 3A The sound processor 310 is configured to:

[0087] As will be described in greater detail below, although not shown in the figures, external device 304A / 304B and / or implantable component 344A / 344B include corresponding inductive communication components.

[0088] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The external device 304A / 304B may include a power source 213, which may be connected to Figure 2AAs will be described in detail below, power from power source 213 may be transmitted by transceiver unit 306 to transceiver unit 308 to provide power to implantable components 344A / 344B. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In further detail, implantable component 344A / 344B may include power storage element 212 that stores power received by implantable component 344 from power source 213. Power storage element 212 may be coupled to Figure 2A The power storage element 212 is the same.

[0089] and Figure 3A and Figure 3B Compared with the embodiment of Figure 3C As shown, an embodiment of the present invention of a cochlear implant 300C includes an implantable component 344C that does not include a power storage element 212. Figure 3C In the embodiment of the present invention, sufficient power is supplied by the external device 304A / 304B in real time to power the implantable component 344C without storing power in the power storage element. Figure 3C In the Figure 3A Same, except that power storage element 212 is not present.

[0090] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Some of the components will now be described in more detail.

[0091] Figure 4A is a simplified schematic diagram of a transceiver unit 406A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary transceiver unit 406A may correspond to Figures 2A to 3C As shown, the transceiver unit 406A includes a power transmitter 412A, a data transceiver 414A, and an inductive communication component 416.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, as will be described in more detail below, the inductive communication component 416 includes one or more wire antenna coils (depending on the embodiment) that include multiple turns of electrically insulated single or multiple strands of platinum or gold wire (thus corresponding to Figure 1B The power transmitter 412A includes circuit components that inductively transfer power from a power source (such as power source 213) to the implantable component 344A / B / C ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Data transceiver 414A includes circuit components that cooperate to output data for transmission to implantable components 344A / B / C ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C ). Transceiver unit 406A may inductively receive transmitted data from one or more other components of cochlear implant 300A / B / C, such as from implantable component 344A ( Figure 3A )'s telemetry, etc.

[0093] The transceiver unit 406A may be included in a device that includes any number of components that communicate data to the implantable components 334A / B / C. For example, the transceiver unit 406A may be included in a behind-the-ear (BTE) device having one or more microphones or sound processors therein, an in-the-ear device, etc.

[0094] Figure 4B A transmitter unit 406B is shown which is identical to the transceiver unit 406A except that it includes a power transmitter 412B and a data transmitter 414B.

[0095] It should be noted that for ease of description, the power transmitter 412A and the data transceiver 414A / data transmitter 414B are shown separately. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, at least some of the components of the two devices may be combined into a single device.

[0096] Figure 4C is corresponding to Figure 3A 44A, except that the transceiver unit 208 is a receiver unit. In this regard, the implantable component 444A includes a receiver unit 408A, a power storage element shown as a rechargeable battery 446, and a corresponding Figure 3A Receiver unit 408A includes an inductive coil 442 connected to a receiver 441. Receiver 441 includes circuit components that receive inductively transmitted data and power from other components of cochlear implant 300A / B / C (such as external device 304A / B) via inductive communication components corresponding to inductive coil 442. Components for receiving data and power are provided in FIG. Figure 4C 4 and 449. For ease of description, the data receiver 447 and the power receiver 449 are shown separately. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, at least some of the components of these receivers may be combined into one component.

[0097] In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the receiver unit 408A and the transceiver unit 406A (or the transmitter unit 406B) establish a transcutaneous communication link via which data and power are transferred from the transceiver unit 406A (or the transmitter unit 406B) to the implantable component 444A. As shown, the transcutaneous communication link includes a magnetic induction link formed by an inductive communication component system, which includes an inductive communication component 416 and a coil 442.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the transcutaneous communication link established by the receiver unit 408A and the transceiver unit 406A (or any other feasible component that can establish a transcutaneous communication link) can use time interleaving of data and power on a single radio frequency (RF) channel or frequency band to transmit power and data to the implantable component 444A. The method of time interleaving power according to the exemplary embodiment uses continuous time frames, each time frame having a time length, and each time frame is divided into two or more time slices. Within each frame, one or more time slices are allocated to power, and one or more time slices are allocated to data. In an exemplary embodiment, the data modulates an RF carrier or a signal containing power. In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver unit 406A and the transmitter unit 406B are configured to transmit data and power to an implantable component (such as the implantable component 344A) respectively within the time slices allocated within each of their frames.

[0099] The power received by the receiver unit 408A may be provided to the rechargeable battery 446 for storage. The power received by the receiver unit 408A may also be provided for distribution to the components of the implantable component 444A as needed. As shown, the electronic module 322 includes a stimulator unit 332, which in an exemplary embodiment corresponds to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The stimulator unit 322 may also include one or more other functional components for generating or controlling the delivery of electrical stimulation signals to a recipient.

[0100] In one embodiment, implantable component 444A includes receiver unit 408A, rechargeable battery 446, and electronics module 322 integrated into a single implantable housing (referred to as stimulator / receiver unit 406A). It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, implantable component 344 may include a combination of several separate units that communicate via wired or wireless connections.

[0101] Figure 4D is a simplified schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of implantable component 444B. Figure 4C The implantable component 444A is the same as the implantable component 444A, except that it includes a transceiver unit 408B instead of a receiver unit 408A. The transceiver unit 408B includes a transceiver 445 ( Figure 4C The transceiver unit 445 includes a data transceiver 451 (which is opposite to the receiver 441 in FIG. Figure 4C The data receiver 447 in the example is the opposite).

[0102] Figure 4E and Figure 4F Shows Figure 4C and Figure 4D An alternative embodiment of implantable components 444A and 444B is depicted in FIG. Figure 4E and Figure 4F In the embodiment, implantable components 444C and 444D (corresponding to Figure 4E and Figure 4F ) include an inductive communication component 443 instead of coil 442. Inductive communication component 443 is configured to change the effective coil area of ​​the component and can be used in cochlear implants where external device 304A / B does not include a communication component configured to change the effective coil area (i.e., the external device utilizes a standard inductive coil). In other respects, implantable components 444C and 444D are substantially the same as implantable components 444A and 444B. Note that in Figure 4E and Figure 4F In the depicted embodiment, implantable components 444C and 444D are depicted in the figure as including sound processor 342. In other embodiments, implantable components 444C and 444D may not include sound processor 342.

[0103] Figure 5 shows a high level conceptual exemplary magnetic coupling arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 A magnet arrangement 160 of an implantable component 100 is presented, having a longitudinal axis 599 aligned with a magnet 560 of an external device 142, and a functional representation of a recipient's tissue 504 located between the two components. For clarity, the external device and all other components of the implantable component are not shown. It can be seen that the magnet arrangement 160 has a north-south axis aligned with the longitudinal axis 599, and the magnet arrangement 560 also has a north-south axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the magnet arrangement. In this exemplary embodiment, due to the arrangement of the magnets, the magnetic field generated aligns the magnets so that the longitudinal axes of the magnets are aligned. In the exemplary embodiment, because the coils of the device are aligned with the longitudinal axes of the magnets, the alignment of the magnets aligns the coils.

[0104] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment is presented, in which the magnet arrangement 160 of the implantable component 100 has a north-south axis aligned with the transverse axis of the magnet arrangement. In this exemplary embodiment, the magnet 560 also has a north-south axis also aligned with the transverse axis of the magnet.

[0105] If you can Figure 1B and Figure 1CAs inferred in the above, the magnet arrangement of the implantable component 100 is a disc-shaped magnet arrangement / having the form of a short cylinder. The magnet of the external device 142 may also have this form. Having said that, in alternative embodiments, the magnet may have another configuration (e.g., a plate-shaped magnet, a rod-shaped magnet, etc.). Moreover, in alternative embodiments, more than two magnets may be used in the implantable device and / or the external device. The magnet may be located outside the coil. Any magnet arrangement of any configuration that may have practical value according to the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be used in at least some embodiments.

[0106] Fig. 7A Presented Figure 1C A portion of the view ( Figure 1B ), showing the magnet arrangement 160 sandwiched between plates 170 and 172. All other components have been removed for clarity. Figure 7B A rectangular dashed structure is depicted, which conceptually represents a volume that is typically filled with an elastomeric material such as silicone, and thus conceptually represents Figure 1B In the embodiment, the space is substantially filled with silicone. That being said, in alternative embodiments, there are locations where there is no elastomeric material. FIG. 7B to FIG. 7C Some examples are presented where the volume between the magnet assembly 160 and the vertical dashed line is free of silicone. (Note that these views represent only the sides of the magnet assembly and housing relative to a cross section taken along the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 100 - the elastomeric material can be closer to the magnet assembly / away from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 100 on the lateral sides, thus still maintaining the position of the magnet assembly 160).

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric material surrounding the plate holds the plate in place against the magnet. In this regard, refer back to Fig. 7A , it can be seen that plate 170 and plate 172 are spaced a distance D1 from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, distance D1 corresponds to the thickness of the magnet (as distinct from the width of the magnet, which corresponds to the diameter of the disk magnet, which may be a disk-shaped magnet, as measured in a plane orthogonal to longitudinal axis 599). That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the plates are positioned to be in direct contact with opposing faces of magnet arrangement 160. In exemplary embodiments where opposing faces of the magnet arrangement are parallel, the surfaces of plate 170 and plate 172 that face each other are also parallel because those surfaces are also flat surfaces. It is briefly mentioned here that although the embodiments of the plates detailed herein are represented as disks having uniformly flat surfaces on either side thereof, in alternative embodiments, the plates may have different configurations, particularly with respect to surfaces that face away from each other. In short, Fig.7DAn exemplary alternative embodiment is depicted in which the upper plate 170D has a flat bottom surface but a curved top surface. It should also be noted that the outer diameter of the upper plate 170D is smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom plate 172. It should also be noted that the upper plate 170D is offset relative to the longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet device 160. Any one or all of these features can be used separately and / or together on the upper plate and / or the bottom plate. Additional details of the plates will be described below.

[0108] As described above, the elastomeric material surrounding the plates holds the plates in place against the magnet arrangement 160. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the housing made of elastomeric material 199 is arranged so that when the magnet arrangement 160 is located between the plates, the elastomeric material can impart downward and upward forces on the plates 170 and 172, respectively, thereby imparting downward and upward forces on the opposing faces of the magnet arrangement 160. Figure 8 A conceptual diagram showing the force distribution F1 applied to plate 170 by the elastic material of the housing when magnet device 160 is located between plate 170 and plate 172. In an exemplary embodiment, there is also an equal and opposite force F1 on the bottom surface of plate 172. In an exemplary embodiment, this imparts a compressive force on magnet device 160. That being said, it should be noted that in alternative embodiments, force distribution F1 can correspond to zero force (in the absence of an external magnetic field). That is, exemplary embodiments may require a housing made of elastomeric material 199 to position plates 170 and 172 so that there is almost no compressive force on magnet device 160. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, there may be a gap between magnet device 160 and one or both of plates 170 and 172 so that in the absence of an external magnetic field, no compressive force is applied to magnet device 160 regardless of force distribution F1. That being said, the embodiments detailed herein will be presented in terms of a configuration where the housing 199 made of an elastomeric material applies a compressive force to the magnet arrangement 160 through the plate in the absence of an external magnetic field.

[0109] Reference now Fig. 9 , Fig. 9An exemplary scenario is depicted in which an external magnetic field is applied to a magnet arrangement 160 while the magnet arrangement 160, and thus the implantable component 100, is implanted in a recipient at a location corresponding to the implantation location of the implantable component for its normal use (e.g., the magnet arrangement 160 may be located above the mastoid bone of the recipient and below the skin of the recipient of a cochlear implant). In an exemplary embodiment, the external magnetic field is an external magnetic field generated by an MRI machine during MRI imaging of the recipient's head (with the implantable component 100, and thus the magnet arrangement 160, implanted therein), wherein the magnetic field generated by the MRI machine interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet arrangement 160 to impart a significant torque on the magnet arrangement 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the torque is up to 0.38 Newton meters, and the MRI machine applies the magnetic field such that the implanted magnet arrangement 160 is subjected to a magnetic field of 3 T. The following explanation refers to a 3 T magnetic field, but may also be applied to any applied field, by way of example and not limitation, such as 0.2 T, 1.5 T, 3 T, 4 T, 5 T, 6 T, and 7 T or more in some embodiments.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field is generated by a bore MRI machine. That being said, in some embodiments, the magnetic field is generated by an open MRI. The teachings detailed herein are applicable to any MRI that imparts a magnetic field, and thus a torque, to the magnets of the magnet arrangement 160 .

[0111] from Fig. 9 As can be seen in the figure, in an exemplary embodiment, implantable component 100 is configured such that plates 170 and 172 are pushed away from each other due to the rotation of magnet arrangement 160, which is caused by the torque exerted on magnet arrangement 160 by the 3T magnetic field. It can be seen that magnet arrangement 160 rotates so that its longitudinal axis moves from its normal position ("normal position" refers to the position where the magnet is in the absence of an external magnetic field - e.g., Fig. 7A and Figure 8 As shown, the longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet arrangement 160 is at least approximately orthogonal to the major surface of the plate). Due to the rotation of the magnet 160, the magnet 160 tilts between the plate 170 and the plate 172. The result is that the plate 170 and the plate 172 are pushed away from each other. This is caused by Fig. 9 The distance D2 is shown in the figure. By visual inspection and comparison Fig. 7A and Fig. 9As can be seen, distance D2 is greater than distance D1. In an exemplary embodiment, distance D1 is 2.2 mm (corresponding to the thickness of magnet 160, which may have a 12 mm diameter (width)). In an exemplary embodiment, distance D2 may be approximately: 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm, 5.0 mm or more, or any value or range of values ​​therebetween in increments of approximately 0.01 mm (e.g., approximately 2.44 mm to approximately 4.37 mm, 3.89 mm, etc.). In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the difference between D2 and D1 (D2-D1) is approximately: 0.01mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm or more, or any value or range of values ​​therebetween in increments of approximately 0.01mm.

[0112] Fig. 9 The longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet 160 is shown displaced from its normal position (599'). In an exemplary embodiment, the degree of displacement from the normal position is approximately: 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 16.0, 17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, 21.0, 22.0, 23.0, 24.0, 25.0, 26.0, 27.0, 28.0, 29.0, 30.0, 31.0, 32.0, 33.0, 34.0, or 35.0 or more, or any value or range of values ​​therebetween in increments of approximately 0.1 (e.g., approximately 11.3 degrees to approximately 24.1 degrees, 15.3 degrees, etc.).

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment, due to the housing being made of elastomeric material 199, when plates 170 and 172 are pushed away from each other, the force applied by the material of the housing to the outer surfaces of the plates is increased from force distribution F1. For clarity, the forces on the outer surfaces of the plates will be considered in this explanation. It should be noted that the elastomeric material between the plates will apply a force on the inner surfaces of the plates. This force will be in the same direction as the force acting on the outer sides of the plates (i.e., towards the magnets). Therefore, this can increase the effect described. In this regard, Fig.10 A conceptual diagram is presented showing force distribution F2 on the upper surface of upper plate 170 due to the elastomeric material 199 being stretched / displaced as the distance between the plates is expanded from D1 to D2, where in the exemplary embodiment, an equal and opposite force distribution is also located on the bottom surface of bottom plate 172. The arrows for force distribution F2 are shown as being longer than Figure 8 The arrow of force distribution F1 indicates the force distribution F2 composition ratio Figure 8 The force distribution is greater than the force distribution of the

[0114] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the increase in the distance between the plates increases the force distribution imparted by the material of the housing on those plates. As magnet 160 contacts plates 170 and 172 (directly or indirectly, as will be described in more detail below), this increase in force distribution on the plates is in turn applied to magnet 160 by the plates. The increase in force distribution counteracts the torque applied to magnet 160 due to the 3T magnetic field of the MRI machine. When the force generated by the torque applied to magnet 160 is balanced with the force distribution applied to the plates due to the deformation of the elastomeric material of the housing, further rotation of magnet 160 is prevented.

[0115] Fig.11 An exemplary conceptual diagram presenting a graph of force (force on the plates) versus distance between the plates is provided, where point A corresponds to the position of the plates in a relaxed state (e.g., without the magnet 160 located therebetween), point B corresponds to the force induced by the magnet in a normal position between the plates in the absence of an external magnetic field (force distribution F1, where the magnet 160 itself pushes the plates away from each other), and point C represents the maximum separation of the plates induced by a 3 T magnetic field. It can be seen that in this exemplary embodiment, the increase in force is linear. Fig.12 A graph of force versus distance between the plates for an alternative embodiment is presented, with points A and B located at the same position (the same corresponding position for the plates in a relaxed state with or without magnets 160 between them - in the absence of an external magnetic field, the plates provide negligible (if not zero) force on the magnets). Fig.11 Like the graph of , the curve is linear. Fig.13Alternative embodiments are presented in which the force is non-linear with respect to the distance between the plates. It should be noted that these graphs are merely examples of graphs of force distribution versus distance between the plates. Other configurations of exemplary embodiments will present other curves. Any relationship between force and distance between the plates will enable the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof to be practiced to be used in at least some embodiments.

[0116] Now, the exemplary operating principles of some exemplary embodiments will be described in conceptual terms. It should be noted that these operating principles are exemplary, and to the extent that the embodiments can be practiced using the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof and give rise to other operating principles that are utilized in a manner having practical value, such other principles can also be used to implement the teachings detailed herein. That being said, Fig.14 An exemplary conceptual arrangement is shown in which plates 170 and 172 and magnet 160 are located in a conceptual housing 1499 made of an elastomeric material, housing 1499 having wall thicknesses T1 and T2, as shown, wherein magnet 160 is not exposed to an external magnetic field. In some exemplary embodiments, in the absence of an external magnetic field, conceptual housing 1499 applies a compressive force to the magnet through plates 170 and 172. In some exemplary embodiments, in the absence of an external magnetic field, conceptual housing 1499 does not apply a compressive force to the magnet through plates 170 and 172. Fig.15 It indicates that the magnet 160 is subjected to an external magnetic field of 3T, wherein the magnet 160 rotates due to the torque exerted on it by the magnetic field. It can be seen that the wall thicknesses T1' and T2' of the housing 1499 are thinner than Fig.14 The wall thickness T1 and T2 of plate 170 and plate 172 are Fig.14 The situation in FIG. 14 has been pushed away from each other due to the torque applied to magnet 160. Essentially, the housing has stretched, or more precisely, the elastomeric material of housing 1499 has stretched. Because the elastomeric material of the housing has memory, housing 1499 attempts to return to Fig.14 In the state shown (wall thickness returns to T1 and T2, or at least close to T1 and T2 and / or less than T1' and T2'), a force distribution F2 occurs on the plates as detailed above, thereby counteracting further rotation of the magnets. By way of example only and not limitation, the effect of housing 1499 on plates 170 and 172 can be considered to be similar to the operating principle of a rubber band. In this regard, the elastomeric material of housing 1499 imparts a compressive force on plates 170 and 172, wherein the compressive force increases as the separation of the plates from each other increases due to the rotation of magnet 160.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric material used to make the housing is made of silicone MED4860 (from Nusil). In an exemplary embodiment, T1 is about 0.3 mm (including 0.3 mm, unless otherwise stated, all uses of "about", "substantially" and other qualifiers also include exact amounts), and the maximum thickness of the housing measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magnet 599 at any position above and below the plate is about 4 mm (including 4 mm or less).

[0118] It should be noted that Fig.14 and Fig.15 Conceptual illustration only. It should be noted that the thickness is depicted as changing by an exaggerated amount. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, thickness T2 may not change and / or may change less than thickness T1 (by ratio and / or total), and / or vice versa.

[0119] Fig.16A 170 and 172 to provide a reaction force against the rotation of magnet 160, more specifically, Fig.16A The embodiment includes a resilient member / elastomeric member 1610 located outside of magnet 160 between plate 170 and plate 172. Fig.16A In an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 1610 is presented as a spring extending from the bottom plate 172 to the top plate 170. In an alternative embodiment, these can be silicone pillars adhered to the surface of the plate. The pillars (springs or elastic members) can be arranged uniformly (or unevenly) around the magnet. The number of elastic members 1610 can correspond to any number that enables the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein to be practiced. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the elastic member 1610 can be a ring or a partial ring around the magnet 160. That is, the elastic member 1610 can be a single component. Any device, system and / or method that can provide tension between the plate 170 and the plate 172 to enable the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein to be practiced can be used in at least some embodiments.

[0120] It should be noted that some exemplary embodiments may be practiced without utilizing elastomeric materials to interact with the plates or otherwise provide a reaction force on the plates, or at least without utilizing elastomeric materials constituting the housing or the like of the implant 100. These plates may be rigidly attached at a plurality of locations around their edges. By way of example, the plates actually provide a rigid component and a spring component to provide a restoring force.

[0121] Furthermore, by way of example only and not limitation, Fig.16A As a basis for discussion, now refer to Fig. 16B, it can be seen that the magnet arrangement 160, the plates 170 and 172, and the spring 1610 are located in a housing 1669. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 1669 is a housing that also surrounds the stimulator unit 122, while in other embodiments, the housing does not surround the stimulator unit 122 and / or only surrounds the plates, magnet arrangement, and associated components. Fig. 16B The embodiment is depicted as having a housing 1669 containing the stimulator unit 122, as this will provide a larger footprint / area to resist any torque introduced into the system. Any housing arrangement that enables the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof to be practiced may be used in at least some embodiments.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, housing 1669 is a rigid housing (e.g., it may have a stiffness equal to or approximately equal to the stiffness of the board). Additional details are described below. Fig. 16B As can be seen, two tracks extend from the bottom of the housing 1669 to the top of the housing 1669, and the tracks extend through the plate 170 and the plate 172. In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is such that the relationship between the track 1655 and the plate is such that the plate moves in translation along the track 1655 and is substantially unable to move (e.g., rotate) to a position where they are no longer parallel to each other. This can be achieved via a tightly fitting hole through the plate relative to the track 1655. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, the extension tube can be positioned on the plate in a manner that provides an additional reaction torque to any rotation of the plate. Here, in the presence of a magnetic field imparting torque to the magnet device 160, the spring 1610 provides a reaction force that resists the movement of the plate 170 and the plate 172 away from each other, or in the case where the plate 172 is fixed to the bottom surface of the housing 1669, provides a reaction force that at least resists the movement of the plate 170 away from the plate 172. In at least some embodiments, the panels operate according to the same general principles detailed herein, except that rather than utilizing the elastomeric material of the housing to provide a force resisting the panels from moving away from each other, the housing does not provide a force against the panels, but rather the spring 1610 provides the entire force. In an exemplary embodiment, utilizing a rigid housing has practical value in that the rigid housing can hold the track 1655 in place / proper alignment so that the system can operate according to the principles detailed herein.

[0123] It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, compression springs may also be used instead of or in addition to the extension springs. The compression springs may be located between the plate(s) and the wall(s) of the housing 1669.

[0124] Fig. 16C Describes the use and Fig. 16BIn this regard, a plate 172L extending from the stimulator unit 122 to the magnet arrangement 160 is used. In this exemplary embodiment, the length of the plate 172L provides sufficient reaction to any torque imparted to the system caused by the magnetic field applied to the magnet arrangement 160. The housing 1669X is presented as corresponding to Fig. 16B 1669X. However, in an alternative embodiment, the housing 1669X may be a housing made of an elastomeric material. In such an exemplary embodiment, sufficient space is provided to the plate 170 to move accordingly according to its exemplary embodiment. Having said that, in an alternative embodiment, the elastomeric material may work in conjunction with the spring 1610.

[0125] Fig.16D Presents the use and Fig. 16B Here, the system uses long plates 170L at the top and long plates 172L at the bottom. It can be seen that these plates extend from the stimulator unit 122 to the magnet arrangement 160. In the exemplary embodiment, because these plates have a certain degree of elasticity over the long span due to their length, and have local rigidity near the magnet arrangement 160, Fig.16D The arrangement can be used to practice the principles and / or variations thereof detailed herein. Although it will be appreciated that in some cases the configuration of 16D may not cause the plates to be parallel to one another, in an exemplary embodiment, plate 170L can be a composite plate such that the portion engaged with magnet 160 is allowed to rotate relative to the rest of plate 170L when the plates are separated from one another due to torque applied to magnet device 160, such that the portion engaged with magnet 160 remains parallel. In an exemplary embodiment, portion 170L1 can be hinged to portion 170L2, and an arrangement can be provided that imparts a force on 170L1 when the plates are pushed apart to force portion 170L1 to remain at least approximately parallel to 170L. Again, housing 1669X can be a rigid housing or a flexible housing. Any arrangement that enables the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein to be practiced can be used in at least some embodiments.

[0126] In this regard, such as Fig.15 In the diagram, the plate is shown to be flat, even under load. Some embodiments use a plate with some compliance so that the plate bends to a limited extent under load. In some embodiments, this will put the plate in tension so that there is a restoring force tending to make the plate substantially flat again. This unyielding force of the plate will increase the force acting on the magnet arrangement.

[0127] In view of the above, it should be understood that in an exemplary embodiment, there is an implantable medical device (such as a cochlear implant) or any other type of medical device utilizing an implantable magnet (regardless of what the implantable magnet is used for / regardless of whether the implantable magnet is used to hold an external component to a recipient) that includes a magnet device, such as magnet 160 detailed above, either by itself or encapsulated in a housing (e.g., a titanium housing), and / or coated in a biocompatible material, and a body surrounding the magnet (e.g., body 199 / housing conceptually represented by element 1499 as described above), the body being made of an elastomeric material (such as silicone (biocompatible / implantable), rubber (biocompatible / implantable rubber), or incorporating an elastic element (e.g., a spring) as part of the housing, or any other material), such as a polymeric body capable of implementing the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof. When the magnet assembly is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, the implantable medical device resists rotation of the magnet assembly relative to the body in at least one plane because the magnet assembly is slidable relative to components located within the body (e.g., one or both of plates 170 and 172).

[0128] It should be noted that "slidable" means that the magnet changes global position relative to the component. This is in contrast to the case where the magnet is rotated / rotated relative to the plate, where the magnet is still in the same position, but the point on the magnet's surface is in a different position. By analogy, a car tire slides on ice when the car tire changes position. A car tire rotating on ice does not slide across the ice.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device includes a plurality of separate structural components (e.g., plates 170 and 172) having greater rigidity than the material of the body / body and being at least partially embedded in the body, wherein one of the plurality of structural components corresponds to a component relative to which the magnet arrangement slides, and wherein the structural component resists rotation of the magnet arrangement within the body, as detailed above (the resistance being achieved through interaction between the plates and the magnet arrangement). In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device includes a first structural component and a second structural component (again, plates 170 and 172), wherein the first structural component and the second structural component collectively sandwich the magnet arrangement, wherein the structural component resists rotation of the magnet arrangement in at least one plane within the body. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, the structural component resists rotation of the magnet arrangement in Fig. 7A , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The rotation in the plane used in the cross-sectional views shown in FIG. 1 is a rotation in the plane in which the longitudinal axis of the magnet 160 lies.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the stiffness of the plate is about 1 / 2, 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 or more orders of magnitude stronger than the stiffness of the body. By way of example only and not limitation, silicone has a Young's modulus of 0.001 to 0.05 GPa, while PEEK has a Young's modulus of 3.6 GPa.

[0131] As detailed herein, "resisting rotation" means that the medical device is configured to allow a small amount of rotation of the magnet device. In fact, in at least some exemplary embodiments, some initial rotation is required in order to push the plates apart, thereby generating the force F2 detailed above, to prevent further rotation. Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the first and second plates separated from each other are arranged so that the magnet device is restrained from rotating by the first and second plates beyond the initial amount within the body, which is included in the configuration of resisting rotation as detailed herein.

[0132] It should also be noted that in an exemplary embodiment of this exemplary embodiment, the magnet itself and / or the magnet coated with another material and / or the magnet located in a container constituting the magnet arrangement can be rotated relative to its longitudinal axis. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the medical device is configured to not resist rotation of the magnet arrangement and / or the magnet at least about one axis.

[0133] It should also be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, the medical device is configured to resist movement of the magnet device in all three directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. That being said, in an alternative embodiment, the medical device is configured to resist movement of the magnet device in only one or two directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. It follows that in an exemplary embodiment, the medical device is configured to resist rotation of the magnet device in all three directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. That being said, in an alternative embodiment, the medical device is configured to resist rotation of the magnet device in only one or two directions of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0134] Furthermore, from Fig. 7A It can be seen that the magnet device has a width and a height (for example, the width is the long axis (maximum diameter) of the circular magnet, and the height is the short axis of the circular magnet), wherein the height is smaller than the width, and the first plate 170 is located on the upper side of the magnet device, and the second plate 172 is located on the bottom side of the magnet device opposite to the upper side, wherein these plates extend in a direction orthogonal to the height direction (the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the magnet).

[0135] It follows that in an exemplary embodiment, the plate has a width and a height, wherein the height is less than the width, the width of the plate is greater than the width of the magnet arrangement, and the width of the plate is at least approximately parallel to the width of the magnet arrangement (with respect to the Fig. 7A As can be seen from the figure, one or both of the plates may extend beyond the outer periphery of the magnet arrangement relative to a direction parallel to the width of the magnet arrangement.

[0136] Given that Figure 7B and Figure 7C As well as FIG. 16 , in an exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric material is located at a position opposite to the height direction of the magnet device, and the elastomeric material located at the opposite position is located between the first plate and the second plate relative to the extension direction of the height of the magnet device. In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned elastomeric material may correspond to the elastomeric material of the main body (housing 199) surrounding the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned elastomeric material may correspond to a material separated from the material of the main body (spring material, silicone separated when the main body is also silicone, elasticity added to the plate, etc.).

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, due to the rotational torque applied to the magnet arrangement by the external magnetic field, the elastomeric material of the body (housing 199) resists movement of the first plate away from the second plate, thereby resisting rotation of the magnet arrangement. In addition, the term "resist" encompasses small amounts of movement of the plates away from each other (and note that, assuming the first plate moves away from the second plate, movement of the first plate away from the second plate also includes movement of the second plate away from the first plate).

[0138] As mentioned above, in an exemplary embodiment, the magnet arrangement includes a magnet positioned in a container, wherein the magnet is free to rotate relative to the container. Fig.17 An exemplary schematic diagram of such an exemplary environment is provided, which depicts a magnet arrangement 160 including a container 160' and a magnet 160" (and accordingly, any disclosure of the magnet 160 herein corresponds to Fig.17 (Disclosure of the magnet device in FIG. 1 ). Fig.17 A magnet 160'' is depicted being subjected to an external magnetic field which imparts a torque on the magnet 160'' about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet 160'', the torque being represented by arrow 17T which causes the magnet to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet. Fig.17 The depicted torque 17T can represent the total torque imparted on the magnet 160" by the external magnetic field or the component of the total torque that causes the magnet to rotate - that is, the component of the torque imparted centered about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 599 of the magnet 160". The rotation of the magnet 160" is limited by the inner wall of the container 160', and the torque applied by the magnet 160" to the container 160' is offset by the plate detailed herein, which is Fig.17 17A and 17B, is to apply a counter torque to the magnet, thereby resisting torque 17T. However, magnet 160" is configured to rotate about longitudinal axis 599 even if the magnet is constrained to not rotate more than the plate / housing assembly allows. In this regard, 18A to 18CAn exemplary rotation of a magnet 160" within a container 160' is depicted, wherein the container 160' remains stationary in each figure, but the magnet 160" rotates about the axis 599. It should also be noted that in this exemplary embodiment, the magnet 160" is a magnet having north and south poles on the lateral sides of the magnet (i.e., the poles are aligned to be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 599). In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the magnet 160" can be a magnet having a north and south pole axis aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0139] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the magnet arrangement includes a magnet 160" positioned within a container 160', wherein the magnet is free to rotate relative to the container.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric material of the body extends around most of the periphery of the container in a face-to-face relationship with the periphery of the container. "Face-to-face relationship" means that there are no other components of implantable component 100, such as a chassis, etc., between the elastomeric material and the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the silicone of the silicone body extends completely around the magnet device in a face-to-face relationship with the periphery of the magnet device.

[0141] It should be noted that in exemplary embodiments, the container may include a low friction coating, such as PTFE and / or a lubricant (such as oil, etc.), which reduces the friction between the magnet 160" and the inner surface of the container 160'. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the magnet device 160 may utilize ball bearings or a shaft with a bushing, etc. In fact, in exemplary embodiments, this can prevent substantially full rotation (including full rotation) of the magnet 160" relative to the container 160', while allowing the magnet 160" to rotate relative to the container 160'. Fig.19 Such an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0142] Fig. 20 An exemplary embodiment of a plate 172 is depicted, depicting a side view (top) and a top view (bottom). It can be seen that in the exemplary embodiment, the plate 172 has holes 173 into which the silicone material of the body (housing) can enter, thereby interlocking the elastomeric material with the plate. Fig. 20 The configuration of plate 172 can also be used for plate 170.

[0143] It should be noted that while in some embodiments, the holes 173 extend completely through the plate 172, in alternative embodiments, the holes 173 extend only through a portion of the plate 172 to maintain a smooth surface on one side of the plate (e.g., the side facing the magnets). By way of further example, the holes 173 can be wedge-shaped or the like so that during the molding process the elastomeric material can flow into the holes and then be similarly trapped therein. It should be noted that while Fig. 20The embodiment of the present invention presents abundant holes 173, but alternative embodiments may utilize fewer holes 173. Alternatively, some embodiments may utilize more than Fig. 20 More holes are shown.

[0144] It should also be noted that although Fig. 20 The arrangement of the holes 173 depicted corresponds to an array of holes located on the entire surface of the plate 172, but in some alternative embodiments, the holes are more specifically positioned. In an exemplary embodiment, the holes can be arranged around the outer perimeter of the plate 172. This has practical value in the following embodiments: for example, the hole 173 extends all the way through the plate 172, and it is desired to have a smooth surface at a position inside the hole, along which the magnet device will slide relative to the plate. It is inferred that, on the contrary, the hole 173 is located in the central part of the plate and can have practical value, because the rotation of the magnet device is limited, so its tip cannot reach the central part. In fact, in an exemplary embodiment, this can allow maximum stretchability of the elastomeric material around the plate, because the elastomeric material is anchored to the plate only at the center. That being said, in some embodiments, this may not have practical value, and the former arrangement can be applied to allow minimum stretchability of the elastomeric material around the plate (because the elastomeric material is anchored to the plate around the outer perimeter). Alternatively, there may be a combination where the holes on the outer perimeter extend all the way through the plate, and the holes on the inside extend only part way through the plate, or vice versa, etc.

[0145] It should also be noted that the hole does not have to be a completely enclosed hole, e.g. Fig.21 As shown, with holes 174 arranged around the perimeter (not all holes are shown).

[0146] Any combination of holes that enables the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein to be practiced may be used in at least some embodiments. By way of example and not limitation, this includes tracks, grooves, or recesses formed on the outwardly facing surface of the plate having dovetail grooves or overhangs that mechanically engage the elastomeric housing.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate may be made of PEEK and may have a thickness of 0.3 mm ( Fig. 20 The dimensions of the upper replica of 172) and the spanwise diameter of 19 mm ( Fig. 20172). Larger or smaller plates can be used. For example, the plate can have a thickness in the range of 0.1mm to 0.5mm, 0.2mm to 0.4mm, or 0.25 to 0.35mm and a spanwise diameter of 15mm to 24mm, 16mm to 23mm, or 17mm to 21mm. In addition, although the embodiments depicted in the figures depict circular plates, alternative embodiments can utilize plates having an elliptical or generally rectangular (including square) shape (relative to a view looking toward or away from the surface of the magnet device). Moreover, plates with complex borders (stars, and combinations of rectangles and circles, etc.) can be used. In fact, the shape of the plate can be customized to achieve a given performance characteristic, because, in other respects being the same, for a given torque applied to a given magnet, the shape of the plate will affect the resistance to separation of the plates away from each other. In addition, the bottom plate can have a different configuration from the top plate.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate can be made of any non-magnetic material. Still further, in an exemplary embodiment, the plate can be made of any material that facilitates the transfer of magnetic flux generated by the magnets of the magnet arrangement 160 through the plate. Still further, any material or configuration of the plate that facilitates the use of the coil 137 can be utilized.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate is made of PTFE, PPSU, ceramic or other materials or a combination of these materials. It should be further noted that in an exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric body is molded around the plate. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the implantable component 100 is configured so that the plate cannot be removed from the body except in the case where the body is intentionally destroyed.

[0150] As mentioned above, the plates do not have to have parallel surfaces. Although in some embodiments, the surface facing the magnets can be a flat surface, in other embodiments, the surface facing the magnets can be curved. In fact, in exemplary embodiments, curvature can be used to achieve a nonlinear "force" to "distance between plates" curve, regardless of the material properties of the elastomeric material used with the plates. Such exemplary embodiments are Fig. 22 , where plate 170X is used. In an exemplary embodiment, due to the curved surface of plate 170X, the more magnet 160 is rotated, for a given plate separation, the resistance to its rotation increases in a non-linear manner due to the surface curvature.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, a flat surface is used on one of the bottom or top plates to provide stability to the magnet (e.g., to reduce any tendency of magnet 160 to wobble due to a curved surface supporting the magnet), while a curved surface is used with the other of the plates to achieve the nonlinear force curve mentioned above.

[0152] That being said, in an alternative embodiment, the profile of the magnet is a curve. In this regard, Fig.23A A magnet arrangement 160X is depicted having upper and lower surfaces that are contoured to be opposite to the curved surfaces of the plate 170X. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet arrangement 160X is rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis (i.e., having a bowl-shaped depression on either side of the magnet arrangement). In an exemplary embodiment, this can have practical value because during rotation of the magnet 160X relative to the plate 170X, the contact between the magnet arrangement 160X and the plate 170X is always located on the outer portion of the magnet 160X (the outer portion of the magnet 160X that is opposite to the plate 170X). Fig. 22 The opposite of possible embodiments of the embodiments).

[0153] Fig. 23B A magnet arrangement 160X is depicted in conjunction with plates 170Y and 170X. Plate 170Y includes a magnet arrangement contact surface that corresponds to the magnet arrangement contact surface of plate 170X, except for the additional feature that plate 170Y extends further away from the longitudinal axis of the system than plate 170X. In an exemplary embodiment, this can have practical value, namely that the bottom plate 170X is supported by the mastoid bone (in the example of a cochlear implant or other medical device with an inductive coil located thereon), although supported by the body 199, while the top plate 170Y is not supported by any structure of the human body (or by soft tissue-skin, fat muscle). In this regard, the force generated by the application of torque to the magnet arrangement is reacted by the bone on the bottom. Therefore, at least in some embodiments, the "footprint" of the bottom plate 170X can be smaller than the "footprint" of the top plate 170Y.

[0154] right Fig. 23B The inference of the concept Fig.23C 170Z, which uses flat parallel surfaces for the locations where the magnet arrangement will slide relative to the plate, but includes a plate 170Z that uses inclined surfaces for the portions that are not in contact with the magnet arrangement 160 during rotation of the magnet. These inclined surfaces can be practical because the plate 170Z can be contoured to the exterior geometry of the body of the implantable component 100 to the extent that the body of the implantable component 100 is inclined from the center to the side. By inclining the plate 170Z as seen, a wider footprint can be achieved while also allowing the implantable component to have a lower profile than would be the case if a completely flat plate with a similar footprint were used. It can also be seen that the plate 170Z does not have to be symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

[0155] As mentioned above, not all surfaces of the plate are sliding surfaces. Accordingly, Fig.23DThe exemplary embodiment shown, including plates 1700 and 1720 (magnet assembly 160 has been removed for clarity), includes bumpers 178 that align with the magnets as they return to a relaxed / no-torque state after rotation due to exposure to an external magnetic field. Bumpers 178 can prevent the magnets from moving beyond a permitted position. Fig.23E An alternative embodiment is depicted in which plates 1701 and 1721 include tracks 179 that guide the magnets as they rotate, thereby ensuring or at least reducing the likelihood that the magnets will move to less practical positions when subjected to a magnetic field and after the magnetic field is removed (in at least some embodiments, this functionality can also be achieved in embodiments utilizing buffers 178). It should also be noted that while the tracks and buffers detailed herein are presented in the form of fixed components, these components can be configured to move with the magnets. In fact, in an exemplary embodiment, the magnets can have a system similar to a rack and pinion system that allows the magnets to move in accordance with the teachings detailed herein while also preventing the magnets from moving outside the local geographic coordinates of the plate system.

[0156] It should be noted that FIG. 23A to FIG. 23E The exemplary embodiments presented and all embodiments herein are presented in the form of concepts. According to the teachings detailed herein, the variations specifically disclosed herein can be put into practice while achieving practical value. It should be clear that any device, system and / or method that enables the teachings detailed herein and / or its variations to be put into practice can be used in at least some embodiments.

[0157] Any apparatus, system, and / or method that utilizes one or more structures (eg, plates) positioned within an elastomeric body to enable the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be used in at least some embodiments.

[0158] In view of the above, in an exemplary embodiment, there is an implantable medical device (such as any of those detailed herein and / or variations thereof), comprising a magnet (such as any of those detailed herein and / or variations thereof), and a body (also such as any of those detailed herein and / or variations thereof) surrounding the magnet. In the exemplary embodiment, the implantable medical device comprises structural components in the body, the structural components being configured such that when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, the structural components move away from each other upon initial rotation of the magnet relative to the body, thereby limiting the rotation of the magnet beyond the initial rotation.

[0159] Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, there is an implantable medical device (such as any of those detailed herein and / or variations thereof) comprising a magnet and a body surrounding the magnet. The implantable medical device comprises structural components in the body, the structural components being configured to move away from each other due to a torque applied to the magnet when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, thereby limiting the rotation of the magnet beyond an initial rotation.

[0160] In one of these exemplary embodiments, the implantable medical device is configured to resist movement of the structural components away from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the structural components away from each other tensions an elastomeric material comprising at least a portion of the body, thereby limiting further movement of the structural components away from each other, which in turn limits further rotation of the magnet beyond any initial rotation.

[0161] It should also be noted that in exemplary embodiments, the structural components include surfaces facing each other, and the magnet is located between the surfaces. Rotation of the magnet applies a force against a first surface of one of the structural components in a first direction and a force against a second surface of another of the structural components in a second direction, thereby applying a force on the components to urge the components away from each other, the force being at least partially resisted by the body, thereby limiting rotation of the magnet. Moreover, in exemplary embodiments, the magnet is part of a magnet arrangement, and the implantable medical device is configured such that the magnet arrangement is slidable against the structural component, such that the magnet can rotate relative to the structural component when subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, as compared to a configuration in which the magnet arrangement is not slidable against the structural component.

[0162] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the structural components include plates sandwiching magnets, wherein a torque applied to the magnets imparts rotation to the magnets, which imparts a camming action on the plates, thereby driving the plates away from each other, and when the plates have reached a state of equilibrium, the camming action is offset due to the resistance of the body to movement of the plates.

[0163] As mentioned above, in at least some embodiments, improving the sliding property of the magnet device 160 relative to the plate has practical value. In this regard, in at least some embodiments, the surface facing the magnet device / the surface in contact with the magnet device is a low friction surface. Alternatively and / or in addition to this, the surface of the magnet device in contact with the plate is also a low friction surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a material that enhances the sliding property between the components can be used.

[0164] In at least some embodiments, the force distribution on the plates (or more precisely the change in the force distribution on the plates) as the plates move away from each other can be adjusted by changing various properties of the plate-magnet-body combination. In exemplary embodiments, the size of the plates (e.g., the span) can be different depending on the desired change in the force distribution. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, the elastomeric material comprising the body may have a different elastic modulus. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, the stiffness of the plates can be varied. It should be noted that in exemplary embodiments, the stiffness can be varied by changing the thickness of the plates while using the same material, changing the material of the plates while maintaining the same thickness, or changing the material and thickness of the plates, all changes relative to a given baseline (as with all changes detailed herein). Further, as mentioned above, plates with different geometries may be used. For Fig.7D In an embodiment, the plate 170D will reduce stiffness in a non-linear manner at the outboard position because the thickness of the plate increases with distance toward the inboard position. That being said, in an alternative embodiment, the structure of the plate can be such that the thickness of the plate becomes thinner as the position closer to the inboard position.

[0165] Any arrangement of plates that can be used to implement the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be used in at least some embodiments.

[0166] Reference Figure 1B As mentioned above, in an exemplary embodiment, implantable component 100 includes slit 180, which is configured to provide access through the exterior of implantable component 100 to a location between plate 170 and plate 172. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, there is an implantable medical device (such as a cochlear implant), or other medical device that utilizes a magnet for any reason, which includes a magnet and a body surrounding the magnet, wherein the silicone body has a slit configured so that the magnet can pass therethrough. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment includes a side entry pocket for a magnet device.

[0167] More specifically, Fig.24 Corresponding to the above Figure 1C An exploded view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig.24 It can be seen that corresponding to Figure 1BThe slit 198 of the slit 180 is, in some embodiments, located in the side wall of the housing made of an elastomeric material 199. The slit 198 is guided by the elastomeric material of the housing made of an elastomeric material to a position between the plate 170 and the plate 172. In an exemplary embodiment, in its relaxed state, the slit has a long axis having a length of at least about the width of the magnet arrangement 160, while the short axis of the slit is negligible (if not zero). That is, due to the elasticity of the elastomeric material of which the housing is made, the slit 198 can expand to an expanded state, thereby providing an opening of sufficient size to slide the magnet arrangement 160 into the housing and through the slit 198 to a position between the plates.

[0168] Therefore, refer to Fig.24 In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device includes a first surface and a second surface of an anti-rotation device (e.g., plate 172 and plate 170), wherein a magnet is located between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein there is a path from an end of the surface to a slit 198, and the magnet can pass through the path to reach the slit 198.

[0169] It should be noted that in some embodiments, when implantable component 100 is implanted in a recipient, slit 198 is not provided in implantable component 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a slit is provided in an implantable component via a surgical procedure when it is desired to remove the magnet. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a method of removing the magnet that requires entering implantable component 100 when implantable component 100 is implanted in a recipient via a surgical procedure, optionally cutting into the body to form slit 198, or opening slit 198 if slit 198 already exists (and is closed), removing magnet arrangement 160, optionally temporarily closing the slit or otherwise sealing the slit, or replacing the magnet with a non-magnetic blank (e.g., a dummy magnet) having similar outer dimensions, performing an MRI method, re-entering implantable component 100, reopening the slit formed therein if an optional temporary slit closure was performed, replacing magnet arrangement 160, and closing the slit or otherwise sealing the slit (this closure / sealing may be a mixture according to the teachings detailed in at least some of the following embodiments). Also note that in an exemplary embodiment, the implantable component 100 may include an unformed slit. That is, the implantable component may include a recessed or thinned area relative to the other components that approximates a path through the body to a location between the plates. Since the cross section is relatively thin, it will be relatively simple for the surgeon to cut the thinner area to reach the path. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, the body may be marked or otherwise provided with a curve or straight line (dyed or with a raised or recessed area) on the outside to indicate to the surgeon where he or she should cut to form the slit.

[0170] In one exemplary embodiment, the features described above with respect to the unformed slits and / or logos may be molded into the silicone.

[0171] Reference now Fig.25 , which depicts a longitudinal axis of the implantable component 100 downward from Fig.24 198 is removed for clarity. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot 198 includes two opposing surfaces 197A and 197B extending along the long axis of the slot (the long axis is parallel to the Fig.25 The two opposite surfaces are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the magnet ( Fig.25 The two opposing surfaces 197A and 197B are horizontal in a plane extending in the vertical direction of the slit (when the slit is in a relaxed position). In addition, the two opposing surfaces 197A and 197B are smooth and the two opposing surfaces are close to each other (again, in a relaxed state). In an exemplary embodiment, the opposing surfaces 197A and 197B are so close to each other that they are in contact with each other (again, in a relaxed state). Having said that, in alternative embodiments, the distance between the opposing surfaces in the relaxed state is approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 mm or more.

[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, the implantable component 100 is configured such that the two opposing surfaces 197A and 197B are urged toward each other, sometimes causing the surfaces to contact each other. In an exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved by the generally elastic / elastomeric properties of the shell material. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, this can be achieved by a spring embedded in the elastomeric body. In an exemplary embodiment, the implantable component 100 is configured such that the two opposing surfaces 197A and 197B are maintained in contact with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved by the generally elastic / elastomeric properties of the shell material. Alternatively and / or in addition thereto, this can be achieved by a spring 196 embedded in the elastomeric body, such as Fig.26 , where the elliptical spring 196 has a memory drive spring 196 having a short axis as short as possible (i.e., the upper and lower portions are desirably oriented toward each other). Again, by way of example only and not limitation, this may be accomplished via one or more sutures (applied in addition to inserting the magnet assembly into the slit). Additionally, an adhesive may be used to close the slit. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, a tongue and groove fit may be used, such as from Fig.27A , Fig.27B and Fig.27C It can be seen that it depicts the vertical direction perpendicular to Fig.25A cross-sectional view of the slit 198 taken in the plane of view of , wherein the top structure corresponds to the upper lip / surface of the slit and the bottom structure corresponds to the lower lip / surface of the slit, and vice versa. Fig.27B and Fig.27C Depicts an interference fit, where Fig.27C Depicts a dovetail fit.

[0173] In an exemplary embodiment, the slit 198 may be configured to have a structure corresponding to a zipper lock structure used in a sandwich bag or aseptic bag, or the like.

[0174] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the slit is held closed and / or restrained from further opening by using at least one of: a suture, an interference fit between two opposing sides of the slit, a spring embedded in the silicone body.

[0175] It should be noted that any of these ways of closing or otherwise providing a force that prevents the slit 198 from opening can be further combined with each other. Any device, system and / or method capable of closing a slit or otherwise providing a force that prevents the slit 198 from opening can also be used in at least some embodiments. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a device embedded or otherwise encapsulated in the body that provides a compressive force on the surface of the slit.

[0176] It should also be noted that there are other ways in which the slits can be managed. Instead of or in addition to driving the surfaces of the slits toward each other or providing a force that prevents the slits from opening, the slits can be blocked in a manner similar to the way a cork is used to block a bottle of wine. In this regard, Fig.28A copy Fig.24 , except that a plug 195 is depicted blocking the slit 198. As can be seen, the plug 195 is connected to the magnet arrangement 160. In this regard, the plug can have dual utility value as it can be used to assist in removing the magnet 160 and / or placing the magnet 160 between the plates. That being said, in alternative embodiments, the plug 195 can be a separate component from the magnet. It should also be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, the plug 195 is configured to enable the magnet arrangement 160 to be rotated in accordance with the teachings detailed herein without adjusting or otherwise interfering with the position of the plug in the slit 198.

[0177] In view of the above, it can be seen that in an exemplary embodiment, no portion of the magnet device 160 forms an outer surface of the implantable component 100. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, this ensures that only the elastomeric material of the body is exposed. In an exemplary embodiment, this can have practical value in that reduced bacterial attachment will occur because the bacterial attachment relative to the silicone itself is lower relative to the titanium or other material forming the outer boundary of the magnet device 160. In an exemplary embodiment, practical biofilm resistance is achieved by keeping the relative surfaces of the slit 198 smooth, at the same level (no steps) and in close proximity to each other.

[0178] Fig.28B Another exemplary embodiment is presented having a ramp structure 172R, wherein the ramp structure 172R is configured to guide the magnet (and thereby the magnet arrangement) toward the slit 198 during removal of the magnet from the body. In an exemplary embodiment, the ramp structure 172R is a separate component from the plate 172. In an exemplary embodiment, the two are connected by an additional structure, or connected together (e.g., welding) by a suitable mechanical connection system. Alternatively, the two are simply embedded or otherwise supported in the body as separate components. In an alternative embodiment, the ramp 172R is part of the bottom plate. That is, the bottom plate has a first portion configured to be parallel to the upper plate, and a portion that is angled, bent, or otherwise inclined relative to the first portion.

[0179] Fig.28C A portion of an implantable component 100 is presented according to a slightly different alternative exemplary embodiment, the view of which generally corresponds to Fig.24 198, except that the coil 137 is located further away from the plate and the slot 198. In this regard, it can be seen that the main body is Fig.24 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 extends further away from the plate, and thus the coil 137 is also located at a position greater than Fig.24 The exemplary embodiment is located further away from the plate and slot 198.

[0180] Fig.29 A top view of an exemplary plug-magnet assembly combination is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the plug has a relative diameter that is smaller than the maximum diameter of the magnet assembly. This has practical value for a slit 198 having a major axis that is smaller than the maximum diameter of the plug. Having said that, in alternative embodiments, the relative diameter can be greater than the maximum diameter of the magnet assembly, or can be equal to the maximum diameter of the magnet assembly.

[0181] Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments utilizing the slits and / or variations thereof detailed herein, the magnet is part of a magnet arrangement that includes a first portion (e.g., plug 195) that is partially located in slit 198, preventing further closure of the slit, thereby forming a seal between slit 198 and first portion 195. It follows that, in at least some embodiments, plug 195 is configured to expand the slit at least slightly beyond the size of the slit in a relaxed position, thereby establishing a seal. It should also be noted that, in at least some embodiments, any of the aforementioned features detailed herein for use with slits can be used to seal slit 198. It should be noted that "sealing" does not mean establishing an airtight seal. That being said, in alternative embodiments, according to some implementations of the teachings detailed herein, an airtight seal can be established by some other material, even if not silicone (or a composite material can be used, wherein the slit is formed of a material that can form an airtight seal, and the material is bonded or otherwise attached to the silicone or other material). That being said, the slits can be configured to prevent the ingress of "larger" substances, and / or can establish a seal with any permeable features of the body as a whole (e.g., the entire body effectively performs as if the body did not have the slits). It should also be noted that while the ends of the slits are depicted as tapering toward each other from their respective upper and lower surfaces, in alternative embodiments, the ends of the slits can encompass a slightly wider circular area to relieve pressure and / or avoid "tearing" the elastomeric material of the housing.

[0182] Fig.24 and Fig.25 Slits 198 are depicted as being located in the side walls of the body of implantable component 100, rather than the top or bottom walls (the walls are configured to be positioned parallel to the skin, and in the case of a cochlear implant, parallel to the mastoid bone of the recipient when the medical device is implanted). More generally, the outer dimensions of body 199 have a length (a direction along the longitudinal axis of the body ( Figure 1B and Figure 1C horizontal direction), width ( Figure 1B vertical direction) and height ( Figure 1C 198 is located between points on the two surfaces that establish the height dimension (e.g., as Fig.24 24A and 24B). Further, it can be seen that the slot 198 is configured so that the magnet 160 can enter and exit in a direction having a primary component in at least one of the X or Z directions of a Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the Y direction is orthogonal to a surface of the body configured to be placed against the mastoid bone of a recipient of the implantable medical device ( Fig.24In this regard, from Fig.24 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in order to remove the magnet 160, it must be moved in the X direction ( Fig.24 in the horizontal direction) than in the Y direction ( Fig.24 The Y direction extends a longer distance in the vertical direction of the magnet 160, so the Y direction is the minor component of the movement of the magnet 160 during entry and exit (because it is smaller than the X component - the Z component is zero because the Z component extends from Fig.24 198 extends outwardly from the page, but in embodiments where the slit 198 is located on a lateral side of the body (rather than a longitudinal side) or between the lateral sides, the Z component is not zero).

[0183] It should also be noted that Fig.24 and Fig.25 In an embodiment of the present invention, the medical device includes an electromagnetic communication coil 137 extending around a magnet 160. The medical device includes a functional component (stimulator 122) communicatively coupled to the communication coil 137, and the functional component 122 and the slit 198 are positioned relative to each other relative to the magnet 160. This is in contrast to the case where the slit is located at point 24A or 24B.

[0184] It should be noted that embodiments include methods utilizing the teachings and / or variations detailed herein. In this regard, it should be noted that any disclosure of any device and / or system corresponds to the disclosure of methods of use and methods of manufacture of the device and / or system. In addition, any disclosure of any method detailed herein also corresponds to the disclosure of a device for performing the method and / or a system for performing the method. In this regard, exemplary methods will now be described, wherein as just mentioned, embodiments include devices configured to perform any or all of the following method actions.

[0185] Reference now Fig.30, there is an exemplary flowchart 3000 corresponding to an exemplary method. Flowchart 3000 includes method action 3010, which requires subjecting a subcutaneous medical device containing a magnet (such as any medical device and / or variants thereof detailed herein) to a magnetic field of at least 0.2T (such as a magnetic field generated by an MRI machine), thereby imparting a torque to the magnet, the torque having a component in a plane orthogonal to the surface of the recipient's skin. It should be noted that a magnetic field of at least 0.2T is a threshold. Exemplary embodiments may require subjecting the magnet to a magnetic field of at least 0.2T, 0.5T, 1.0T, 1.5T, 2.0T, 2.5T, 3T or 4T or 7T or more. It should also be noted that with respect to the components of the torque, this means that if the torque is divided into planes located on a Cartesian coordinate system, the components of the torque will be located in a plane orthogonal to the recipient's skin (e.g., the X-axis and Z-axis are located on a cut plane of the skin, and the Y-axis is orthogonal to the surface of the skin). There may be components of the torque imparted in other planes, but there will be at least one torque component located in the aforementioned plane. In the exemplary embodiment, this is the main torque component. That is, among all the torque components, the component located in this plane will be the largest.

[0186] Method 3000 also includes method action 3020, which requires limiting and / or resisting at least a portion of the torque of the magnet imparted to a support device (e.g., a plate) of the medical device, wherein the support device supports the magnet (directly or indirectly) via the structure of the subcutaneous medical device. In an exemplary embodiment, eliminating all torque imparted to the support device can satisfy this method action as long as such an arrangement can be manufactured in a practical manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the limit on the amount of torque applied to the magnet imparted to the support device can be limited and / or reduced to approximately 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and / or 100% of the torque applied to the magnet, or any value or range of values ​​therebetween in increments of approximately 1% (e.g., at 50%, half of the torque applied to the magnet is imparted to the support device, at 10%, only 1 / 10 of the torque applied to the magnet is imparted to the support device, etc.).

[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, the action of limiting at least a portion of the torque imparted to the magnet of the support device of the medical device requires allowing the magnet to rotate at least about 5 degrees in a plane relative to the position of the magnet in the absence of an external magnetic field. In an exemplary embodiment, this requires allowing the magnet to rotate at least about the following angles: 10°, 15°, 20°, 25° and / or about 30° or greater, or any value or range of values ​​in increments of about 1° therebetween. In addition, in alternative embodiments, this requires preventing the magnet from rotating more than at least about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25° and / or about 30°, and / or about 35°, and / or any value or range of values ​​in increments of about 1° therebetween.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, the action of limiting at least a portion of the torque imparted to the magnets of the support device of the medical device requires allowing the magnets to slide relative to the support device so that the support device expands from a contracted state (e.g., plates 170 and plates 172 move away from each other), thereby transferring energy from the torque to the body of the implantable medical device (e.g., a body made of elastomeric material 199 as described above), where the transferred energy is absorbed by the body. This is in contrast to the situation where the torque is transferred into the body and the body transfers the torque into the recipient's tissue, where the energy transferred into the tissue is absorbed by the tissue. Having said that, it should be noted that due to the expansion of the support structure and thereby the expansion of the body, forces will be imparted to the recipient's tissue. However, due to the torque, the energy absorbed by the body of the implanted medical device can exceed the energy transferred to the recipient's skin. In an exemplary embodiment, more than 50% of the energy transferred from the magnets is absorbed by the body of the implanted device, so less than 50% of the energy transferred from the magnets can be absorbed by the recipient's tissue / skin. In exemplary embodiments, greater than about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more of the energy transmitted from and / or to the magnet is absorbed by the body of the implanted device.

[0189] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet is permitted to partially rotate so that the poles of the magnet are more aligned with the external magnetic field, but not necessarily completely aligned, in order to reduce the torque on the implant due to the interaction of the external magnetic field with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet as compared to if the magnet was restricted from rotating relative to the body of the implant. The amount of rotation permitted is within the boundaries of the implant design to substantially ensure that when the external magnetic field is removed, the magnet returns to its resting position and the implant is not permanently damaged.

[0190] Inferring from this, it should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, method 3000 also includes limiting at least a portion of the torque imparted to the magnet in the tissue of the recipient of the medical device via the structure of the subcutaneous medical device. In an exemplary embodiment, approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more of the energy transferred to the magnet is prevented from being transferred to the tissue of the recipient. Therefore, as will be understood from the foregoing examples, in at least some embodiments, the methods according to the teachings detailed herein include effectively limiting all torque imparted to the magnet in the tissue of the recipient of the medical device via the structure of the subcutaneous medical device.

[0191] It should also be noted that in at least some of these exemplary methods, the magnet is constrained from rotating more than a quarter turn (90°) relative to the position of the magnet when the magnetic field is not present, and in some embodiments, the magnet is constrained from rotating more than an eighth turn (45°) relative to the position of the magnet when the magnetic field is not present. Additionally, in some embodiments, the magnet is constrained from rotating more than approximately 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, or 40° relative to the position of the magnet when the magnetic field is not present.

[0192] In view of the above, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the implantable component is configured so that when the magnet device is exposed to a magnetic field with a strength detailed herein (at least for some of these magnetic fields) and rotates, the plates generally remain parallel to each other. In exemplary embodiments, the plates remain parallel to each other at one or more or all or any of the aforementioned rotation angles of the magnet device detailed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the plates remain parallel to each other at one or more or all or any of the aforementioned separation distances (D1 to D2) and / or changes in separation distances (D2-D1) detailed herein.

[0193] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the implantable component is configured to convert the rotational motion of the magnet device into a translational motion of the plate as detailed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the implantable component is configured to disperse or otherwise diffuse the energy across a larger area of ​​the elastic material of the body than in a case where the rotation of the magnet device is directly resisted by the elastomeric body (e.g., in a scenario where the magnet support structure rotates in a one-to-one relationship with the magnet (about at least one rotational plane)). That is, by way of example only and not limitation, a comparison between the teachings detailed herein and the following scenario can be made: the plates 170 and 172 are rigidly attached to the magnet device / magnets so that any rotation of the magnets also corresponds to the same rotation of the plates about at least one rotational plane. In this regard, in exemplary embodiments, torque is converted into linear motion of the plates away from each other, wherein the energy of the torque is consumed into the elastomeric body via stretching of the elastomer in a linear direction, rather than torque imparted to the plates by the rotation of the magnets as in the aforementioned control scenario (which causes a certain amount of rotation of the plates, which is limited by the resistance of the body to the rotation of the plates).

[0194] In exemplary embodiments, the teachings and / or variations thereof detailed herein avoid localized loading, or at least reduce localization, which can occur with structures having the same outer dimensions as the plate (although when rigidly connected to the magnet device / magnet, at least such that any rotation of the magnet causes the plate to rotate in at least one rotational plane) - a control structure. In this regard, in such an exemplary control case where the plate is rigidly coupled to the magnet device, the energy / force that resists the rotation of the magnet device (and the plate) is concentrated at the edge of the plate. (The adjacent portion of the elastomeric body remains relatively unloaded relative to the portion of the elastomeric body near the upper / lower edge of the plate). Conversely, because in at least some exemplary embodiments, the plate does not rotate, or at least rotates less than in the scenario described above where the plate is rigidly attached to the magnet device, the energy / force that resists movement of the plate is spread over a larger area of ​​the plate (or at least any concentration of energy is located away from the edge of the plate or otherwise over a larger area). (The adjacent portion of the elastomeric body will carry more load relative to the portion of the elastomeric body near the upper / lower edge of the plate, which is in contrast to the example mentioned above.)

[0195] Fig.31 Example tools that may be used in the example embodiments are presented to remove and / or install the example magnet apparatus in the example embodiments. Fig.31 A tool 3100 is depicted, which includes a handle 3110 and a hook 3120 extending therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook 3120 is sized and dimensioned to fit between the above-mentioned slits and extend therefrom through a path to reach the magnet arrangement located between the aforementioned plates / to push the magnet along the path to a position between the aforementioned plates. It is inferred from this that Fig.32An exemplary magnet assembly 16032 is depicted that includes a handle 3211 that is sized and dimensioned to receive a hook of a tool 3100, such as Fig.33 Depicted (by way of example only and not limitation). In at least some embodiments, as mentioned above, tool 3100 can be used to push magnet 16032 through a path to a position between the plates. Fig.34 An alternative embodiment of the magnet arrangement 16034 is depicted, wherein the magnet arrangement includes a rectangular plate magnet rather than a circular magnet, merely to convey the fact that a wide variety of arrangements of magnets and magnet arrangements may be used with at least some embodiments. It can be seen that the arrangement 16034 includes an annular path 3411 in the magnet that is sized and dimensioned to receive the hook of the tool 3100. Although the opening of the annular path 3411, and the annular path in general, is depicted as being located Fig.34 , but in alternative embodiments the path may extend through Fig.34 Any arrangement of handle devices that enables the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof to be practiced may be used in at least some embodiments.

[0196] Fig.35 An exemplary scenario of using tool 3100 to position and / or remove magnet 160 is presented. As can be seen, hook 3120 extends through the path leading from the slit to magnet 160. It can also be seen that the elastomeric material of body 198 can be seen to be deformed by hook 3120 at a location near upper plate 170, thereby providing an example of how the elastomeric material of the body can accommodate the insertion and / or removal process of the magnet.

[0197] Note that any method detailed herein also corresponds to a disclosure of a device and / or system configured to perform one or more or all of the method actions detailed herein. It should also be noted that any disclosure of a device and / or system detailed herein corresponds to a method of making and / or using the device and / or system, including a method of using the device according to the functionality detailed herein.

[0198] It should also be noted that any disclosure of a device and / or system detailed herein also corresponds to a disclosure of providing the device and / or system in other ways.

[0199] It should be noted that in at least some exemplary embodiments, unless otherwise stated, any feature disclosed herein can be used in combination with any other feature disclosed herein. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments include medical devices that include one or more or all of the teachings detailed herein in any combination.

[0200] Note that exemplary embodiments include components (e.g., magnet arrangement 160, plates, etc.) herein and in the figures that are rotationally symmetric about their axes. Accordingly, any disclosure herein corresponds to disclosure in alternative embodiments of rotationally symmetric components about their axes. Moreover, exemplary embodiments include components detailed in the figures that have a constant cross-section both in the plane of the figure and out of the plane. Thus, magnet arrangement 160 may correspond to a rod-shaped or box-shaped magnet arrangement, etc.

[0201] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented only as examples rather than limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An implantable medical device comprising: a magnet arrangement comprising a magnet and a container containing the magnet, wherein the implantable medical device is configured to enable rotation of the magnet in the container; as well as a body surrounding the magnet arrangement, the body having a slit configured to allow the magnet to pass therethrough, and At least one of the following: The slit is pre-existing; or The magnet has a width and a height, and the height is smaller than the width, and the slit is located away from the magnet on one side of the magnet in the direction of the width.

2. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , further comprising: A lubricant is in the container, the lubricant reducing friction between the magnet and an inner surface of the container.

3. The implantable medical device of claim 1, wherein: The implantable medical device is a hearing prosthesis.

4. The implantable medical device of claim 1, wherein: Rotation of the magnet about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the magnet is limited by the inner wall of the container.

5. The implantable medical device of claim 4, wherein: The restricted rotation is due to the lateral portion of the magnet contacting a portion of the inner wall of the container.

Images