Charging device and charging method for implantable medical instrument

Abstract

The invention discloses a charging device and a charging method for an implantable medical instrument. The charging device comprises a charger, a controller and a plurality of detectors. The plurality of detectors are distributed on the first surface of the charger according to a preset matrix, and the detectors are used for sending detection signals and receiving detection information fed back by the detection signals. The controller is used for judging whether the charger and the implantable medical instrument are aligned or not according to detection information fed back by the detectors in the alignment process of the charger and the implantable medical instrument and controlling the charger to charge the implantable medical instrument when the charger and the implantable medical instrument are aligned. Therefore, the controller judges whether the charger and the implantable medical instrument are completely aligned or not according to the detection information of the detectors distributed according to the preset matrix, and charges the implantable medical instrument through the charger when the charger and the implantable medical instrument are completely aligned, so that the charging efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to a charging device and a charging method for an implantable medical instrument. Background Art

[0002] Implantable medical devices include implantable neural stimulation systems, implantable cardiac stimulation systems (also known as pacemakers), implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS) and lead switching systems. Implantable neural stimulation systems include stimulators implanted in the user's body (i.e., implantable neural stimulators) and programmable devices installed outside the user's body.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to extend the service life of implantable medical devices, an in vitro charging method is usually used to charge the stimulator implanted in the human body. However, the charging efficiency during in vitro charging seriously affects the user experience. If the charging efficiency is low, the temperature of the implanted components will rise faster, and excessive heat will cause harm to the user. In addition, the low charging efficiency directly leads to a longer charging time, affecting the user experience.

[0004] Based on this, there is an urgent need for a charging device and a charging method for an implantable medical instrument to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a charging device and a charging method for an implantable medical instrument. The device determines whether the charger and the implantable medical instrument are completely aligned by using the detection information of a plurality of detectors arranged in a preset matrix distribution. The implantable medical instrument is charged only when the two are completely aligned, thereby improving the charging efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a charging device for an implantable medical instrument.

[0007] The charging device includes a charger, a controller and a plurality of detectors, wherein the plurality of detectors are distributed on a first surface of the charger according to a preset matrix; the detectors are used to send out detection signals and receive detection information fed back by the detection signals;

[0008] The controller is electrically connected to the plurality of detectors, and is used to determine whether the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the plurality of detectors during the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device, and when the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned, control the charger to charge the implantable medical device. Optionally, the preset matrix is ​​determined based on the outer contour of the implantable medical device;

[0009] When the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors is a preset signal strength combination, it indicates that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device, wherein the preset signal strength combination corresponds to the preset matrix, and the preset signal strength combination is a unique signal combination received by multiple detectors of the charger and the implantable medical device during the alignment process.

[0010] Optionally, a range enclosed by multiple detectors is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device; the controller is used to determine that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device and control the charger to charge the implantable medical device when it detects, during the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device, that the detection information of the multiple detectors does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device, and that the detection information of at least one detector can be detected by moving the charger in any direction by a preset distance.

[0011] Optionally, the range enclosed by the multiple detectors does not exceed the outline range of the implantable medical device; the controller is used to determine that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device and control the charger to charge the implantable medical device when it is detected that the detection information of the multiple detectors includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device during the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device.

[0012] Optionally, a charging area is provided on the first surface of the charger, and the charging area is a region of the implantable medical device at least covered by the charger during the alignment process.

[0013] Optionally, the area of ​​the charging zone is larger than the area of ​​the outline of the implantable medical device.

[0014] Optionally, the charger also includes a prompt unit; the prompt unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is also used to send prompt information to the prompt unit when it is detected that the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors includes misalignment information, based on the correspondence between the misalignment information and the preset matrix, so that the prompt unit reminds the user to move the charger to the corresponding direction.

[0015] Optionally, the charger also includes a switching element; the switching element is used to send control information, the control information including charging modulation information and charging shutdown information; the controller is also electrically connected to the switching element; the controller is also used to control the charger to charge the implantable medical device when it receives the charging modulation information from the switching element and detects that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device during the alignment process.

[0016] Optionally, the detector includes at least one of the following: an ultrasonic detection sensor, a magnetic induction line sensor.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a charging method for an implantable medical instrument, which is applied to a charging device for an implantable medical instrument in any of the above embodiments, and the charging method for the implantable medical instrument comprises:

[0018] Acquire detection information fed back by the multiple detectors; during the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device, determine whether the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors, and when the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device, control the charger to charge the implantable medical device.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a program-controlled device, the program-controlled device being communicatively connected to an implantable medical device implanted in a user's body, and being configured to at least send program-controlled instructions to the implantable medical device;

[0020] The programmable device comprises any charging device described in the first aspect, so as to wirelessly charge the implantable medical instrument through the programmable device.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides an implantable medical system, the implantable medical system comprising:

[0022] Implantable medical devices are implanted into the user’s body;

[0023] The program-controlled device described in the third aspect.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0025] The present application provides a charging device and a charging method for an implantable medical instrument. In the charging device, a first surface of the charger is provided with a plurality of detectors distributed in a preset matrix, and the detectors are used to send detection signals and receive detection information fed back by the detection signals. During the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical instrument, the controller can determine whether the charger and the implantable medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the plurality of detectors. Among them, the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical instrument can be understood as the charger and the implantable medical instrument already have at least partial overlap. If the controller determines that the charger and the implantable medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information of the plurality of detectors during the alignment process, the charger is controlled to charge the implantable medical instrument. When the charger and the implantable medical instrument are not aligned, the implantable medical instrument is not charged. The alignment of the charger and the implantable medical instrument can be understood as each part of the implantable medical instrument has a charger to charge, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical instrument and improving the user experience. The technical problem of low charging efficiency, long charging time and high heat generation, which causes harm to users, is solved in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a bottom view structural diagram of a charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a bottom view structural diagram of another charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the structure of another charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the structure of another charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the structure of another charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application;

[0032] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a charging method for an implantable medical device provided by the present application;

[0033] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of an implantable medical system provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solution of the present application will be fully described below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application through specific implementation methods. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0036] Below, one of the application fields of the embodiment of the present invention (i.e., implantable devices) is first briefly described. The implantable neural stimulation system (an implantable medical system) mainly includes a stimulator implanted in the patient's body and a programmable device arranged outside the patient's body. The existing neural regulation technology mainly implants electrodes in specific structures (i.e., target points) in the body through stereotactic surgery, and the stimulator implanted in the patient's body emits discharge pulse width to the target point through the electrodes, regulates the electrical activity and function of the corresponding neural structure and network, thereby improving symptoms and relieving pain. Among them, the stimulator can be any one of an implantable neural electrical stimulation device, an implantable cardiac electrical stimulation system (also known as a pacemaker), an implantable drug delivery system (Implantable Drug Delivery System, referred to as IDDS) and a lead switching device. Examples of implantable neural stimulation devices include deep brain stimulation system (DBS), implantable cortical nerve stimulation system (CNS), implantable spinal cord stimulation system (SCS), implantable sacral nerve stimulation system (SNS), implantable vagus nerve stimulation system (VNS), etc.

[0037] In some embodiments, the stimulator may include an implantable pulse generator (IPG), an electrode wire, and an extension wire arranged between the implantable pulse generator and the electrode wire, and the data interaction between the implantable pulse generator and the electrode wire is realized through the extension wire, and the implantable pulse generator is arranged in the patient's body. In response to the program-controlled instructions sent by the program-controlled device, the sealed battery and the circuit are used to provide controllable electrical stimulation energy to the body tissue, and one or two controllable specific electrical stimulations are delivered to specific areas of the body tissue through the implanted extension wire and the electrode wire. The extension wire is used in conjunction with the implantable pulse generator as a transmission medium for the electrical stimulation signal, and the electrical stimulation signal generated by the implantable pulse generator is transmitted to the electrode wire. The electrode wire delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas of the body tissue through the electrode contacts thereon. The stimulator is provided with one or more electrode wires on one side or both sides, and a plurality of electrode contacts are provided on the electrode wire.

[0038] In other embodiments, the stimulator may only include an implantable pulse generator and an electrode wire, wherein the implantable pulse generator may be embedded in the patient's skull, and the electrode wire may be implanted in the patient's skull, in which case the implantable pulse generator is directly connected to the electrode wire without the need for extending the wire.

[0039] The electrode wire can be a nerve stimulation electrode, and the electrode wire delivers electrical stimulation to a specific area of ​​tissue in the body through a plurality of electrode contacts. The stimulator is provided with one or more electrode wires on one side or both sides, and a plurality of electrode contacts are provided on the electrode wire, and the electrode contacts can be arranged uniformly or non-uniformly in the circumferential direction of the electrode wire. As an example, the electrode contacts can be arranged in an array of 4 rows and 3 columns (a total of 12 electrode contacts) in the circumferential direction of the electrode wire. The electrode contacts can include stimulation contacts and / or collection contacts. The electrode contacts can be, for example: in the shape of sheets, rings, dots, etc.

[0040] In some possible ways, the stimulated in vivo tissue may be the patient's brain tissue, and the stimulated site may be a specific site of the brain tissue. When the patient's disease type is different, the stimulated site is generally different, and the number of stimulation contacts (single source or multiple sources), the use of one or more (single channel or multiple channels) of specific electrical stimulation signals, and the stimulation parameter data are also different. It can be considered that when the stimulation contacts used are multi-source, multi-channel (multi-channel), a larger amount of data will be generated compared to a single source, single channel.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the types of diseases that can be used, and they can be diseases that can be used for deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), pelvic stimulation, gastric stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and functional electrical stimulation. Among them, the types of diseases that DBS can be used to treat or manage include, but are not limited to: spastic diseases (e.g., epilepsy), pain, migraine, mental illness (e.g., major depressive disorder (MDD)), bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, mild depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), behavioral disorders, mood disorders, memory disorders, mental state disorders, movement disorders (e.g., essential tremor or Parkinson's disease), Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, drug addiction, autism, or other neurological or psychiatric diseases and injuries.

[0042] Stimulation parameters may include: stimulation frequency (for example, the number of electrical stimulation pulse width signals within a unit time of 1s, in Hz), pulse width (the duration of each pulse width, in μs), current amplitude (generally expressed in voltage, that is, the intensity of each pulse width, in V), timing (for example, it can be continuous or triggered), stimulation mode (including one or more of current mode, voltage mode, timed stimulation mode and cyclic stimulation mode), one or more of the upper and lower limits controlled by the doctor (the range adjustable by the doctor) and the upper and lower limits controlled by the patient (the range adjustable by the patient).

[0043] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application. Figure 1-Figure 3 , the implantable medical device 10 is inserted into the user's body. The charging device 20 includes a charger 210, a controller (not shown in the figure) and a plurality of detectors 220. The plurality of detectors 220 are distributed on the first surface S1 of the charger 210 according to a preset matrix. The detectors 220 are used to send detection signals and receive detection information fed back by the detection signals. The controller is electrically connected to the plurality of detectors 220, and is used to determine whether the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the plurality of detectors 220 during the alignment process between the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10, and when the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 are aligned, control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10.

[0044] Specifically, Figure 1As shown, the implantable medical device 10 can be a stimulator, and the stimulator can include an implantable pulse generator, which can provide the user with parameter-controllable refined electrical stimulation therapy, emit electrical pulses to the target point through electrodes, and regulate the electrical activity and function of the corresponding neural structure and network, thereby improving symptoms and relieving pain. It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application is only illustratively described by taking the implantable medical device 10 as a stimulator, but it is not limited to this, and other implantable medical devices can also be used in other embodiments.

[0045] In addition, the implantable medical device 10 needs to be implanted in the user's body, for example, a groove is made in the user's skull, and then the implantable medical device 10 is installed in the groove of the skull, or implanted in the user's chest, and this application does not limit this.

[0046] In order to extend the service life of implantable medical devices in the prior art, an external charging method is usually used to charge the stimulator implanted in the human body, that is, the charger is attached to the surface of the patient's implanted stimulator for wireless charging, such as wireless charging by magnetic induction of a wireless coil, but the charging efficiency during external charging seriously affects the user's experience. The applicant has found through research that the charging efficiency is related to the overlap rate of the charging area of ​​the implantable medical device and the charging device. If the overlap rate of the implantable medical device and the charging area is low, the charging efficiency of the charging device for the implantable medical device is relatively low, which will cause the temperature of the implantable medical device to rise faster, and excessive heat will cause harm to the user. In addition, low charging efficiency directly leads to a longer charging time, affecting the user's experience.

[0047] To this end, the charging device 20 is provided in the present application and includes a charger 210 and a plurality of detectors 220 distributed on the first surface S1 according to a preset matrix. The first surface S1 can be understood as the surface of the charger 210 facing the implantable medical device 10 when charging, and the plurality of detectors 220 can be at least one of an ultrasonic detection sensor or a magnetic induction line sensor, which is not limited in the present application, and those skilled in the art can set it as needed.

[0048] The detector 220 is used to send out a detection signal and receive detection information fed back by the detection signal. Exemplarily, the material of the outer shell of the implantable medical device 10 can be a metal such as a titanium shell with high reflectivity. On the one hand, metals such as titanium shells have a high reflectivity. On the other hand, when implanted in the human body for a long time, metals such as titanium shells will not cause great harm to the human body. Because the reflectivity of the outer shell of the implantable medical device 10 is greater than the reflectivity of the rough surface of organic matter such as tissue fluid, fat, muscle, bone, etc. in the human body. Furthermore, if the detection signal sent by the detector 220 passes through the human body without encountering the implantable medical device 10, the reflection formed by the human body is weak, and the intensity of the detection signal (reflected wave) in the feedback detection information is relatively small. If the detection signal emitted by the detector 220 passes through the human body and encounters the implantable medical device 10, due to the strong reflectivity of the reflective shell 110, the intensity of the detection signal (reflected wave) in the feedback detection information is relatively large. Therefore, when the detector emits the detection signal in a direction perpendicular to the user's body surface, when it receives a reflected signal exceeding a preset intensity threshold, it means that the detector is facing a metal substance, that is, it means that the detector is facing an implantable medical device. Otherwise, the detector is not facing a metal substance, where the preset intensity threshold is set according to different metal materials.

[0049] Furthermore, the signal strength reflected by the detector is also related to the detection distance (i.e., the distance between the charger and the implanted medical device). The farther the distance, the weaker the strength. Therefore, in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of detection and alignment, corresponding detection start conditions or alignment start conditions can be set. In actual applications, the implanted medical device is implanted into the patient's body (such as the skull, chest, etc.), and the charger needs to be close to the patient's body surface (or clothes) for alignment and debugging. At this time, the distance between the charger and the implanted medical device changes less, so the detector can be started to adjust the detection alignment. Therefore, the detector can only be started for alignment work when the charger and the implanted medical device are within the specified distance range. At this time, the detector can receive reliable signal strength. The specified distance range can be 1-20cm, and as an option, it can be 2-5cm, etc. The specific range is determined according to the implantation position of the implanted medical device.

[0050] Furthermore, a corresponding detection start function may be provided on the charger, such as a start button, etc. When the distance between the charger and the implantable medical device reaches a specified range, the user activates the button to perform detection and alignment.

[0051] On the other hand, at least one detector can be pre-activated as an auxiliary function to determine the distance between the charger and the implantable medical device in real time based on the strength of the reflected signal. When the signal strength reaches a specified intensity, it means that the distance between the two meets the requirements and the charger and the implantable medical device are in a relative position relationship. At this time, the detector combination can be started to perform alignment and debugging.

[0052] Based on this principle, multiple detectors 220 can be arranged on the first surface S1 according to a preset matrix, and whether the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 are aligned can be determined based on the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors 220 and the positions of the preset matrix. Specifically, the alignment process of the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 can be understood as fine-tuning the positions of the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10. In fact, there is already some overlap. When the arrangement rules of the multiple detectors 220 are determined, if the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors 220 corresponds to the arrangement rules of the multiple detectors 220, it can be determined that the charger 210 is located directly above the implantable medical device 10, that is, at this time, the charger 210 has covered the implantable medical device 10. In other words, the receiving coil configured inside the implantable medical device 10 cooperates with the charging coil inside the charger 210 for charging. At this time, the coil overlap rate of the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is the highest, and efficient power transmission can be achieved. Then, the controller can determine that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, and control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical device 10 and improving the user experience. The technical problem of low charging efficiency in the prior art, which leads to long charging time and more heat generated, causing harm to users is solved.

[0053] In summary, the present application provides a plurality of detectors distributed in a preset matrix on the first surface of the charger, and the detectors are used to send detection signals and receive detection information fed back by the detection signals. During the alignment process between the charger and the implanted medical instrument, the controller can determine whether the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the plurality of detectors. The alignment process between the charger and the implanted medical instrument can be understood as the charger and the implanted medical instrument already have at least partial overlap. If the controller determines that the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information of the plurality of detectors during the alignment process, the charger is controlled to charge the implanted medical instrument. When the charger and the implanted medical instrument are not aligned, the implanted medical instrument is not charged. The alignment of the charger and the implanted medical instrument can be understood as each part of the implanted medical instrument has a charger to charge, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implanted medical instrument and the user experience. The technical problem of low charging efficiency, long charging time and high heat generation, which causes harm to the user, is solved in the prior art.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, Figure 2 It is a bottom-up structural diagram of a charging device for an implantable medical device provided by the present application. Specifically, the preset matrix can be an arrangement rule of the detectors on the charging device, which is determined based on the outer contour of the implantable medical device 10 and the number of detectors 220. When the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 is a preset signal strength combination, it indicates that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, wherein the preset signal strength combination corresponds to the preset matrix, and the preset signal strength combination is the only signal combination received by the multiple detectors 220 during the alignment process of the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10.

[0055] It can be understood that the detectors 220 are arranged on the charging device according to a specified rule, and when the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 are aligned, that is, the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 have a unique positional relationship, and the signal received by the detector at this time is a unique signal combination, it indicates that the two are aligned, otherwise the two are not aligned.

[0056] It should be noted that, under normal circumstances, the power transmission efficiency is highest when the charging coil in the charger and the receiving coil in the implantable medical device are completely aligned. However, in order to reduce the difficulty of user operation, a certain degree of deviation between the two coils can also achieve a certain transmission efficiency. Therefore, the charging coil and the receiving coil can achieve the alignment effect when the preset deviation distance is met, thereby realizing the alignment of the charger and the implantable medical device.

[0057] The number of detectors 220 may correspond to the outer contour of the implantable medical device 10. In order to ensure the detection effect and reliability, the more detectors 220 the better. However, in order to reduce the detection cost and the requirement of the charger being portable, the number of detectors 220 may be 3-10. Optionally, the number may be 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. The arrangement rules of different numbers of detectors in the charger may be different. However, when the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned, the combination of the arranged detectors that receives the detection information should also be unique, or approximately unique (this may require taking into account the situation where the charger and the implantable medical device meet appropriate deviations). For example, Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour of the implantable medical device 10 is a rounded rectangle, and the multiple detectors 220 are arranged based on the four right-angled sides of the rounded rectangle. It should be noted that when the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device, the multiple detectors 220 may all be located inside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10, or may all be located outside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10, or, part of the multiple detectors 220 may be arranged inside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10, and another part may be arranged outside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this, as long as the multiple detectors 220 are arranged according to the preset matrix, and after the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 is a preset signal strength combination of a unique signal combination.

[0058] Continue to see Figure 2 After the implantable medical device 10 is aligned with the charger 210, the detectors 220 located within the coverage of the implantable medical device 10 among the multiple detectors 220 are the first detectors, and the detectors 220 located outside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10 are the second detectors, and then only the detection information of the first detector 220 includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, and the detection information of the second detector 220 does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, that is, when the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 is a preset signal strength combination, it indicates that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10. At this time, the preset signal strength combination corresponds to the preset matrix of the multiple detectors 220. In this way, whether the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device is determined by whether the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 includes the preset signal strength combination, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0059] It should be noted that Figure 2The example in which four detectors 220 are included and after the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 are aligned, some of the multiple detectors 220 are located within the coverage of the implantable medical device 10 and some are located outside the coverage of the implantable medical device 10 is used for illustration only, but this is not limited to this. In other embodiments, other methods can be used, and those skilled in the art can set them as needed.

[0060] Optionally, in yet another embodiment, Figure 3 1 is a bottom view of another charging device for an implantable medical device provided by the present application. Figure 3 , the range surrounded by the multiple detectors 220 is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device 10. The controller is used to determine that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, and control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10 when it is detected that the detection information of the multiple detectors 220 does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10 during the alignment process between the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10, and the detection information of at least one detector can be detected when the charger is moved in any direction by a preset distance.

[0061] Among them, the range enclosed by multiple detectors 220 is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device 10, so as to provide the charger with a certain redundant adjustment space, reduce the adjustment difficulty of the user, and improve the user's experience. Specifically, the preset distance can be expanded outward along the outline range of the implantable medical device 10 to form a range enclosed by multiple detectors. The preset distance can be 0-2cm, and optionally, it can be 0.5cm, 0.6cm, etc.

[0062] For example, Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the range surrounded by the multiple detectors 220 is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device 10, wherein the range surrounded by the multiple detectors 220 can refer to Figure 3 The dotted line range in the figure is the range enclosed by the outermost edges of the multiple detectors 220. When the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the multiple detectors 220 are all located at the outer edge of the range covered by the implantable medical device 10. In this way, the range enclosed by the multiple detectors 220 is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device 10. Therefore, when the charger 210 is completely aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the detection information of the multiple detectors 220 does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10. In other words, there is no implantable medical device 10 at the positions corresponding to the multiple detectors 220. At this time, the overlap rate between the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is the highest, that is, each part of the implantable medical device 10 is charged by the part corresponding to the charger 210, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical device 10.

[0063] Optionally, in yet another embodiment, Figure 4 is a bottom view of another charging device for an implantable medical instrument provided by the present application. Figure 5 This is a bottom view of another charging device for an implantable medical device provided by the present application. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the range surrounded by the multiple detectors 220 does not exceed the outline range of the implantable medical device 10. The controller is used to determine that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10 when it is detected that the detection information of the multiple detectors 220 includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10 during the alignment process between the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10, and control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10. Exemplary, as Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the case where the range enclosed by the multiple detectors 220 is consistent with the contour range of the implantable medical device 10 is used as an example for explanation. When the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the multiple detectors 220 are all located within the range covered by the implantable medical device 10, and the outermost edge of each detector 220 coincides with the edge of the contour range of the implantable medical device. In this way, the range enclosed by the multiple detectors 220 is consistent with the contour range of the implantable medical device 10, so that when the charger 210 is completely aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the detection information of the multiple detectors 220 just includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10. In other words, there are implantable medical devices 10 at the positions corresponding to the multiple detectors 220. At this time, the overlap rate between the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is the highest, that is, each part of the implantable medical device 10 is charged by the part corresponding to the charger 210, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical device 10. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, an example is given in which a range enclosed by a plurality of detectors 220 is slightly smaller than the contour range of the implantable medical device 10. When the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the plurality of detectors 220 are all located within the range covered by the implantable medical device 10, and the outermost edge of each detector 220 is at a certain distance from the edge of the contour range of the implantable medical device. Thus, the range enclosed by the plurality of detectors 220 is slightly smaller than the contour range of the implantable medical device 10. Thus, when the charger 210 is completely aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the detection information of the plurality of detectors 220 includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10. In other words, there are implantable medical devices 10 at the positions corresponding to the plurality of detectors 220. At this time, the overlap rate between the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is the highest, that is, each part of the implantable medical device 10 is charged by a part corresponding to the charger 210, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical device 10.

[0064] Optionally, based on the above embodiment, Figure 6 This is a bottom view of another charging device for an implantable medical device provided by the present application. Figure 6 , the first surface S1 of the charger 210 is provided with a charging area S2, and the charging area S2 is the area where the charger 210 at least covers the implantable medical device 10 during the alignment process. Specifically, since the user can sense or know the implantation position of the implantable medical device, during the alignment process of the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10, the charger 210 (charging area S2) and the implantable medical device 10 have partially overlapped. On this basis, whether the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 are aligned is determined based on whether the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 is a preset signal strength combination, thereby avoiding the alignment judgment when the charger 210 and the implantable medical device 10 do not partially overlap, which is prone to misjudgment.

[0065] It should be noted that the area of ​​the charging zone S2 is larger than the area of ​​the outline of the implantable medical device 10, wherein the charging coil can be set at the center of the charging zone S2, and the corresponding receiving coil can be set at the center of the implantable medical device 10. When the implantable medical device and the charging zone are aligned or roughly aligned, it indicates that the charging coil and the receiving coil are aligned or roughly aligned. Specifically, the area of ​​the charging zone S2 can be understood as the charging emission range of the charger 210 (i.e., the electric field intensity concentration range). If the charging range of the charging zone S2 is smaller than the area of ​​the outline of the implantable medical device 10, then when the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, there will be a part corresponding to the implantable medical device 10, and there will be no corresponding part of the charging zone S2 for charging, that is, the overlap rate between the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is not the highest, which is not conducive to improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical device 10. Furthermore, by setting the area of ​​the charging zone S2 to be larger than the area of ​​the outline of the implantable medical device 10, it is ensured that when the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the overlap rate between the implantable medical device 10 and the charger 210 is the highest, thereby improving the charging efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, the charging area S2 can be a charging matching area for an implantable medical device. When the implantable medical device at least partially protrudes from the body surface (for example, protrudes from the skull, and of course needs to be covered under the scalp), the charging area S2 can be a groove structure. When aligned, the groove structure of the charging area S2 can be completely engaged with the protruding implantable medical device, thereby reducing the difficulty of user alignment and improving charging efficiency.

[0067] Optionally, based on the above embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 6, the charger 210 also includes a prompt unit (not shown in the figure). The prompt unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is also used to send prompt information to the prompt unit when it is detected that the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors 220 includes misalignment information, based on the correspondence between the misalignment information and the preset matrix, so that the prompt unit reminds the user to move the charger to the corresponding direction. Specifically, the prompt unit can be a voice prompt unit or an image prompt unit, and the present application is not limited to this. Misalignment information can be understood as a situation where the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors 220 does not include a preset signal strength combination. Exemplarily, Figure 6 In the example, the range surrounded by the multiple detectors 220 is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical device 10. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the implantable medical device 10 includes four sides, and a detector 220 is disposed on the periphery of each side. Further, when the multiple detectors 220 do not detect the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, it indicates that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10, and at this time, the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 includes a preset signal strength combination. When the controller detects that the detection information of the detector 220 located on the left side includes the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, and the detection information of the detectors 220 on other sides does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, it indicates that at this time, at least part of the left side of the implantable medical device 10 is exposed, and at this time, the detection information fed back by the detection signals of the multiple detectors 220 does not include a preset signal strength combination. In this case, the controller can determine the prompt information according to the correspondence between the misalignment information and the preset matrix (as above, it can be determined that the left side of the implantable medical device 10 is misaligned and needs to be moved to the right side according to the correspondence), and send the prompt information to the prompt unit so that the prompt unit reminds the user to move the charger 210 in the corresponding direction (to the right) until the controller detects that the detection information of the detector 220 located on the left side does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical device 10, and stops sending the prompt information to the prompt unit. In this way, the prompt unit is combined with the controller to remind the user how to adjust the position of the charger 210 to further align it when the charger 210 is not aligned with the implantable medical device 10, thereby improving the user's alignment speed and usage experience.

[0068] Optionally, based on the above embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 6 The charger 210 further includes a switch element (not shown in the figure). The switch element is used to send control information, and the control information includes charging modulation information and charging shutdown information. The controller is also electrically connected to the switch element, and the controller is also used to control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10 when receiving the charging modulation information of the switch element and detecting that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10 during the alignment process.

[0069] Specifically, the switch unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can control the charger 210 to charge the implantable medical device 10 according to the control information of the switch unit and the detection information of the multiple detectors 220. Exemplarily, when the switch unit is not pressed, it indicates that charging is not required at this time, and the controller receives the charging shutdown information of the light switch unit, and the charger 210 is turned off, and then even if the charger 210 is detected to be aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the implantable medical device 10 cannot be charged. When the switch unit is pressed, it indicates that charging is required at this time, and the charger 210 is turned on. If it is detected that the charger 210 is not aligned with the implantable medical device 10, the implantable medical device 10 cannot be charged. Only when the controller receives the charging modulation information of the switch element and detects that the charger 210 is aligned with the implantable medical device 10 during the alignment process, the charger 210 is controlled to charge the implantable medical device 10. In this way, by adding a switch unit to assist in determining whether charging can be performed, the accuracy of charging is improved.

[0070] Based on the same application concept, the present application also provides a charging method for an implantable medical device, which is applied to the charging device for the implantable medical device. Figure 7 is a flow chart of a charging method for an implantable medical device provided by the present application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the charging method includes:

[0071] S110: Acquire detection information fed back by multiple detectors.

[0072] Specifically, the multiple detectors can be at least one of an ultrasonic detection sensor or a magnetic induction line sensor, which is not limited in this application, and can be set by a person skilled in the art as needed. The detector is used to send a detection signal and receive detection information fed back by the detection signal. Exemplarily, the material of the shell of the implantable medical instrument can be a metal such as a titanium shell with high reflectivity. On the one hand, metals such as titanium shells have high reflectivity, and on the other hand, when implanted in the human body for a long time, metals such as titanium shells will not cause great harm to the human body. Because the reflectivity of the shell of the implantable medical instrument is greater than the reflectivity of the rough surface of organic matter such as tissue fluid, fat, muscle, and bone in the human body. Furthermore, if the detection signal emitted by the detector passes through the human body without encountering the implantable medical instrument, the reflection formed by the human body is weak, and the intensity of the detection signal (reflected wave) in the feedback detection information is small. If the detection signal emitted by the detector passes through the human body and encounters the implantable medical instrument, due to the strong reflectivity of the reflective shell, the intensity of the detection signal (reflected wave) in the feedback detection information is large.

[0073] S120. During the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device, determine whether the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned based on detection information fed back by multiple detectors, and when the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned, control the charger to charge the implantable medical device.

[0074] Specifically, the alignment process of the charger and the implantable medical instrument can be understood as the charger and the implantable medical instrument already partially overlap. When the arrangement rules of multiple detectors are determined, if the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors corresponds to the arrangement rules of the multiple detectors, it can be determined that the charger is located directly above the implantable medical instrument, that is, the charger has covered the implantable medical instrument at this time. In other words, each part of the implantable medical instrument has a corresponding part of the charger for charging. At this time, the overlap rate between the implantable medical instrument and the charger is the highest, and then the controller can determine that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical instrument, and control the charger to charge the implantable medical instrument, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implantable medical instrument and the user's experience. The technical problem of low charging efficiency in the prior art, which leads to long charging time and more heat generated, causing harm to users, is solved.

[0075] In summary, the present application determines whether the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information fed back by multiple detectors during the alignment process between the charger and the implanted medical instrument, and when the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned, controls the charger to charge the implanted medical instrument. In this way, the controller can determine whether the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information fed back by multiple detectors. Among them, the alignment process between the charger and the implanted medical instrument can be understood as the charger and the implanted medical instrument have at least partial overlap. If the controller determines that the charger and the implanted medical instrument are aligned according to the detection information of multiple detectors during the alignment process, the charger is controlled to charge the implanted medical instrument. When the charger and the implanted medical instrument are not aligned, the implanted medical instrument is not charged. The alignment of the charger and the implanted medical instrument can be understood as each part of the implanted medical instrument has a charger to charge, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the implanted medical instrument and improving the user experience.

[0076] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides a program-controlled device, which is in communication with an implantable medical device implanted in a user's body and is configured to at least send program-controlled instructions to the implantable medical device. The program-controlled device includes a charging device according to any of the above embodiments, so as to wirelessly charge the implantable medical device through the program-controlled device.

[0077] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides an implantable medical system. Figure 8is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical system provided by the present application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the implantable medical system includes an implantable medical instrument 10 and a programmable device 30. The implantable medical instrument 10 is implanted into the user's body, and the programmable device 30 includes a charging device according to any of the above embodiments, which is used to wirelessly charge the implantable medical instrument 10.

[0078] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, although the present application is described in more detail through the above embodiments, the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present application, and the scope of the present application is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging device for an implantable medical instrument, characterized in that: The charging device includes a charger, a controller and a plurality of detectors, wherein the plurality of detectors are distributed on a first surface of the charger according to a preset matrix; the detectors are used to send out detection signals and receive detection information fed back by the detection signals; The controller is electrically connected to the multiple detectors, and is used to determine whether the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned according to the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors during the alignment process of the charger and the implantable medical device, and when the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned, control the charger to charge the implantable medical device.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset matrix is ​​determined based on the peripheral contour of the implantable medical device; When the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors is a preset signal strength combination, it indicates that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device, wherein the preset signal strength combination corresponds to the preset matrix, and the preset signal strength combination is a unique signal combination received by multiple detectors of the charger and the implantable medical device during the alignment process.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The range enclosed by the multiple detectors is slightly larger than the outline range of the implantable medical instrument; The controller is used to determine that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical instrument and control the charger to charge the implantable medical instrument when it detects that the detection information of multiple detectors does not include the reflection information of the implantable medical instrument during the alignment process of the charger and the charger, and the detection information of at least one detector can be detected by moving the charger a preset distance in any direction.

4. The charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The range enclosed by the multiple detectors does not exceed the outline of the implantable medical device; The controller is used to determine that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical instrument and control the charger to charge the implantable medical instrument when it is detected that the detection information of multiple detectors includes the reflection information of the implantable medical instrument during the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical instrument.

5. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A charging area is provided on the first surface of the charger, and the charging area is the area where the charger at least covers the implantable medical device during the alignment process.

6. The charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The area of ​​the charging zone is larger than the area of ​​the outline of the implantable medical device.

7. The charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The charger also includes a prompt unit; The prompt unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is also used to send prompt information to the prompt unit when it is detected that the detection information fed back by the detection signals of multiple detectors includes misalignment information, based on the correspondence between the misalignment information and the preset matrix, so that the prompt unit reminds the user to move the charger to the corresponding direction.

8. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charger also includes a switching element; The switch element is used to send control information, and the control information includes charging modulation information and charging shutdown information; The controller is also electrically connected to the switching element; the controller is also used to control the charger to charge the implantable medical device when receiving charging modulation information from the switching element and detecting that the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device during the alignment process.

9. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detector includes at least one of the following: an ultrasonic detection sensor and a magnetic induction line sensor.

10. A charging method for an implantable medical device, applied to the charging device for the implantable medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The charging method comprises: Acquiring detection information fed back by a plurality of the detectors; During the alignment process between the charger and the implantable medical device, it is determined whether the charger and the implantable medical device are aligned based on the detection information fed back by the multiple detectors, and when the charger is aligned with the implantable medical device, the charger is controlled to charge the implantable medical device.

11. A program-controlled device, characterized in that: The program-controlled device is communicatively connected to an implantable medical device implanted in a user's body and is configured to at least send program-controlled instructions to the implantable medical device; The programmable device comprises the charging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, so as to wirelessly charge the implantable medical instrument through the programmable device.

12. An implantable medical system, characterized in that: The implantable medical system comprises: Implantable medical devices are implanted into the user’s body; The program-controlled device of claim 11.

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