Active Telemetry Coil for Hearing Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active implantable medical device (AIMD) systems, such as cochlear implants, face limitations in telemetry communication due to the need for close proximity between external and implanted coils during surgery, restricting surgical flexibility and increasing power consumption with conventional load modulation methods.
Innovation Solution
An implantable processor arrangement that configures a communications coil for both peridermal and extradermal communication modes, allowing for efficient transdermal signal transfer and long-range telemetry, reducing the need for close coil proximity and optimizing power usage through selective activation and dynamic power negotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load modulation of the receiver coil is used for telemetry data transfer, then data communication is achieved, but the external coil must be placed in close vicinity to the implanted coil, limiting surgical freedom and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two communication modes: load modulation mode for close-range communication and active transmission mode for long-range communication. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable telemetry while providing surgical freedom by enabling communication at various distances depending on the surgical situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the coil arrangement by switching between passive load modulation (close range) and active transmission with higher power levels (long range). This parameter change enables the system to overcome the limitation of close proximity requirement while maintaining data transfer reliability.
2Reliability
If the external coil is placed close to the surgical wound for telemetry, then data transfer is reliable, but the physician's ability to manipulate the implant is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by offering two communication modes. During implantation surgery, the system can operate in active transmission mode allowing the external coil to be positioned away from the surgical site, enabling free manipulation of the implant. When precise positioning is needed, the system can switch to load modulation mode for reliable close-range communication.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional load modulation methods are used, then power consumption is maintained at acceptable levels, but communication distance is limited to close proximity only
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on communication distance requirements. For close-range communication, it uses low-power load modulation. For long-range telemetry, it switches to active transmission mode with higher power levels, enabling communication up to 2 meters away while maintaining acceptable overall power consumption through selective activation.
4Power
If an inductive coil system is used for telemetry, then power supply requirements are met, but the system requires close proximity and sterile packaging that limits surgical freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The coil arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in passive load modulation mode for close-range communication and in active transmission mode for long-range communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet power supply requirements while providing surgical freedom by enabling communication at various distances without requiring sterile packaging constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible surgical handling and reduced power consumption by allowing extradermal communication up to 2 meters, enhancing surgical and post-surgical procedures while maintaining efficient data transfer and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable communications coil arrangement (105, 106) is configured for transdermal transfer of an implant communications signal
Implementation Method 2
In a normal operation mode the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for peridermal communication with an external communications coil placed on or close to the skin
Implementation Method 3
In a long range telemetry mode the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for extradermal communication with an external telemetry coil located distant from the skin
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable processor arrangement is described for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) system implanted under the skin of a patient. An implantable communications coil arrangement is configured for transdermal transfer of an implant communications signal. An implantable processor is coupled to and controls the implantable communications coil arrangement so as to operate in two different communications modes. In a normal operation mode, the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for peridermal communication with an external communications coil placed on the skin of the patient immediately over the implantable communications coil arrangement. In a long range telemetry mode, the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for extradermal communication with an external telemetry coil located distant from the skin of the patient immediately over the implantable communications coil arrangement.