Implantable Pulse Generator Wireless Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices for neuromuscular and neuromodulation stimulation are limited by their size, portability, power supply, and ease of use, requiring frequent recharging and surgical replacement, with limited acceptance due to these constraints and high costs.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator system with a rechargeable battery that uses wireless telemetry for power management, allowing transcutaneous recharging via a radio frequency magnetic field, and a compact design for minimally invasive implantation, along with a universal platform for various therapeutic applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable battery is used in the implantable pulse generator, then the device can be recharged transcutaneously, but the device requires additional components (power receiving coil, external controller) increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power receiving coil serves dual purposes: it acts as both a wireless power transmission interface for recharging the battery and as an external controller for programming and monitoring the implantable pulse generator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enabling recharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiving coil functions as an intermediary between the external power source and the implantable pulse generator's battery. It enables wireless energy transfer through the skin, allowing the implanted device to be recharged without surgical intervention or physical connection, thus simplifying the recharging process despite adding components.
2Ease of operation
If the implantable pulse generator is designed for minimally invasive implantation, then the surgical procedure is less invasive, but the device size and power capacity are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic power management where the power receiving coil can be activated to recharge the battery when energy is needed, rather than relying solely on a fixed internal battery capacity. This dynamic recharging capability allows the device to maintain operational power without requiring a larger initial battery, thus preserving minimally invasive implantation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable pulse generator utilizes variable frequency and amplitude stimulation parameters that can be adjusted based on patient needs and battery charge levels. The external controller can modify these parameters dynamically, allowing the device to provide adequate therapeutic effect with smaller battery capacity by optimizing power delivery efficiency.
3Reliability
If existing implantable devices require frequent surgical replacement, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time and patient convenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The power receiving coil enables preliminary recharging of the battery before the implantable pulse generator requires power replacement. Patients can recharge the device at home using the external controller, eliminating the need for frequent surgical interventions to replace depleted batteries, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable pulse generator system incorporates self-service recharging capability where the device can be recharged by the patient themselves using the external controller and power receiving coil, without requiring surgical intervention or medical professional involvement. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming surgical replacement process while ensuring continuous reliable operation.
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
The system provides extended battery life, improved portability, and ease of use, reducing the need for frequent recharging and surgical interventions, while enabling versatile therapeutic applications with a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a power receiving coil carried within the housing and coupled to the circuitry, the power receiving coil for transcutaneously receiving an externally generated radio frequency magnetic field to recharge the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
an external controller including circuitry adapted for wireless telemetry, and a charging coil for generating the radio frequency magnetic field to transcutaneously recharge the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and a lead sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. An external controller includes circuitry adapted for wireless telemetry and a charging coil for generating the radio frequency magnetic field to transcutaneously recharge a rechargeable battery in the pulse generator. Using wireless telemetry, the pulse generator is adapted to transmit status information back to the external controller to allow the external controller to automatically adjust up or down the magnitude of the radio frequency magnetic field and/or to instruct a user to reposition the charging coil, the status information adapted to allow optimal recharging of the pulse generator rechargeable battery.