Wireless Implantable Stimulator Power and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable pulse generators (IPGs) are bulky due to large batteries and prone to complications from leads, necessitating a more efficient and compact solution for powering and controlling stimulations.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly powered stimulator system utilizing an implantable pulse generator (IPG) with an RF signal receiver, energy storage capacitor, demodulator, and output voltage regulator, which wirelessly receives power and controls stimulation timing through amplitude modulation, eliminating the need for batteries and leads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional IPGs use large batteries for power supply, then the device can operate continuously, but the device size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the implantable device and places it externally. The IPG receives power wirelessly through an RF receiver that couples to an external RF transmitter, eliminating the need for an internal battery and significantly reducing device size while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery system with an electromagnetic wireless power transfer system. The RF receiver converts received RF energy into electrical power for the IPG, substituting the traditional battery-based power supply with a wireless energy harvesting approach.
2Reliability
If conventional IPGs use leads to deliver stimulation, then the device can function effectively, but complications from leads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the leads from the system. Stimulation is delivered wirelessly through magnetic coupling between an external transmitter coil and an internal receiver coil, removing the physical leads that cause infections, dislodgments, and signal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field coupling as an intermediary between the external controller and the implantable device. The RF transmitter and receiver coils create a magnetic coupling pathway that transfers both power and control signals without physical connections, eliminating lead-related complications.
3Volume of moving object
If IPG uses wireless power transfer, then the device size is reduced, but power transfer efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic RF transmission bursts synchronized with the IPG's operational cycles. The external transmitter delivers energy in controlled periodic pulses that match the IPG's power consumption patterns, maximizing energy transfer efficiency while minimizing losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts RF transmission parameters including frequency, power level, and pulse duration based on the IPG's operational state. The system monitors power transfer efficiency and modifies transmission parameters in real-time to optimize energy delivery and minimize losses.
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 solution enables a compact, battery-less, and leadless IPG with efficient energy use and precise stimulation control, improving clinical efficacy and reducing complications, as demonstrated by in vivo experiments.
Implementation Method 1
an Rx antenna that receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from an external Tx antenna
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier, an energy storage capacitor CSTOR, where the RF signal coupled to the Rx antenna is rectified by the rectifier to generate VDD and charges the CSTOR
Implementation Method 3
a demodulator... where the demodulator outputs a stimulation that releases the energy stored in the CSTOR on an electrode based on detecting amplitude modulation in the received RF signal
Implementation Method 4
a Tx antenna that generates the RF signal that wirelessly powers the IPG
Data Source
AI summary
Wirelessly powered implantable pulse generators (IPG) are described. In an embodiment, a wirelessly powered stimulator, includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG), including: an Rx antenna that receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from an external Tx antenna; a rectifier; an energy storage capacitor CSTOR, where the RF signal coupled to the Rx antenna is rectified by the rectifier to generate VDD and charges the CSTOR; a demodulator; an output voltage regulator that generates a stable voltage to activate the demodulator; and where the demodulator outputs a stimulation that releases the energy stored in the CSTOR on an electrode based on detecting amplitude modulation in the received RF signal; and a Tx antenna that generates the RF signal that wirelessly powers the IPG and that controls timing of output stimulations of the IPG, where amplitude modulation is applied to the RF signal to control the timing of the output stimulations.