Devices, systems, and methods for stimulation therapy
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10994140-B2
Publication Date
2021-05-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided. A system can include an external power source that propagates a field within tissue and an at least partially implantable device configured to receive the propagated field from the external power source, the implantable device including circuitry, a first antenna electrically coupled to the circuitry, a second antenna electrically coupled to the first antenna, and an electrode electrically connected to the circuitry.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system and implantable device architecture that uses an external power source to propagate a field within tissue and energize an implantable device. The implantable device receives a portion of the propagated field through a first antenna that is electrically coupled to first circuitry, and delivers electrical energy to an electrode directly electrically connected via one or more conductors to the first circuitry.
The implantable device architecture includes a second antenna that is physically decoupled from the first antenna and from all circuitry outside the implantable device, and also physically decoupled from the first circuitry of the implantable device. The second antenna is wirelessly coupled to the first antenna, and energy received by the first antenna includes energy transferred from the second antenna using near field coupling between the first antenna and the second antenna.
In the implantable configurations, the first antenna and second antenna are provided inside an implantable device housing, including unitary, biocompatible device constructions where the second antenna is passive and physically decoupled from the first antenna and from all circuitry in the implantable, unitary, biocompatible device. The second antenna is situated to be closer to a surface of skin after implant than the first antenna, with antenna placement and hermetic sealing of circuitry and antennas within the device housing also described.
Claims Coverage
Three independent claims are covered. Across these claims, the inventive coverage is centered on physically decoupled first and second antennas within or relative to an implantable device, wireless and near-field coupling between the antennas to transfer energy, and delivering electrical energy received by the implantable circuitry to electrodes, with internal housing and placement constraints.
Tissue-propagated field and physically decoupled dual antennas in an implantable system
An external power source propagates a field within tissue and an at least partially implantable device receives the propagated field, including a first antenna electrically coupled to first circuitry and a second antenna physically decoupled from the first antenna and from all circuitry outside of the implantable device and physically decoupled from the first circuitry, with the second antenna wirelessly coupled to the first antenna.
Near-field energy transfer from a passive, physically decoupled second antenna to the first antenna
An implantable, unitary, biocompatible device has circuitry, a first antenna directly electrically connected to the circuitry via one or more conductors, and a passive, second antenna physically decoupled from the first antenna and from all circuitry in the implantable, unitary, biocompatible device, where energy received by the first antenna includes energy transferred from the second antenna using near field coupling, in response to an energy signal from a separate energy source device.
Implantable electrodes powered by circuitry with a near-field physically decoupled second antenna positioned closer to skin
An implantable device includes a housing, circuitry within the housing, electrodes in a first portion configured to receive electrical energy from the circuitry, a first antenna within a second portion opposite the first portion and directly electrically connected to the circuitry via one or more conductors, and a second antenna wirelessly coupled in a near field to the first antenna, physically decoupled from the first antenna and from all circuitry, and situated closer to a surface of skin after implant than the first antenna.
The claims emphasize wireless and near-field coupling while maintaining physical decoupling between antennas and circuitry, and they tie the received energy to circuitry and electrodes within an implantable housing. The claim set further refines antenna placement, internal portioning, and hermetic sealing of selected internal components.
Stated Advantages
Improves comfort and supports thermal/moisture management using heat insulation and waterproof/wicking materials, together with air vents/fins/heat sinks and a temperature threshold related to safe heat absorption.
Reduces overheating risk by using safety features including a temperature threshold and overheating safety functionality.
Provides wireless placement guidance for proper positioning over an implanted neurostimulator using received-signal-strength information conveyed as audio tones/vibration and visual display alerts, including battery level/status and malfunction/error warnings.
Documented Applications
A therapy system in which an external wearable arrangement positions an external power/data transmitter over an implanted neurostimulator and uses wireless feedback to guide proper placement.
Wireless communication and closed-loop information exchange in therapy systems, including backscatter/data embedding with electrostimulation pulses and closed-loop feedback using farfield sensing electrodes.
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