Devices, systems, and methods for stimulation therapy
Inventors
Fayram, Timothy A. • Yeh, Alexander • SHAW, Gary • Armstrong, Randolph Kerry • Morris, Milton M. • Junco, Elia
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11129985-B2
Publication Date
2021-09-28
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.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to compact midfield RF powering and data communication for implantable stimulation devices using external sub-wavelength structures. An external power source provides radio frequency signals to a location in tissue, and an implantable device receives the RF signals. Communication between the external power source and the implantable device is performed at least in part using a backscatter signal received by the external power source through at least one sub-wavelength structure.
The implantable device includes a distal portion and a proximal portion with a first electrode at, or at least partially in, the distal portion. Second circuitry in a first housing is arranged so that an antenna in a separate second housing in the proximal portion is electrically coupled to the second circuitry, and the first housing is situated between the second housing and the first electrode. The external power source can use information from the backscatter signal to identify a portion of a power signal received by the implantable device.
In addition, the invention describes a biocompatible elongated member with a distal portion and a proximal portion, a plurality of cylindrical electrodes along the distal portion, and a cylindrical hermetic circuitry housing attached to the proximal portion. Therapy signal circuitry hermetically sealed within the circuitry housing provides electrical energy to the electrodes, and backscatter communication circuitry hermetically sealed within the circuitry housing uses a first signal received via an antenna to provide a backscatter signal to a body-external source device that comprises a sub-wavelength structure. The therapy signal circuitry is configured to generate or adjust therapy using one or more electrodes coupled at a distal portion.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims describe three inventive features centered on external sub-wavelength reception of implant backscatter, partitioned implant housings with a proximal antenna arrangement, and therapy signal circuitry for distal electrodes.
Backscatter RF communication with sub-wavelength external structure and implant housing/antenna arrangement
An external power source provides RF signals to a location in tissue; an implantable device includes a distal portion with a first electrode and a proximal portion with second circuitry in a first housing, with an antenna in a separate second housing electrically coupled to the second circuitry; the first housing is situated between the second housing and the first electrode; and the external power source and implantable device communicate at least in part using a backscatter signal, where at least one sub-wavelength structure of the external power source is configured to receive the backscatter signal from the implantable device.
Hermetic implant with cylindrical electrodes and hermetic backscatter communication to body-external source with sub-wavelength structure
An implantable device includes a biocompatible elongated member with a distal portion and a proximal portion; a plurality of cylindrical electrodes along the distal portion; a cylindrical, hermetic circuitry housing attached to the proximal portion; therapy signal circuitry hermetically sealed within the circuitry housing and configured to provide electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes; an antenna housing attached to the circuitry housing with an antenna; and backscatter communication circuitry hermetically sealed within the circuitry housing configured to use a first signal received via the antenna to provide a backscatter signal to a body-external source device having a sub-wavelength structure configured to receive the backscatter signal.
Wireless signals used for backscatter communication and therapy generation/adjustment with distal electrodes
A system including an external power source with transmitter circuitry configured to provide wireless signals to a location in body tissue and receiver circuitry and at least one sub-wavelength structure configured to receive a backscatter signal; and an implantable device with an antenna at a proximal portion configured to receive the wireless signals; backscatter communication circuitry configured to use the wireless signals to provide the backscatter signal to the external power source; and therapy signal circuitry configured to use the wireless signals to generate or adjust a therapy provided to the body tissue using one or more electrodes coupled at a distal portion of the implantable device.
The claim coverage centers on wireless signal transfer between an external power source and an implantable device, where backscatter communication links the implant and external source using at least one sub-wavelength structure at the external side. On the implant side, the claims emphasize partitioned proximal components and hermetic backscatter communication circuitry, paired with therapy signal circuitry that drives distal electrodes for therapy generation or adjustment.
Stated Advantages
Supports communication using backscatter signals between the external power source and the implantable device.
Provides therapy by using wireless signals to generate or adjust therapy using electrodes coupled at a distal portion of the implantable device.
Uses hermetically sealed therapy signal circuitry and hermetically sealed backscatter communication circuitry within the circuitry housing.
Enables external reception of the implantable device backscatter signal using at least one sub-wavelength structure.
The backscatter signal can include information about the therapy delivered and at least one physiologic characteristic sensed or measured by the implantable device.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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