Devices, systems, and methods for stimulation therapy
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11964151-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-23
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 implantable-stimulation electronics and packaging for a wirelessly powered implant in which an external power source provides a propagating field within tissue. An implantable device includes implantable device housing with first circuitry, a first receiver with a first antenna configured to receive a first portion of the propagating field, and a second receiver with a second antenna that is wirelessly and passively coupled to the first receiver to receive a second portion of the propagating field. The implantable device circuitry is electrically connected to an electrode.
The second antenna is spaced apart from all other circuitry and is positioned relative to the first receiver in a separate antenna housing mechanically coupled to a circuitry housing. The system employs antenna arrangements that include monopole or dipole antennas, and near-field coupling between the first and second receivers. The disclosed configurations emphasize hermetic circuitry packaging with antenna housing arrangements and antenna types including helical antenna, dielectric rod antenna, and asymmetric dipole antenna.
The second receiver is coupled in near field to the first receiver and is not physically connected by a conductor to any other circuitry, including the first receiver. The second receiver is configured to increase an amount of electromagnetic energy captured by the first receiver. Additional disclosed communication architecture is based on SAW-based backscatter communication with T/R switching and SAW time-delay buffering of RF, with mode synchronization described using envelope amplitude thresholds.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three related arrangements: a system with an external power source and an implantable device with first and second receivers, an implantable biocompatible device, and an implantable device configuration in which a near-field second receiver increases electromagnetic energy captured by a first receiver. The inventive features center on separated antennas/receivers, wireless passive coupling in near field, spacing from all other circuitry, lack of conductor physical connection for the second receiver, and functional enhancement of electromagnetic energy capture by the first receiver.
External power propagating field with first and second receivers
A system comprising an external power source configured to provide a propagating field within tissue, and an implantable device including implantable device housing, first circuitry, a first receiver with a first antenna electrically coupled to the first circuitry and configured to receive a first portion of the propagating field, and a second receiver with a second antenna that is wirelessly and passively coupled to the first receiver and configured to receive a second portion of the propagating field, the second antenna spaced apart from all other circuitry, and an electrode electrically connected to the first circuitry.
Spaced second antenna wirelessly coupled to first antenna
An implantable, biocompatible device configured to be implanted in tissue and receive electric field-based signals, the device comprising first circuitry, a first antenna comprising a monopole or dipole antenna electrically coupled to the first circuitry, and a second antenna wirelessly electrically coupled to the first antenna, the second antenna spaced apart from all other circuitry including the first circuitry and the first antenna.
Near-field second receiver not physically conductor-connected to other circuitry
An implantable device comprising a housing and circuitry within the housing, electrodes in a first portion of the device configured to receive electrical energy from the circuitry, a first receiver in the housing electrically connected to the circuitry to provide electrical energy to the circuitry, and a second receiver in the housing and electrically coupled, in a near field, to the first receiver, spaced apart from all other circuitry and not physically connected by a conductor to any other circuitry including the circuitry and the first receiver, and configured to increase an amount of electromagnetic energy captured by the first receiver.
Overall, the claims emphasize a wirelessly powered implant in which a second antenna/receiver is separated from other circuitry and is coupled to a first receiver to improve electromagnetic energy capture, with near-field electrical coupling and, in at least one independent claim, no conductor physical connection from the second receiver to other circuitry.
Stated Advantages
The second receiver is configured to increase an amount of electromagnetic energy captured by the first receiver.
Increases an amount of electromagnetic energy captured by the first receiver.
Documented Applications
Instruction-driven therapy control for an implantable stimulation device using a wireless state machine device.
Communication and signaling for an implantable device using SAW-based backscatter communication with T/R switching and SAW time-delay buffering of RF.
Wireless powering and reception of propagating field-based energy within tissue using first and second receivers in an implantable device.
External wireless system for an implanted neurostimulator or implanted device, including guidance for placing an external power/data transmitter using RSS-based location circuitry with audio/visual/vibration alerts.
Wireless power transfer and wireless signal transfer between an external device and an implanted device using receivers and concepts including backscatter communication via midfield antenna leakage paths.
Power/battery status reporting and thermal-safety considerations for an external wearable arrangement including pockets, sleeves, and flexible straps.
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