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Publication Number
US-11986662-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-21
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 provides a midfield transmitter having multiple conductive portions on respective transmitter layers, with electrical coupling between a first and a third conductive portion through one or more vias that extend through an intermediate layer. The transmitter further includes dielectric members interposed between the layers, establishing a layered conductive and dielectric stack for transmitting an electrical field via midfield wireless communication.
In one form, the transmitter includes first and second substantially planar, circular conductive members that are substantially coaxial and parallel to each other and spaced apart by a dielectric member, where the second conductive member serves as an electrical reference plane. One or more pairs of excitation members are interposed on an intermediate layer between the conductive members, electrically isolated from the conductive members and from each other, with the excitation members positioned at opposite sides of the transmitter. A passive excitation patch is included that is coplanar with, or offset in the coaxial direction from, the first conductive member.
In another form, the transmitter includes a first conductive plane having an outer annular region spaced apart from an inner disc region, and a second conductive plane coupled to the outer annular region of the first conductive plane using one or more vias. Multiple signal input ports are coupled to the inner disc region of the first conductive plane and to vias that extend through and are electrically isolated from the second conductive plane and the first dielectric member.
Transmitter excitation circuitry disposed on a first side of the second layer drives the inner disc region using the multiple signal input ports and changes phase or amplitude characteristics of at least one drive signal to adjust a current distribution over the first conductive plane.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims identified are 1, 18, and 19. Across these independent claims, the core coverage centers on a layered midfield transmitter architecture with electrically isolated excitation elements and controlled current distribution via drive signals with phase or amplitude characteristics.
Layered midfield transmitter vias with dielectric members
A midfield transmitter comprising a first conductive portion on a first layer, one or more microstrips on a second layer, and a third conductive portion on a third layer electrically coupled to the first conductive portion using one or more vias that extend through the second layer, including dielectric members between the layers.
Reference-plane coaxial conductive members with isolated excitation members and passive patch
A midfield transmitter comprising first and second substantially planar, circular conductive members that are substantially coaxial and parallel to each other and spaced apart by a first dielectric member, wherein the second conductive member serves as an electrical reference plane of the transmitter; a first pair of excitation members interposed on an intermediate layer between the conductive members; and a passive excitation patch coplanar with, or offset in the coaxial direction from, the first conductive member, wherein the excitation members are electrically isolated from the first and second conductive members and each other, and wherein the first pair of excitation members are provided at opposite sides of the transmitter.
Annular-to-disc conductive planes with multiple input ports and phase/amplitude-controlled drive
A midfield transmitter comprising a first conductive plane on a first layer having an outer annular region spaced apart from an inner disc region; a second conductive plane on a second layer electrically coupled to the outer annular region using one or more vias; a first dielectric member interposed between the first and second conductive planes; multiple signal input ports coupled to the inner disc region of the first conductive plane and coupled to vias that extend through and are electrically isolated from the second conductive plane and the first dielectric member; and transmitter excitation circuitry disposed on a first side of the second layer opposite the first layer, configured to provide drive signals to the inner disc region using the multiple signal input ports and to change phase or amplitude characteristics of at least one of the drive signals to adjust a current distribution over the first conductive plane.
The independent claim set covers a multilayer midfield transmitter that couples conductive regions through vias across dielectric members, uses excitation members isolated from conductive structures including a reference plane implementation, and uses excitation circuitry to drive an inner region while changing phase or amplitude characteristics of drive signals to adjust current distribution over the conductive plane.
Stated Advantages
Provides a simplified implantation approach for intravascular neuromodulation targets using an implantable electrostimulation system.
Maintains vessel contact and reduces shunting via device/electrode configurations described as hermetic and contact-maintaining.
Reduces uncontrolled hypertension by supporting renal nerve therapy as an alternative to renal denervation.
Documented Applications
Renal nerve therapy for uncontrolled hypertension, including deployment within intravascular targets such as a renal artery (described as an alternative to renal denervation).
Vascular system implantation for intravascular neuromodulation targets, including placement within a blood vessel for electrical field delivery through an artery wall and related target embodiments including jugular vein and vagal nerve target references.
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