CA2538638C - Control unit having a deployable antenna - Google Patents

Control unit having a deployable antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2538638C
CA2538638C CA2538638A CA2538638A CA2538638C CA 2538638 C CA2538638 C CA 2538638C CA 2538638 A CA2538638 A CA 2538638A CA 2538638 A CA2538638 A CA 2538638A CA 2538638 C CA2538638 C CA 2538638C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
antenna
control unit
housing
plane
emission
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2538638A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2538638A1 (en
Inventor
Alec Ginggen
Thierry Pipoz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Codman Neuro Sciences SARL
Original Assignee
Codman Neuro Sciences SARL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Codman Neuro Sciences SARL filed Critical Codman Neuro Sciences SARL
Publication of CA2538638A1 publication Critical patent/CA2538638A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2538638C publication Critical patent/CA2538638C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/37211Means for communicating with stimulators
    • A61N1/37217Means for communicating with stimulators characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
    • A61N1/37223Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
    • A61N1/37229Shape or location of the implanted or external antenna
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q7/00Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop

Abstract

A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.

Description

CONTROL UNIT HAVING A DEPLOYABLE ANTENNA
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a control unit having a deployable antenna.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an external control unit for communicating S with an implantable medical device, which control unit has an antenna that pivots between a stowed position and a deployed position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Inductive coupling has become the method of choice for energy and data transmission between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, such as, for example, an infusion pump, a pacemaker or a defibrillator. To effect this communication, both the external control unit and the implantable medical devices must have an antenna so that they can communicate, usually by radio-frequency ("RF") telemetry. The antennas are typically made of coils of one or more turns. Optimal energy and data transmission is achieved with a control unit antenna made of a coaxial cable, which shield is broken at one point to allow for RF wave radiation. However, the position of the antenna is usually fixed with respect to the control unit housing. To communicate with an implanted medical device, RF waves are emitted from the antenna. However, these RF waves can interfere with the electronics inside the control unit housing and can affect the control unit functionality.
[0003] Others have attempted to overcome these problems by using a control unit that has an antenna connected to the control unit by a cable. These control units are usually the size of a laptop computer, which is too big to be carned by the user on a daily basis.
Even if the control unit were of a hand held size, the user is still required to manage two pieces simultaneously: the control unit displaying the information to manage the communication, and the antenna to be positioned on top of the implant during the interrogation.
[0004] There are control units that are of a hand held size, except the antenna in these control units is integrated in the control unit housing. The antenna is mounted about the electronics within the control unit. Thus, the RF energy emitted by the antenna is limited to minimize the interference with the electronics within the control unit. But limiting the RF energy also limits the interrogation distance and the amount of energy that can be transmitted during an energy and data transmission.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a control unit for an implantable medical device that has an antenna that can communicate with the implantable medical device without interfering, or at least substantially minimizing the interference, with the electronics inside the control unit housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a control unit that achieves these and other needs by providing a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control, inter alia, an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a control unit in accordance with the present invention with an antenna in a stowed position;
[0009] FIG. lA a perspective view of a control unit in accordance with the present invention with an antenna in a deployed position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the control unit with the antenna in a deployed position;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a side view of the control unit with the antenna in a second deployed position;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows; and [0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a right angle connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring now to Figs. 1-4, a control unit 10 for an implantable medical device is illustrated. Control unit includes a housing 12. Electronics 13, for controlling an RF
emission from the control unit, are disposed within housing 12. An antenna 14 is pivotably connected to housing 12 at connection 16. Antenna 14 is movable between a stowed position 18, as illustrated in Fig. 1, and two deployed positions 20, 22, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.
The pivotable connection 16 between the antenna and the housing includes a switch electrically connected to the electronics to detect the position of the antenna. The switch sends a signal to the electronics when the antenna is in the stowed position 18 or one of the two deployed position 20, 22. Based on this signal, the electronics either prevent RF
emission from the antenna when the antenna is in the stowed position 18, or permit RF
emission from the antenna when antenna 14 is in either one of the two deployed positions.
[0015] Antenna 14 is preferably a coaxial cable whose shield is broken at one point to permit the emission of RF waves. The shield is preferably broken at a location opposite to the pivoting connection 16. The coaxial cable is crimped and soldered to two standard SMB
plugs 30, such as those that are commercially available from Huber and Sunher of Switzerland. Thus, the SMB plugs are mechanically and electrically connected to the coaxial cable. A pair of right angle connectors 32 are connected to the printed circuit board 34 within the control unit housing that has the electronics mounted thereon. The right angle connectors 32 are electrically connected to the RF emission/reception electronics, as well as to the SMB
plug 30. The SMB plug can freely rotate within the right angle connector without affecting the characteristics of the transmitted wave. A lubricant, such as Spruehoel 88 from Kontact Chemie, Switzerland, can be introduced between the connector and the plug to reduce wear.
[0016] Housing 12 has a user interface 26. Electronics 13 are electrically connected to and control user interface 26. The operator may use user interface 26 to input programming operating conditions for the implanted medical device. Interface 26 may include an LCD
screen to display information and instructions to the user. A scroll dial and two keys may be used to allow the user to navigate through the menus. Electronics 13 are preferably disposed on a pc board 34 within housing 12. Antenna 14 defines an antenna plane. In the stowed position, the antenna plane is approximately coplanar with a plane defined by the pc board, which is coplanar with the user interface as well. In deployed position 20, the antenna plane is not coplanar with the plane defined by the pc board. But in deployed position 22, the antenna plane is coplanar with the plane defined by the pc board.
[0017] Housing 12 is preferably made of a material that shields the electronics from external RF waves, and to decrease emission of un-wanted RF waves from the electronics.
In a currently preferred embodiment, the housing is made of plastic. The antenna is preferably a coaxial loop. Antenna 14 is preferably disposed in a housing 28 that permits the transmission and reception of RF waves therethrough.
[0018] To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user selects the appropriate menu on the user interface of the control unit. The user also places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. This is preferably achieved by placing the control unit on or near the body closest to where the medical device is implanted within the body. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted because the electronics detect the position of the antenna. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device. The emitting of RF
waves from the antenna is then stopped by the electronics when the communication has successfully been completed. This process usually lasts between 1 and 5 seconds, and the control unit emits an audible beep to indicate to the user that the transmission has ended. Of course, flashing indicating lights, vibrations, or other means may be used to indicate to the user that the transmission has ended. The antenna is then moved to a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented by the electronics.
[0019]Upon detection that the antenna is not in one of the two deployed position, the electronics 13 may cause a menu to be displayed on the interface 26 letting the user know that the antenna must be unfolded before communication can begin. By moving the antenna away from the control unit housing, the tuning of the antenna is improved because the antenna is highly sensitive to metallic objects, such as in the electronics and the display interface.
[0020] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A control unit for an implantable medical device comprising:
a housing;
electronics, for controlling an RF emission from the control unit, being disposed within said housing; and an arc shaped antenna pivotably connected to said housing, said antenna being movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted, in the stowed position the arc shaped antenna is both approximately coplanar with, and encircles the outer periphery of, the housing, wherein the electronics are disposed on a pc board, the antenna defines an antenna plane, in the stowed position the antenna plane is approximately coplanar with a plane defined by the pc board, the antenna plane in the deployed position is not coplanar with the plane defined by the pc board.
2. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the housing has a user interface, and the electronics control the user interface.
3. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a material that shields the electronics from external RF waves.
4. The control unit of claim 3, wherein the housing is made of plastic.
5. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the antenna is a coaxial loop.
6. The control unit of claim 5, wherein the antenna is disposed in a housing that permits the transmission of RF waves therethrough.
7. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the pivotable connection between the antenna and the housing includes a switch electrically connected to the electronics to detect the position of the antenna.
8. A method for effecting communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, wherein the external control unit has a housing;
electronics disposed on a pc board, for controlling an RF emission from the control unit, are disposed within the housing; an arc shaped antenna is pivotably connected to the housing such that said antenna moves between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to said housing in only one plane, the arc shaped antenna defines an antenna plane, in the stowed position the antenna plane is approximately coplanar with a plane defined by the pc board, in the stowed position the arc shaped antenna is both approximately coplanar with, and encircles the outer periphery of, the housing, said method comprising the steps of:
placing the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device;
pivotably moving the control unit arc shaped antenna with respect to said housing in only one plane to a deployed position where RF emission from the arc shaped antenna is permitted; and causing the emition of RF waves from the arc shaped antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: causing the stopping of the emition of RF waves from the antenna; and pivotably moving the control unit antenna with respect to said housing in only one plane to a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: detecting the position of the antenna.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: preventing the emitting of RF
waves from the antenna when the position of the antenna is detected to be in a stowed position.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: permitting the emitting of RF
waves from the antenna when the position of the antenna is detected to be in a deployed position.
13. A method for effecting communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, wherein the external control unit has a housing;
electronics, for controlling an RF emission from the control unit, are disposed within an enclosed chamber of the housing; an arc shaped antenna is pivotably connected to the housing such that said antenna moves with respect to said housing in only one plane, an arc shaped antenna is pivotably connected to the housing such that said antenna moves between a stowed position and a deployed position, in the stowed position the arc shaped antenna is both approximately coplanar with, and encircles the outer periphery of, the housing, said method comprising the steps of:
placing the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device;
pivotably moving the control unit arc shaped antenna with respect to said housing in only one plane to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted; and causing the emition of RF waves from the arc shaped antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: causing the stopping of the emition of RF waves from the antenna; and pivotably moving the control unit antenna with respect to said housing in only one plane to a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: detecting the position of the antenna.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: preventing the emitting of RF waves from the antenna when the position of the antenna is detected to be in a stowed position.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: permitting the emitting of RF
waves from the antenna when the position of the antenna is detected to be in a deployed position.
CA2538638A 2005-03-03 2006-03-01 Control unit having a deployable antenna Expired - Fee Related CA2538638C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/070,998 2005-03-03
US11/070,998 US7983760B2 (en) 2005-03-03 2005-03-03 Control unit having a deployable antenna

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2538638A1 CA2538638A1 (en) 2006-09-03
CA2538638C true CA2538638C (en) 2014-11-25

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CA2538638A Expired - Fee Related CA2538638C (en) 2005-03-03 2006-03-01 Control unit having a deployable antenna

Country Status (7)

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US (2) US7983760B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1698374B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE418358T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2006200605B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2538638C (en)
DE (1) DE602006004376D1 (en)
PL (1) PL1698374T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009146492A1 (en) * 2008-06-03 2009-12-10 Cochlear Limited Expandable structures
US8159402B2 (en) * 2009-05-19 2012-04-17 Motorola Mobility, Inc. Hands free cellular communication device having a deployable antenna
US9089712B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2015-07-28 Cyberonics, Inc. Implantable medical device without antenna feedthrough
US9265958B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2016-02-23 Cyberonics, Inc. Implantable medical device antenna
US9240630B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2016-01-19 Cyberonics, Inc. Antenna shield for an implantable medical device
US9259582B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2016-02-16 Cyberonics, Inc. Slot antenna for an implantable device
US8682446B2 (en) * 2011-08-31 2014-03-25 Pacesetter, Inc. Convertible monopole and inverted-F antenna assembly for use in a medical telemetry system
FR2983014B1 (en) * 2011-11-18 2014-02-21 Sagem Defense Securite DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A DETECTOR PROVIDED WITH AN ANTENNA TO ACQUISITION MEANS AND CORRESPONDING MEASUREMENT ASSEMBLY

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4441498A (en) 1982-05-10 1984-04-10 Cardio-Pace Medical, Inc. Planar receiver antenna coil for programmable electromedical pulse generator
US6115634A (en) 1997-04-30 2000-09-05 Medtronic, Inc. Implantable medical device and method of manufacture
US6275737B1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2001-08-14 Advanced Bionics Corporation Transcutaneous transmission pouch
US6694193B2 (en) 2001-09-14 2004-02-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Medical electrode and release liner configurations facilitating packaged electrode characterization
US7072718B2 (en) * 2002-12-03 2006-07-04 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Antenna systems for implantable medical device telemetry
US7515967B2 (en) * 2003-10-02 2009-04-07 Medtronic, Inc. Ambulatory energy transfer system for an implantable medical device and method therefore

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1698374A1 (en) 2006-09-06
PL1698374T3 (en) 2009-06-30
US20060200209A1 (en) 2006-09-07
US8423150B2 (en) 2013-04-16
DE602006004376D1 (en) 2009-02-05
US20110257705A1 (en) 2011-10-20
EP1698374B1 (en) 2008-12-24
AU2006200605A1 (en) 2006-09-21
US7983760B2 (en) 2011-07-19
CA2538638A1 (en) 2006-09-03
AU2006200605B2 (en) 2011-07-21
ATE418358T1 (en) 2009-01-15

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Effective date: 20220901

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