US20130123881A1 - External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device System Having a Coil for Communication and Charging - Google Patents
External Charger for an Implantable Medical Device System Having a Coil for Communication and Charging Download PDFInfo
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- US20130123881A1 US20130123881A1 US13/647,200 US201213647200A US2013123881A1 US 20130123881 A1 US20130123881 A1 US 20130123881A1 US 201213647200 A US201213647200 A US 201213647200A US 2013123881 A1 US2013123881 A1 US 2013123881A1
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- external charger
- external
- medical device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
- A61N1/37217—Means for communicating with stimulators characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
- A61N1/37223—Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
- A61N1/37235—Aspects of the external programmer
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
- A61N1/37235—Aspects of the external programmer
- A61N1/37247—User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/378—Electrical supply
- A61N1/3787—Electrical supply from an external energy source
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
- A61N1/37252—Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed in an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external controller as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging. Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the external controller so that it can be reviewed by the user, who may take corrective action if necessary. Also disclosed are schemes for synchronizing and arbitrating communications between the devices in the system.
Description
- This is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/558,601, filed Nov. 11, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference, and to which priority is claimed.
- The present invention relates to an improved implantable medical device system having a communication link between an external controller and an external charger.
- Implantable stimulation devices are devices that generate and deliver electrical stimuli to nerves and tissues for the therapy of various biological disorders, such as pacemakers to treat cardiac arrhythmia, defibrillators to treat cardiac fibrillation, cochlear stimulators to treat deafness, retinal stimulators to treat blindness, muscle stimulators to produce coordinated limb movement, spinal cord stimulators to treat chronic pain, cortical and deep brain stimulators to treat motor and psychological disorders, and other neural stimulators to treat urinary incontinence, sleep apnea, shoulder sublaxation, etc. The description that follows will generally focus on the use of the invention within a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,227. However, the present invention may find applicability in any implantable medical device system. For example, the disclosed invention can also be used with a Bion™ implantable stimulator, such as is shown in U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0097719, or with other implantable medical devices.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , a SCS system typically includes an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) 100, which includes abiocompatible device case 30 formed of titanium for example. Thecase 30 typically holds the circuitry andbattery 26 necessary for the IPG to function, although IPGs can also be powered via external RF energy and without a battery. The IPG 100 is coupled toelectrodes 106 via one or more electrode leads (twosuch leads electrodes 106 form anelectrode array 110. Theelectrodes 106 are carried on aflexible body 108, which also houses theindividual signal wires lead 102, labeled E1-E8, and eight electrodes onlead 104, labeled E9-E16, although the number of leads and electrodes is application specific and therefore can vary. The leads 102 and 104 couple to the IPG 100 usinglead connectors header material 36, which can comprise an epoxy for example. In a SCS application, electrode leads 102 and 104 are typically implanted on the right and left side of the dura within the patient's spinal cord. These leads 102 and 104 are then tunneled through the patient's flesh to a distant location, such as the buttocks, wherein the IPG 100 is implanted. - As shown in cross section in
FIG. 3 , the IPG 100 typically includes an electronic substrate assembly 14 including a printed circuit board (PCB) 16, along with variouselectronic components 20, such as a microcontroller, integrated circuits, and capacitors mounted to the PCB 16. Two coils are generally present in the IPG 100: atelemetry coil 13 used to transmit/receive data to/from anexternal controller 12; and acharging coil 18 for charging or recharging the IPG'sbattery 26 using anexternal charger 50. Thetelemetry coil 13 can be mounted within theheader 36 of the IPG 100 as shown. -
FIG. 2 shows plan views of theexternal controller 12 and theexternal charger 50, andFIG. 3 shows these external devices in cross section and in relation to the IPG 100 with which they communicate. Theexternal controller 12, such as a hand-held programmer or a clinician's programmer, is used to send data to and receive data from the IPG 100. For example, theexternal controller 12 can send programming data such as therapy settings to the IPG 100 to dictate the therapy the IPG 100 will provide to the patient. Also, theexternal controller 12 can act as a receiver of data from the IPG 100, such as various data reporting on the IPG's status. As shown inFIG. 3 , theexternal controller 12, like the IPG 100, also contains aPCB 70 on whichelectronic components 72 are placed to control operation of theexternal controller 12. Theexternal controller 12 is powered by abattery 76, but could also be powered by plugging it into a wall outlet for example. Atelemetry coil 73 is also present in theexternal controller 12, which coil will be discussed further below. - The
external controller 12 typically comprises auser interface 74 similar to that used for a portable computer, cell phone, or other hand held electronic device. Theuser interface 74 typically comprisestouchable buttons 80 and adisplay 82, which allows the patient or clinician to send therapy programs to the IPG 100, and to review any relevant status information reported from the IPG 100. - Wireless data transfer between the IPG 100 and the
external controller 12 preferably takes place via inductive coupling. This typically occurs using a well-known Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) protocol, in which logic ‘0’ bits are modulated at a first frequency (e.g., 121 kHz), and logic ‘1’ bits are modulated at a second frequency (e.g., 129 kHz). To implement such communications, both the IPG 100 and theexternal controller 12 havecoils FIG. 4 , when data is to be sent from theexternal controller 12 to the IPG 100 (FSK link 170),coil 73 is energized with alternating current (AC), which generates a magnetic field, which in turn induces a voltage in the IPG'stelemetry coil 13. The generated magnetic field is FSK modulated (120) in accordance with the data to be transferred. The induced voltage incoil 13 can then be FSK demodulated (125) at theIPG 100 back into the telemetered data signals. Data telemetry in the opposite direction (FSK link 172) fromIPG 100 toexternal controller 12 occurs similarly. This means of communicating by inductive coupling is transcutaneous, meaning it can occur through the patient'stissue 25. - The
external charger 50 is used to charge (or recharge) the IPG'sbattery 26. Specifically, and similarly to theexternal controller 12, theexternal charger 50 contains acoil 88 which is energized viacharging circuit 122 with a non-modulated AC current to create a magnetic charging field (174). This magnetic field induces a current in thecharging coil 18 within the IPG 100, which current is rectified (132) to DC levels, and used to recharge thebattery 26, perhaps via a charging andbattery protection circuit 134 as shown. The frequency of the magnetic charging field (e.g., 80 kHz) may differ from that used for FSK telemetry (nominally 125 kHz). Again, inductive coupling of power in this manner occurs transcutaneously. - The IPG 100 can also communicate data back (176) to the
external charger 50 using Load Shift Keying (LSK)modulation circuitry 126.LSK modulation circuitry 126 receives data to be transmitted back to theexternal charger 50 from the IPG'smicrocontroller 150, and then uses that data to modulate the impedance of thecharging coil 18. In the illustration shown, impedance is modulated via control of aload transistor 130, with the transistor's on-resistance providing the necessary modulation. This change in impedance is reflected back to coil 88 (LSK link 176) in theexternal charger 50, which interprets the reflection atLSK demodulation circuitry 123 to recover the transmitted data. This means of transmitting data from the IPG 100 to theexternal charger 50 is useful to communicate data relevant to charging of thebattery 26 in the IPG 100, such as the battery level, whether charging is complete and the external charger can cease, and other pertinent charging variables. However, because LSK works on a principle of reflection, such data can only be communicated from the IPG 100 to theexternal charger 50 during periods in which theexternal charger 50 is active and is producing a magnetic charging field (174). - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theexternal charger 50 generally comprises at least one printedcircuit board 90,electronic components 92 which control operation of theexternal charger 50, and abattery 96 for providing operational power for thecharger 50 and for the production of the magnetic charging field. Like theexternal controller 12, theexternal charger 50 has auser interface 94 to allow the patient or clinician to operate thecharger 50. Theuser interface 94 typically comprises an on/off switch 95 which activates the production of the magnetic charging field; anLED 97 to indicate the status of the on/off switch 95; and aspeaker 98 for emitting a “beep” at various times. For example, thespeaker 98 can beep if thecharger 50 detects that itscoil 88 is not in good alignment with thecharging coil 18 in the IPG 100. Alignment information can be determined and indicated to theexternal charger 252 byalignment circuitry 103, which is well-known in the art. In a SCS application in which the IPG 100 is implanted in the patient's buttocks, theexternal charger 50 is generally positioned behind the patient and held against the patient's skin or clothes and in good alignment with theIPG 100 by a belt or an adhesive patch, which allows the patient some mobility while charging. - As one might appreciate from the foregoing description, the
user interface 94 of theexternal charger 50 is generally simpler than theuser interface 74 of theexternal controller 12. Such user interface simplicity is understandable for at least two reasons. First is the relative simplicity of the charging function theexternal charger 50 provides. Second, a complicated user interface, especially one having visual aspects, may not be warranted because theexternal charger 50 may not be visible to the patient when it is used. For example, in a SCS application, theexternal charger 50 would generally be behind the patient to align properly with theIPG 100 implanted in the buttocks as just discussed. Theexternal charger 50 would not be visible in this position, and thus providing theuser interface 94 of theexternal charger 50 with a display or other visual indicator would be of questionable benefit. Additionally, theexternal charger 50 may be covered by clothing, again reducing the utility of any visual aspect to the user interface. - Although the simplicity of the
user interface 94 of theexternal charger 50 is understandable, the inventor still finds such simplicity regrettable. Even if operation of theexternal charger 50 is relatively simple, the fact remains that several pieces of information relevant to the charging process might be of interest to the patient, which charging information is impractical or impossible to present by audible means such as throughspeaker 98. - For example, it may be desired for the user to have some information concerning the alignment between the
external charger 50 and theIPG 100; the status of the IPG'sbattery 26, i.e., to what level it is charged; how much longer charging might take; the status of the external charger'sbattery 96; or the temperature of either theexternal charger 50 or theIPG 100. Temperature information can be particularly important to know for safety reasons, and can be provided by athermocouple 101 in the external charger, and a thermocouple in the IPG (not shown). Inductive charging can heat both theexternal charger 50 and theIPG 100, and if temperatures are exceeding high, injury or tissue damage can result. Regardless, despite the importance of such charging information, theuser interface 94 does not present such information to the user. - One approach in overcoming these shortcomings is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2010/0305663 (“the '663 Publication”), filed Jun. 2, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As shown in
FIG. 5 , the '663 Publication provides an RF communication link 210 between theexternal charger 50 and theexternal controller 12 so that they can communicate with each other.RF communication link 210 is enabled by anRF transceiver 202 and anRF antenna 202 a in theexternal controller 12, and acorresponding RF transceiver 200 andantenna 200 a in theexternal charger 50.Link 210 preferably comprises a Bluetooth™ compliant link, or other suitable RF communications protocol such as Zigbee™, WiFi, etc. - The
external charger 50 and theIPG 100 can generate a variety of charging information such as those parameters just mentioned that can be transmitted to theexternal controller 12, where it can be reviewed and controlled by the external controller's 12user interface 74, which as noted is more sophisticated and easier to view. For example, usingRF communication link 210, the user can review the relevant charging information from theexternal charger 50. Relevant charging information from theIPG 100 such asbattery 26 status and temperature can be transmitted via LSK link 176 to theexternal charger 50, and then sent to theexternal controller 12 via theRF communication link 210, or could be sent directly to theexternal controller 12 viaFSK link 172.FIG. 6 shows theuser interface 74 of theexternal controller 12 displayingsuch charging information 232 on itsdisplay 82. Some processing of the charging information may occur first in theexternal controller 12 before it is presented in this manner. - While the system of the '662 Publication provides desirable versatility, the inventors recognize a few drawbacks. For example, the system adds additional hardware components to the
external charger 50 and theexternal controller 12 such astransceivers antennas - Given these shortcomings, the art of implantable medical devices would benefit from an improved means for providing relevant charging information to a patient, and this disclosure presents solutions.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B show an implantable pulse generator (IPG), and the manner in which an electrode array is coupled to the IPG in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 2 shows plan views of an external controller and an external charger which communicate with an IPG in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 3 shows cross sectional views of the external controller, the external charger and the IPG ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , and shows the communicative relations between these devices. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show communication circuitry present in the external controller, the external charger, and the IPG in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 6 shows the user interface of the external controller, and how that interface can display charging information in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 7 shows an improved system in which the external controller and the external charger establish a communication link by using the charging coil of the external charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows additional details of the external charger ofFIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 9A-9D show time-domain-multiplexed communications between the external charger, the external controller and the IPG of the system ofFIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - The description that follows relates to use of the invention within a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Rather, the invention may be used with any type of implantable medical device system. For example, the present invention may be used in a system employing an implantable sensor, an implantable pump, a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cochlear stimulator, a retinal stimulator, a stimulator configured to produce coordinated limb movement, a cortical and deep brain stimulator, or in any other neural stimulator system configured to treat any of a variety of conditions.
- Disclosed is an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external charger as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant as is normal, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging.
- Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the external controller so that it can be reviewed by the user, who may take corrective action if necessary. Also disclosed are schemes for synchronizing and arbitrating communications between the devices in the system.
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FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment of theimproved system 201, which system comprises anIPG 100, an improvedexternal charger 252, and an improvedexternal controller 254. Unlike previously-known approaches which use separate antennas and transceiver circuits for communicating data between the external charger and the external controller, theimproved system 201 uses the chargingcoil 88 in theexternal charger 252 for communicating data to theexternal controller 254 vialink 251.Link 251 preferably operates in accordance with the same protocol that is used bycommunication links external controller 254 and theIPG 100, e.g., FSK. Additionally, because thecoil 88 in theexternal charger 252 is FSK compliant, it may additionally communicate with theIPG 100 via an FSK link 266. Rendering theexternal charger 50 to be FSK compliant in this fashion requires only minimal changes to theexternal charger 50, and requires no hardware changes to either theexternal controller 254 or theIPG 100. Moreover, and as will be seen below, improving the communicative flexibility between these devices insystem 201 allows charging information to be easily sent to theexternal controller 254, where such data can be processed and presented to theuser interface 74 of the external controller. - Legacy communications in
system 201 remain unaffected. Thus, theexternal controller 254 andIPG 100 can still communicate via FSK viadata links external charger 252 can still provide a magnetic charging field (174) to theIPG 100. Moreover, theIPG 100 can still communicate data back to theexternal charger 252 via LSK, and as such theexternal charger 252 can still include LSK demodulation circuitry 123 (FIG. 4 ) if desired, although this is not shown inFIG. 7 . As will be seen, there is less, or no, need insystem 201 for LSK telemetry given the preferred use of FSK link 266 to communicate between theexternal charger 252 and theIPG 100. - The
external charger 252 is modified inFIG. 7 to include atransceiver circuit 255, which includes aFSK modulator circuit 265, and aFSK demodulator circuit 256. The FSK modulator anddemodulator circuits demodulator circuits external controller 254. Theexternal charger 252 also includes atuning circuit 253 for tuning thecoil 88 appropriately for both charging and FSK telemetry. -
FIG. 8 illustrates theexternal charger 252 in further detail.Tuning circuit 253 includes chargingcapacitor Cch 259, adata capacitor Cdt 257, and aswitch 258 controlled by a control signal K1 issued form the external charger'smicrocontroller 144. The series combination of theswitch 258 andCch 259 is connected in parallel withCdt 257. Switch 258 can take one of two positions: open/off when theexternal charger 252 is being used to telemeter or receive data, and closed/on when it is being used to charge theIPG 100. Whenswitch 258 is open during telemetry,Cch 259 is disconnected from thecoil 88 resulting in a series resonant tank circuit formed by thecoil 88 andCdt 257 which resonates at a frequency suitable for FSK telemetry, e.g., 125 kHz. Whenswitch 258 is closed,Cch 259 appears in parallel withCdt 257, increasing the effective capacitance in series withcoil 88 and lowering the frequency to that suitable for charging, e.g., 80 kHz. -
Microcontroller 144 in theexternal charger 252 also controlscharge circuit 122 andtransceiver circuitry 255 at appropriate times, depending on whether charging or telemetry is taking place. For example,microcontroller 144 can turn off the chargingcircuit 122 or put it in high impedance state during data telemetry or during periods when theexternal charger 252 is listening for an incoming data transmission so that the chargingcircuit 122 does not load or affect thetransceiver circuit 255. Likewise, themicrocontroller 144 can turn off thetransceiver circuit 255 or put it in high impedance state so that it does not load or affect the chargingcircuit 122 during charging. Although not shown, control signal K1 can also be received by chargingcircuitry 122 andtransceiver circuitry 255 to inform those modules what mode (telemetry or charging) the external charger is operating in, and to respond appropriately. - While the
external charger 252 is capable of carrying out data communication with theexternal controller 254, its primary purpose is to charge theIPG 100. Time spent by theexternal charger 252 in communicating with theexternal controller 254 or theIPG 100 is time spent not charging theIPG 100, which can result in longer charging times. Therefore, theexternal charger 252 is designed to maximize the amount of time spent charging theIPG 100, and only intermittently discontinues charging to communicate with theexternal controller 254 or theIPG 100 when necessary, as will be seen. - The
external charger 252 can alternate between communicating telemetry data with theexternal controller 254 and charging theIPG 100 using two modes of operation: a fast data transmit mode, and a slow data transmit mode. The fast data transmit mode is particularly useful when theexternal charger 252 needs to provide near real-time charging information to theexternal controller 254. One example of this would be when theexternal charger 252 needs to provide alignment data to inform the user about the position of theexternal charger 252 relative to theIPG 100. It is desired to display such information relatively quickly on thedisplay 82 of theexternal controller 254 so that the user can take quick corrective action in repositioning theexternal charger 252 if necessary. By contrast, other charging information, such as battery level, or alignment information once initial good alignment has been achieved, need not be presented at theexternal controller 254 as quickly, and instead this data can be uploaded to theexternal controller 254 in the slow data transit mode with less frequency and with some latency, which is less disruptive of charging. -
FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate timing diagrams to further describe the operation ofsystem 201, and discusses in detail the data transit modes just mentioned as well as other means of effecting communications between theexternal charger 252, theexternal controller 254, and theIPG 100. The timings illustrated in the Figures can be implemented and controlled by programming of themicrocontrollers external charger 252, theexternal controller 254, and theIPG 100. It should be noted that the various communication shown inFIGS. 9A-9D occur by FSK, either via FSK link 251 between theexternal charger 252 and theexternal controller 254, or link 266 between theexternal charger 252 and theIPG 100. Time-multiplexed access to thecoil 88 in theexternal charger 252, and appropriate enablement of the chargingcircuitry 122, theFSK transceiver circuitry 255, andtuning circuitry 253, would occur as previously described. Timings for the various periods shown inFIGS. 9A-9D are shown at the bottom of each figure, but these are merely non-limiting examples. Timing may not be drawn to scale. - In the depicted example of the
system 201, theexternal controller 254 takes precedence over theexternal charger 252, and can control theexternal charger 252 such as by turning the charger on or off, or requesting information from the charger as necessary. It is beneficial to arbitrate communications in this way because the charging field created by the external charger 252 (174,FIG. 7 ) can interfere with FSK communications. As such, when theexternal controller 254 wishes to communicate with either theexternal charger 252 or theIPG 100, the controller notifies the charger of that fact so that the charger can temporarily suspend production of the charging field. - As a result, the
external charger 252 must periodically listen for communications from theexternal controller 254, as is shown starting inFIG. 9A . InFIG. 9A , theexternal charger 252 is operating as it does in a normal legacy system to provide a charging field. Thus, the patient has turned on theexternal charger 252 to produce a charging field to charge thebattery 26 in theIPG 100. Such charging occurs during chargingperiods CF 401, which may last for a duration of 190 ms for example. Interspersed between these periods CF are listeningwindows LW 407, during which theexternal charger 252 listens for telemetry fromexternal controller 254, which is not presently operating inFIG. 9A . The duration of the listeningwindows LW 407 may be 10 ms long in one example, which is small in comparison to the duration of the charging fields. Therefore, while the listeningwindows LW 407 increase the overall time needed to charge thebattery 26 in theIPG 100, such interruptions are small, and generally transparent to the patient. - Eventually, the patient may turn off the
external charger 252, or the charger may suspend charging per its normal operation when notified (by LSK telemetry for example) thebattery 26 is fully charged, as shown by the absence of charging periods CF at the right side ofFIG. 9A . At this point, theexternal charger 252 is in a power-down (low power, or sleep) state, but still periodically listens for telemetry from theexternal controller 254. Keeping theexternal charger 252 in a power-down state is reasonable given the relative large battery 96 (FIG. 3 ) within the charger. Once theexternal charger 252 is no longer producing a charging field, the spacing 414 between the listeningwindows LW 407 can be increased significantly to save power. Moreover, all the while, theIPG 100 has also been listening for telemetry requests during listeningwindows 415, as it does in legacy systems. -
FIG. 9B illustrates use of theexternal controller 254 to receive charging information of the types previously discussed. Providing charging information to theexternal controller 254 can commence at any reasonable time during operation of theexternal controller 254, such as when the patient accesses an appropriate menu to review such information, as shown inFIG. 6 for example. Regardless of how or when this occurs, theexternal controller 254 transmits a first command TC1 to theexternal charger 252 along link 251 (FIG. 7 ), which in effect starts a “handshaking” procedure between the controller and charger. Prior to this, theexternal charger 252 may have been in the power-down state, or may have already been providing a charging field, as shown by the dotted line aroundperiod 401 at the left ofFIG. 9B . If powered down, theexternal controller 254 will eventually turn on theexternal charger 252 so that it can produce a charging field and thus provide the charging information of interest, as will be seen shortly. - This first command TC1 requests an
acknowledgment AK 306 from thecharger 252, and alerts theexternal charger 252 to begin listening for further commands. The duration of TC1 is typically long enough to coincide with one of the external charger's listening windows LW, such asLW 407 a in the illustrated example, and is repeated to ensure that it can be fully received during awindow LW 407. The TC1 command can include in one example 19 bytes of alerting code recognizable by theexternal charger 252, 3 bytes of containing the device ID of thecharger 252, 1 byte of command (in this case, requesting an acknowledgment), and two bytes of error checking code (e.g., Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) data). The device ID ensures that the proper device in the system—external charger 252—will respond as opposed to theIPG 100 or some other external charger or other external device. - The
external charger 252 acknowledges receiving command TC1 with anacknowledgment AK 306, which is received at theexternal controller 254 duringduration RX 303.AK 306 can also by default include status information, including the charging information, or such information may come later after handshaking Theexternal controller 254 then transmits another command, TC2, which instructs theexternal charger 252 to produce a charging field for charging theIPG 100, in case it is not providing one already. TC2 can be formatted similar to TC1 as just described. Theexternal charger 252 receives command TC2 during listeningwindow LW 407 b, and replies withtransmission RP 307.LW 407 b can be longer than other listening windows as theexternal charger 252 is on notice that it will be receiving a possibly longer command TC2.RP 307 notifies theexternal controller 254 of the receipt of the command, and may again also include some status information. - As noted earlier, the
external charger 252 can operate in fast data transmit mode or in slow data transmit mode, which mode of operation, in one example, can be determined based on the level of alignment between theexternal charger 252 and theIPG 100. In the example provided inFIG. 9B , theexternal charger 252 begins operation in the fast data transfer mode as a default once it has handshaken with theexternal controller 254 in the manner just described. This is preferred even if theexternal charger 252 is already well aligned with theIPG 100, i.e., ifalignment circuitry 103 already indicates sufficient alignment, which it very well may be if it were already providing a charging field to the IPG 100 (FIG. 9A ). If alignment is already sufficient, or if alignment is achieved quickly, then the system will not remain the fast data transfer mode for long, as will be described below. - In fast data transmit mode, the
external charger 252 alternates between periods CF′ 402 and SX 403, each with relatively equal duration. During periods CF′ 402, theexternal charger 252 charges theIPG 100 by producing a magnetic charging field atcoil 88, and in state SX 403 it transmits charging information, such as alignment information provided fromalignment circuitry 103 and possibly other charging parameters already mentioned, to theexternal controller 254. Theexternal controller 254 receives this information during periodic receives periods RX′ 305, which correspond with the SX transfers from theexternal charger 252. Theexternal controller 254 can infer from the received alignment information whether theexternal charger 252 is operating in a fast data transit mode, and accordingly can schedule the receive period RX′ 305 at appropriate times so that data transfer during states SX is synchronized. Alternatively, the SX transmission can specifically include an indication of theexternal charger 252's data transfer mode. - Once the charging information is received at the
external controller 254, it can be processed if necessary and forwarded to thedisplay 82 device for user review. By alternating relatively rapidly between CF and SX, theexternal charger 252 provides near-real-time alignment information to the user, which allows the user to take quick responsive action to try and better position theexternal charger 252 relative to theIPG 100. Although during the fast data transit mode charging of theIPG battery 26 would be twice as slow, this mode should not last for long, and thebattery 26 is still being charged to some degree. - Eventually, the user will be able to align the
external controller 254 with theIPG 100, which is indicated inFIG. 9B attime 312. At this point, the fast data transit mode between theexternal charger 252 andexternal controller 254 could cease, and a slow data transmit mode entered. However, in the illustrated example, these devices continue to operate in fast data transmit mode duringperiod 405 to account for any additional movement by the user to fine tune the alignment, which can be on the order of seconds. Duringperiod 405,alignment circuitry 103 can continue to be checked by theexternal charger 252 to ensure that good alignment continues to be established, and that the fast data transfer mode can eventually be left. Afterperiod 405, theexternal charger 252 enters the slow data transit mode, and theexternal controller 254 stops listening for SX, and thus receive periods RX′ 305 are no longer present. Again, theexternal controller 254 will know based on the received alignment information when theexternal charger 252 has left the fast data transfer mode and whenperiod 405 has ceased. - After
period 405, theexternal charger 252 enters the slow data transit mode as just noted, which is illustrated inFIG. 9C . In slow data transmit mode, theexternal charger 252 continues charging theIPG 100 duringperiods CF 401, but continues periodically listening for any telemetry from theexternal controller 254 during listeningwindows LW 407. Theexternal charger 252 also requests relevant charging information from theIPG 100, such as its battery level and temperature. Eventually, theexternal charger 252 will package the IPG's charging information with the external charger's charging information to theexternal controller 254. - Procuring IPG charging information occurs by
external charger 252 transmitting a command TI1 to theIPG 100 along link 266 (FIG. 7 ). The duration of TI1 is typically long enough to coincide with one of the IPG's listening windows LW, such asLW 415 a in the illustrated example, and is repeated to ensure that it can be fully received during alistening window LW 415. The TI1 command can include in one example 19 bytes of alerting code, 3 bytes containing device ID of theIPG 100, 1 byte of command requesting status information, and 2 bytes of error correcting code (e.g., CRC)—similar to the commands sent from theexternal controller 254 to the external charger 252 (FIG. 9B ). - Upon receiving the TI1 command, the
IPG 100 transmits areply RP 439, which includes the required IPG charging information. Synchronization of thisreply 439 andreceipt 426 at theexternal charger 252 can be ensure by having theIPG 100 extended listening window until it no longer receives any data, i.e., when the end of command TI1 is sensed. Theexternal charger 252 can store the charging information received from theIPG 100 in memory. Theexternal charger 252 can repeatedly query theIPG 100 to update the stored charging information. It is preferred for simplicity that data transfer between theexternal charger 252 and theIPG 100 occur in this manner illustrated, instead of implementing a handshaking/acknowledgment/reply type scheme as used between theexternal controller 254 and the external charger, although this more-complicated scheme could also be used. After receiving the charging information from theIPG 100, theexternal charger 252 can return to charging theIPG 100 by continuing to intersperse charging filedperiods CF 401 and listeningwindows 407. - Eventually, the
external controller 254 will request charging information from theexternal charger 252, although because thesystem 201 is now operating a slow data transmit mode, this may occur more sporadically, e.g., even ten seconds or so. To transfer the charging information, theexternal controller 254 sends command TC3 and TC4 to theexternal charger 252 coincident with listeningwindows LW reply 432 provides the charging information—both the external charging information and the IPG charging information—to the external controller duringRX 421. Again, this transmission occurs more slowly, but sufficiently quickly to update thedisplay 82 in the external controller with the relevant charging information. After this, theexternal charger 252 can continue charging (401) and listening (407) as before. - If at any time during the slow data transmit mode the
external charger 252 becomes misaligned with theIPG 100, such would be reported by thealignment circuitry 103 in theexternal charger 252, and would eventually be reported to theexternal controller 254. As such, theexternal controller 254 can once again instigate the fast transmission mode via commands TC1 and TC2 as described earlier with respect toFIG. 9B . -
FIG. 9D shows control of theexternal charger 252 when theexternal controller 254 needs to communicate data with theIPG 100, as is its legacy function. This could occur for example if the patient is trying to change the therapy being provided by theIPG 100. In this circumstance, theexternal controller 254 may not necessarily know if the patient is currently operating hisexternal charger 252 to charge the IPG's battery. As mentioned earlier, the charging field produced by theexternal charger 252 may interfere with FSK communications between theexternal controller 254 and theIPG 100. As such, having the charging field activated during communications between theexternal controller 254 and theIPG 100 is unadvisable. One way of getting around this problem would be to alert the user to manually shut off theexternal charger 252 before beginning communications between theexternal controller 254 and theIPG 100. But this puts additional operational burden on the user. -
FIG. 9D illustrates a solution in which prior to communications with theIPG 100, theexternal controller 254 will instruct theexternal charger 252 to shut off, and then to turn back on if necessary, i.e., if the charger was operating in the first place. Because theexternal controller 254 automatically shuts off operations ofexternal charger 252, it is no longer necessary for the user to manually discontinue charging before beginning communications between theexternal controller 254 and theIPG 100. This makes operation by the user much simpler while at the same time ensuring that there is no interference. In a preferred embodiment, theexternal controller 254 always sends at least one command to suspend theexternal charger 252 before communicating with theIPG 100, even if it is unnecessary because thecharger 252 is not currently engaged. - In
FIG. 9D , theexternal controller 254 suspends operation of theexternal charger 252 duringperiod 500; communicates with theIPG 100 duringperiod 501; and recommences charging (if necessary) inperiod 502. Inperiod 500, the external charger sends commands TC5 and TC6 to the external charger to suspend charging, which occurs in the same manner as commands TC1 and TC2 describes previously (FIG. 9B ). Theexternal charger 252 can confirm that it has suspended charging inreply 331. If theexternal charger 252 is not currently engaged in charging, it may additionally inform theexternal controller 254 of that fact inreply 331. If theexternal charger 252 is not present at all, e.g., if it is distant from the patient and out of communication reach, then noacknowledgment AK 327 is received at theexternal controller 254, which can then simply begin communications with theIPG 100 duringperiod 501. - While
period 500 inFIG. 9D only shows theexternal controller 254 shutting down the chargingfield 401, it is understood that similar instructions TC5 and TC6 can be used to shut down any operation that theexternal charger 252 is carrying out with theIPG 100. For example, if theexternal charger 252 were in the process of requesting charging information from the IPG 100 (as shown by command TI1 inFIG. 9C ), theexternal controller 254 will automatically shut off any FSK communication between theexternal charger 252 and theIPG 100 during the time that theexternal controller 254 wants to communicate with theIPG 100. - In
period 501, theexternal controller 254 communicates with theIPG 100, using commands TI2 and TI3, and the type of handshaking procedure already discussed. Alternatively, communications between theexternal controller 254 andIPG 100 can take place in any manner as they occur in legacy systems. Typically, commands sent from the external controller to theIPG 100 represent some information that theexternal controller 254 wants to send to theIPG 100. Such information can relate to status inquiries, wake up messages, power down messages, turning stimulation on/off, level or amplitude of stimulation pulses, duration or frequency of stimulation pulses, selection of electrodes to be activated, etc. Theexternal controller 254 will compile this information into appropriate commands (such as TI2 and TI3) that can be understood by theIPG 100. Of course, the exact format of the commands will correspond to the type ofIPG 100. Communication between theexternal controller 254 and theIPG 100 can also include information transmitted from theIPG 100 to theexternal controller 254. Two examples of such communication are shown by way of messages AK and RP inperiod 501. - Once these communications are complete, the
external controller 254 can once again instruct theexternal charger 252 to commence charging duringperiod 502. Once again, this can occur using commands TC7 and TC8 and the handshaking procedure already discussed. However, it is not strictly necessary to issue commands TC7 and TC8 to recommence charging. For example, if theexternal charger 252 was not producing a charging field, which would be evident based on a lack of anacknowledgment 327 or an indication of no charging in thereply 331, theexternal controller 254 may dispense with sending commands to recommence charging duringperiod 502. In fact, this may be preferred to prevent unwanted engagement of theexternal charger 252. Alternatively, it may be harmless to send the commands TC7 and TC8 to recommence charging in any event: if theexternal charger 252 is out of range, such commands will once again simply not be acknowledged (352); if theexternal charger 252 was not previously engaged in charging—for example, if the charger had not been turned on by the user—it can choose to simply ignore the commands. If theexternal charger 252 was engaged in charging, it can confirm recommencement of charging to theexternal controller 254 inreply 356, and can continue providing charging information to theexternal controller 254 in the manners previously described. - Although not shown in
FIG. 9D for simplicity, it should be understood that commands TC7 and TC8 may instruct theexternal charger 252 to enter the default fast data transmit mode. This might be beneficial to ward again the possibility that theexternal charger 252 became misaligned while it was suspended duringperiod 501, a problem better handled during the fast mode as described earlier. - Although discussed in the context of providing charging information to the
external controller 254, it should be recognized that the communicative flexibility provided by modifications to theexternal charger 252, and the FSK links 251 and 266 it supports, can be put to other beneficial uses in thesystem 201. This disclosure should therefore not be limited in its applicability to that context. - Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
Claims (46)
1. A method for operating an implantable medical device system, comprising:
charging an implantable medical device with a charging field generated from a coil in an external charger;
establishing a first communication link for telemetry between the coil in the external charger and the external controller,
wherein access to the coil in the external charger for the acts of charging and establishing the first communication link is time domain multiplexed.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending charging information from the external charger to the external controller via the first communication link.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising conveying the charging information to a user via a user interface of the external controller.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the user interface is a graphical user interface.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the charging information comprises one or more of:
information concerning the alignment between the external charger and the implantable medical device; status of a battery of the implantable medical device; status of a battery of the external charger; and the temperature of either the external charger or the implantable medical device.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the charging information is sent in accordance with a plurality of data transit modes.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the charging information determines the frequency with which the charging information is sent from the external charger to the external controller.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein the charging information is sent more frequently when the external charger is misaligned with the implantable medical device.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein the charging information comprises alignment information between the external charger and the implantable medical device.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising displaying alignment information to a user via a graphical user interface on the external controller.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising establishing a second communication link between the external charger and the implantable medical device, wherein access to the coil in the external charger for the acts of charging, establishing the first communication link, and establishing the second communication link is time domain multiplexed.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first and second communication links are established in accordance with the same protocol.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising
receiving charging information from the external charger and from the implantable medical device over the second communication link; and
sending the charging information from the external charger to the external controller via the first communication link.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the external controller and the implantable medical device communicate via a protocol, and wherein the first communication link is established in accordance with the protocol.
15. An implantable medical device system, comprising:
an external controller for communicating with an implantable medical device; and
an external charger comprising a coil, the coil configured to generate a charging field for providing energy to the implantable medical device and to communicate with the external controller via a first communication link.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the external charger further comprises a tuning circuit coupled to the coil, wherein the tuning circuit is configured to tune the coil to a first frequency for generating the charging field and a second frequency for communicating with the external controller via a first communication link.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the coil is further configured to communicate with the implantable medical device via a second communication link, wherein the tuning circuit is configured to tune the coil to the second frequency for communicating with the implantable medical device via the second communication link.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the external charger communicates charging information to the external controller over the first communication link.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the external controller comprises a user interface for conveying the charging information to a user.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the user interface is graphical.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the implantable medical device comprises an implant battery, and wherein the charging information comprises an implant battery level.
22. The system of claim 15 , wherein the first communication link uses a protocol used by the external controller for communicating with the implantable medical device.
23. The system of claim 22 , wherein the communication protocol comprises a frequency shift keying (FSK) protocol.
24. An implantable medical device system, comprising:
an external charger comprising a coil, the coil configured to generate a charging field for providing energy to an implantable medical device; and
an external controller configured for communicating with the implantable medical device, wherein the external controller is further configured for communicating with the coil in the external charger via a first communication link to control the operation of the external charger.
25. The system of claim 24 , wherein the external controller controls the external charger by instructing the external charger to begin generating the charging field.
26. The system of claim 24 , wherein the external controller controls the external charger by instructing the external charger to stop generating the charging field.
27. The system of claim 26 , wherein the external controller is configured to communicate with the implantable medical device after the external charger has stopped generating the charging field.
28. The system of claim 27 , wherein the external controller is configured to communicate therapy settings to the implantable medical device.
29. The system of claim 28 , wherein the external controller further controls the external charger by instructing the external charger to restart generating the charging field after the external controller has completed communicating with the implantable medical device.
30. The system of claim 24 , wherein the external controller controls the external charger by instructing the external charger to send charging information to the external controller.
31. The system of claim 30 , wherein the external controller comprises a user interface for conveying charging information received from the external charger to a user.
32. The system of claim 24 , wherein the coil in the external charger is further configured to communicate with the implantable medical device via a second communication link.
33. The system of claim 32 , wherein the external charger is configured to instruct the implantable medical device to send charging information to the external charger via the second communication link.
34. A method for operating an implantable medical device system, comprising:
compiling, at an external controller, information to be sent to an implantable medical device;
sending a first communication using a protocol from the external controller to an external charger, the first communication instructing the external charger to turn off a charging field; and
thereafter sending the compiled information from the external controller to the implantable medical device using the protocol.
35. The method of claim 34 , wherein the information includes a therapy setting.
36. The method of claim 35 , wherein the therapy setting comprises one or more of: a status inquiry; a wake up message; a power down message; a stimulation on/off message; a level or an amplitude of stimulation pulses; a duration or a frequency of stimulation pulses; or a selection of electrodes to be activated.
37. The method of claim 34 , further comprising sending a second communication using the protocol after sending the compiled information, the second communication instructing the external charger to turn on the charging field.
38. The method of claim 34 , wherein the external charger includes a coil for receiving the first communication and for generating the charging field.
39. The method of claim 34 , wherein the protocol comprises frequency shift keying.
40. A method for operating an implantable medical device system, comprising:
sending a first communication, using a protocol, from an external controller to an external charger to cease an operation between the external charger and an implantable medical device;
transmitting data between the external controller and the implantable medical device using the protocol; and
sending a second communication, using the protocol, from the external controller to the external charger to allow resumption of the operation between the external charger and the implantable medical device.
41. The method of claim 40 , wherein the operation includes charging the implantable medical device using a charging field.
42. The method of claim 40 , wherein the operation includes requesting charging information from the implantable medical device.
43. The method of claim 40 , wherein transmitting data includes sending a therapy setting from the external controller to the implantable medical device.
44. The method of claim 43 , wherein the therapy setting comprises one or more of: a status inquiry; a wake up message; a power down message; a stimulation on/off message; a level or an amplitude of stimulation pulses; a duration or a frequency of stimulation pulses; or a selection of electrodes to be activated.
45. The method of claim 40 , wherein the external charger includes a coil for sending the first and the second communications and for enabling the operation with the implantable medical device.
46. The method of claim 40 , wherein the protocol includes frequency shift keying.
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EP12787992.2A EP2776125A2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2012-10-29 | An external charger for an implantable medical device system having a coil for communication and charging |
JP2014541096A JP6063951B2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2012-10-29 | External charger for implantable medical device systems having coils for communication and charging |
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US15/970,464 US10625081B2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2018-05-03 | External charger for an implantable medical device system having a coil for communication and charging |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US9968791B2 (en) | 2018-05-15 |
JP6063951B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 |
AU2012336146A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
AU2016201039B2 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
WO2013070452A2 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
US20160096028A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 |
US20180250518A1 (en) | 2018-09-06 |
WO2013070452A3 (en) | 2013-10-10 |
AU2012336146B2 (en) | 2015-12-10 |
AU2016201039A1 (en) | 2016-03-10 |
EP2776125A2 (en) | 2014-09-17 |
JP2014533172A (en) | 2014-12-11 |
US10625081B2 (en) | 2020-04-21 |
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