Abstract: In an example embodiment, an optical communication system includes an implantable optical transmitter and an external optical receiver. The transmitter includes a housing having one or more drivers, plural light emitting sources, and an optical element arranged therein. Each driver converts a digital data signal into modulation signals to drive the sources. Each source generates a light beam in response to a corresponding modulation signal, each light beam contributing to form a single optical signal. The optical element directs the light beams to exit the housing such that a peak position of light intensity of each light beam is separated from a corresponding peak position of light intensity of an adjacent light beam by at least a first distance and less than a second distance. The optical receiver includes at least one photodiode that detects light generated by the sources and generates a reconstructed data signal.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an optical communication system includes an implantable optical transmitter and an external optical receiver. The transmitter includes a housing having one or more drivers, plural light emitting sources, and an optical element arranged therein. Each driver converts a digital data signal into modulation signals to drive the sources. Each source generates a light beam in response to a corresponding modulation signal, each light beam contributing to form a single optical signal. The optical element directs the light beams to exit the housing such that a peak position of light intensity of each light beam is separated from a corresponding peak position of light intensity of an adjacent light beam by at least a first distance and less than a second distance. The optical receiver includes at least one photodiode that detects light generated by the sources and generates a reconstructed data signal.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices have a feedthrough from the device to the outside world to pass electrical current from electronics inside the implant to the patient or vice versa. A plurality of sensors and/or signal wires must connect to the feedthrough and implant in living tissue. Chemical and physical forces work against the wire connections. Embodiments of the present invention include a biocompatible cap or top, shaped to attach onto a rim of the feedthrough device. One or more wire bundle ports are included on the cap. One or two layers of a sealant (e.g., epoxy) can be injected under the cap. A first layer can rigidly protect the wire bonds, and an elastomeric silicone can cover the epoxy for a flexible protector. Other embodiments include an implant housing with a recess for the feedthrough; a top can protect the recess. One or more sealants can cover the feedthrough.