Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a methodology for tracking position and orientation of one or more electronic devices, which may receive charge through wireless sound power transmission based on pocket-forming. This methodology may include one transmitter and at least one or more receivers, being the transmitter the source of energy and the receiver the device that is desired to charge or power. The transmitter may identify and locate the device to which the receiver is connected for subsequently charge and/or charge it. In order to increase charging and/or powering of electronic devices, a plurality of sensors may provide information determining the optimal position and/or orientation aimed to receive charge and/or power at the maximum available efficiency.

Abstract: A wireless charger for inductively charging a rechargeable battery of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is provided. The charging coil in the charger is wirelessly coupled to a receiving coil of the IPG to charge the rechargeable battery. The alignment circuit continuously detects a reflected impedance of the charging coil through a reflected impedance sensor, and controls a vibrator to output a tactile signal which is indicative of the alignment of the charging coil to the receiving coil based on the detected reflected impedance. Advantageously, the tactile feedback to the patient provides an optimal way to indicate the extent of the charger's alignment with the IPG.

Abstract: A wireless charger system for inductively charging a rechargeable battery of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) implanted in a human body is provided. A charging coil in the charger is wirelessly coupled to a receiving coil of the IPG to charge the rechargeable battery. An end-of-charge (EOC) circuit continuously monitors the reflected impedance from a reflected impedance sensor and determines the end of charge when a predetermined pattern of the reflected impedance corresponding to an EOC signal from the IPG is received. Advantageously, receiving the EOC signal through the charging coil eliminates the need to provide a separate communication circuit in the IPG that communicates with the charger.

Abstract: An inductive sensor system for remote powering and communication with an analyte sensor (e.g., a fully implantable analyte sensor). The system may include an analyte sensor and transceiver. The system may be ferrite-enhanced. The transceiver may implement a passive telemetry for communicating with the analyte sensor via an inductive magnetic link for both power and data transfer. The link may be a co-planar, near field communication telemetry link. The transceiver may include a reflection plate configured to focus flux lines linking the transceiver and the sensor uniformly beneath the transceiver. The transceiver may include an amplifier configured to amplify battery power and provide radio frequency (RF) power to a transceiver antenna.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device for providing stimulation therapy and two external power sources. A first external power source is used to power the implantable medical device when the stimulation therapy is low energy therapy. For example, the first external power device may be utilized to periodically recharge a battery in the implantable medical device. The second external power device may be utilized to power the implantable medical device when the stimulation therapy is high energy therapy. The second external power device may be a disposable patch that is affixed to a patient's skin to provide continuous power to the implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may communicate data to such a power device to cause it to adjust a strength of the charging field that it generates.

Abstract: A system for delivering an electrical stimulation pulse to tissue comprises a controller-transmitter and a receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter includes circuitry having an energy storage capacitor. The capacitance of the energy storage capacitor is adjusted to improve the efficiency of energy delivered from the receiver-stimulator to tissue by modifying the geometry of an acoustic drive burst from the controller-transmitter.

Abstract: An external defibrillator comprising: a unit for providing electrical stimulation of a patient; a battery module that includes: a battery housing; a plurality of battery banks within the housing, each of the battery banks being electrically isolated from each of the other battery banks within the housing and having a total lithium content of less than an amount requiring special handling procedures during transportation and storage; and a plurality of pairs of electrical contacts external to the housing, each of the pairs of electrical contacts being configured to provide an electrical connection to an associated battery bank; and a connector unit external to the battery housing that includes: a plurality of pairs of electrical contacts configured to mate with the plurality of pairs of electrical contacts of the battery module; and circuitry electrically connecting the plurality of pairs of electrical contacts of the connector unit to provide a single voltage output to the unit for providing electrical stimul

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: The disclosed invention varies the width of the energy pulses with constant frequency and constant amplitude to regulate the amount of energy transferred from an energy transmitting device placed outside a patient to an energy receiver inside the patient. The pulse width is achieved with a modulation technique, PWMT, to control the amount of energy transferred from the external energy transmitting coil in the system to the implanted receiver. The PWMT is used to digitally vary the amount of power from the power amplifier that drives the transmitting coil. Compared to previous analog systems a PWM system is a great deal more efficient and can easily be controlled from a digital domain system such as a microprocessor.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement for transmitting energy is described. The antenna arrangement includes a planar array of two or more rectangular loop antennas, adapted to transmit energy at low frequencies via non-radiative resonant coupling and at high frequencies via radiative coupling. The low frequencies correspond to a wavelength with half of the wavelength being larger than the longest rectangular loop antenna dimension and the high frequencies correspond to a wavelength with half of the wavelength being approximately equal the longest rectangular loop antenna dimension. The antenna arrangement also includes a feeding network connected to the planar array, which includes a phase shifting means for providing a phase difference between signals at the high frequencies to be transmitted by different rectangular loop antennas of the planar array, whereby the amount of phase difference is related to the distance of the rectangular loop antennas to a focal point in the near-field of the planar array.

Abstract: A power control circuit for wirelessly powering a device is described. The circuit comprises a series of sub-circuits that condition and modify electrical power received from near-field resonant inductive coupling. In addition, the power control circuit consists of a reserve power source of at least one capacitor. A switching circuit consisting of an ideal diode OR-ing circuit is provided that receives and selects between the primary and secondary electrical power sources based on their measured voltages.

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: A system for delivering an electrical stimulation pulse to tissue comprises a controller-transmitter and a receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter includes circuitry having an energy storage capacitor. The capacitance of the energy storage capacitor is adjusted to improve the efficiency of energy delivered from the receiver-stimulator to tissue by modifying the geometry of an acoustic drive burst from the controller-transmitter.

Abstract: A medical system (100, 300) comprises internal parts (30, 32) for implantation in a patient and external parts (10, 12, 20). The external parts comprise an energy source (10) with a primary coil (12) and the internal parts comprise an electrically powered medical device (40, 41) and an energy receiver (30) with a secondary coil (32) for inductively receiving energy from the external energy source (10). The system (100, 300) is arranged to determine a balance between the energy received in the energy receiver (30) and the amount of energy used by the medical device (40, 41). The internal control unit (50) transmits feedback information to the external control unit (20), and the system (100, 300) is arranged to determine the feedback information based on a first (P1) and a second (P2) parameter.

Abstract: An external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed which can automatically detect an implant and generate a charging field. The technique uses circuitry typically present in an external charger, such as control circuitry, a Load Shift Keying (LSK) demodulator, and a coupling detector. An algorithm in the control circuitry periodically issues charging fields of short duration in a standby mode. If the coupling detector detects the presence of a conductive material, the algorithm issues a listening window during which a charging field is generated. If an LSK reply signal is received at the LSK demodulator, the external charger can charge the implant in a normal fashion. If a movement signature is detected at the LSK demodulator indicative of a predetermined user movement of the external charger, a charging field is issued for a set timing period, to at least partially charge the IPG battery to restore LSK communications.

Abstract: A system is provided for driving an implantable neurostimulator lead, the lead having an associated plurality of electrodes disposed in at least one array on the lead. The system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), the IPG including an electrode driver, a load system for determining load requirements, an IPG power coupler, and an IPG communication system. The system also includes an external unit, which includes an external variable power generator, an external power coupler, an external communication system, and a controller for varying the power level of the variable power generator.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling power delivery from an external power transfer system (EPTS) to at least one implantable neurostimulator system (INS). The method comprises driving a first transmit coil within the EPTS using a transmit coil driver circuit, receiving, using a receive coil, power transferred from the first transmit coil, coupling the received power to a regulator circuit, monitoring the regulator circuit, communicating a message to the EPTS using a back telemetry circuit, receiving the message, and adjusting the transmit coil driver circuit.

Abstract: An implantable head-mounted, radiofrequency (RF) coupled, unibody peripheral neurostimulation system is provided for implantation in the head for the purpose of treating chronic head pain, including migraine. The system may include an implantable pulse generator (IPG) from which multiple stimulating leads may extend sufficient to allow for adequate stimulation over multiple regions of the head, preferably including the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. A lead may include an extended body, along which may be disposed a plurality of surface metal electrodes (SME), which may be subdivided into a plurality of electrode arrays. A plurality of internal metal wires may run a portion of its length and connect the IPG's internal circuit to the SME. The IPG may include an RF receiver coil and an application specific integrated circuit. The IPG may be capable of functional connection to an external RF unit for purposes that may include power, diagnostics, and programming.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation (INS) device includes a non-rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery, an antenna, an inductive coil, a neurostimulation module and a telemetry module. The neurostimulation module produces neurostimulation signals for delivery to target neural tissue, and the telemetry module wirelessly communicates with a non-implantable device using at least one of the antenna and the inductive coil. The non-rechargeable battery provides power to the neurostimulation module, and the rechargeable battery provides power to the telemetry module. The INS device also includes a charge module that charges the rechargeable battery in dependence on signals received from a non-implantable device via the inductive coil. Additional modules, such a sensor module, can be powered by the rechargeable battery. Additionally modules, such as controller, can be powered by the non-rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Food additives may be actively released to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a first generator. The first generator includes a first power source coupled to a first controller. The first header is removably coupled to the first generator and includes a first lead configuration. The device includes a first lead with a lead body having first terminals and at least one electrode on an end opposite the first terminals. The first terminals are removably received and secured by the first lead configuration of the first header and configured to communicate with the first generator.

Abstract: The disclosed means of determining alignment between an external charger and an implantable medical device (IMD) involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IMD. During charging, the charging coil in the IMD is pulsed to modulate its impedance. The difference in the coil voltage (?V) produced at the external charger as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the external charger to indicate coupling. If the magnitude of ?V is above a threshold, the external charger considers the coupling to the IMD to be adequate, and an alignment indicator in the external charger is controlled accordingly. The magnitude of Vcoil can be assessed in addition to ?V to determine alignment with the IMD with improved precision, and/or to further define a high quality alignment condition.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises one or more electrical stimulation generators, and a housing that contains the one or more electrical stimulation generators. The implantable medical device includes a first connector block that electrically connects the first medical lead to at least one of the one or more electrical stimulation generators, and a second connector block that electrically connects the second medical lead to at least one of the one or more electrical stimulation generators.

Abstract: The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action.

Abstract: An external controller is disclosed for communicating with an external trial stimulator (ETS) for an implantable medical device. The external controller is programmed with a battery algorithm able to assist a clinician in choosing a suitable implant for the patient based on battery performance parameters estimated for a number of implants during an external trial stimulation phase that precedes implantation of the implant. The algorithm is particularly useful in assisting the clinician in choosing between a rechargeable-battery implant or a primary-battery implant for the patient.

Abstract: The disclosed system for providing closed loop charging between an external charger and an implantable medical device such as an IPG involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IPG. During charging, the charging coil in the IPG is periodically pulsed to modulate its impedance. The magnitude of the change in the coil voltage produced at the external charger ?V as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the controller circuitry in the external charger as indicative of the coupling between the external charger and the IPG. The external charger adjusts its output power (e.g., Icharge) in accordance with the magnitude of ?V, thus achieving closed loop charging without the need of telemetering coupling parameters from the IPG.

Abstract: Improved compliance voltage generation circuitry for a medical device is disclosed. The improved circuitry in one embodiment comprises a boost converter and a charge pump, either of which is capable of generating an appropriate compliance voltage from the voltage of the battery in the device. A telemetry enable signal indicating whether the implant's transmitter, receiver, or both, have been enabled is received. A “boost” signal from compliance voltage monitor-and-adjust logic circuitry is processed with the telemetry enable signal and its inverse to selectively enable either the charge pump or the boost converter: if the telemetry enable signal is not active, the boost converter is used to generate the compliance voltage; if the telemetry enable signal is active, the charge pump is used. Because the charge pump circuitry does not produce a magnetic field, the charge pump will not interfere with magnetically-coupled telemetry between the implant and an external controller.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly charging a battery in an implantable medical device including the steps of: providing a receiver in the implantable medical device and providing a temperature sensor in the implantable medical device. The method also includes receiving, via the receiver, a wireless power signal from an external charger and converting the wireless power signal into a battery charge signal including power for recharging the battery. The method yet also includes sensing a temperature of the implantable medical device with the temperature sensor. The method further includes changing a current of the battery charge signal from a first non-zero current to a second non-zero current that is different from the first non-zero current. Changing of the current of the battery charge signal is based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an implantable cardiac system, including a housing, electronic circuitry for controlling one or more of power management, processing unit, information memory and management circuit, sensing and simulation output. The system also includes diagnosis and treatment software for diagnosing health issues, diagnosing mechanical issues, determining therapy output and manage patient health indicators over time, a power supply system including at least one rechargeable battery, a recharging system, an alarm (or alert) system to inform patient of energy level and integrity of system, communication circuitry, one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic signal to a heart and one or more electrodes for from delivering electrocardiogram signal from the heart to the electronic circuitry. The power supplies can include rechargeable batteries. The housing can include a plurality of physically distinct structures that can be implanted in different locations in patient's body.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for applying electrical impulse(s) to one or more selected nerves are described. An electrical stimulator is introduced through a to a target location within, adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the carotid sheath. The stimulator has an antenna that allows it to be powered solely by far-field or approximately plane wave electromagnetic radiation, having frequencies in the range of 0.3 to 10 GHz. Electrical impulses are applied through the stimulator to a vagus nerve to stimulate, block or otherwise modulate activity of the nerve and treat the patient's condition. The stimulator uses an adjustable number of fixed voltage (or fixed current) pulses with fixed duration to elicit desired changes in nerve response, the timing of which are controlled by an external power transmitter and controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical power system for powering an implantable medical device including an implantable rechargeable battery pack, a wearable power source, a power cart, and an external power supply. The system may be used in three modes: 1) Fully disconnected (powered by implanted battery only); 2) Power provided by a wearable power source and/or a portable wheeled power cart via an inductive link, and 3) Nonportable power provided by a non-portable source such as an AC outlet with an uninterruptible power supply. The system includes automatic choice of the optimum source of power depending on the circumstances, and greatly increases “untethered time” a bionic-dependent patient may spend.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an implantable cardiac system and methods, including a housing, electronic circuitry for controlling one or more of power management, processing unit, information memory and management circuit, sensing and simulation output and how these operate. The system also includes diagnosis and treatment software for diagnosing health issues, diagnosing mechanical issues, determining therapy output and manage patient health indicators over time, a power supply system including at least one rechargeable battery, a recharging system, an alarm (or alert) system to inform patient of energy level and integrity of system, communication circuitry, one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic signal to a heart and one or more electrodes for from delivering electrocardiogram signal from the heart to the electronic circuitry, and body orientation determination, in various aspects.

Abstract: A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator.

Abstract: A unit for wirelessly transmitting power to an implant unit configured to be located in a subject's body is provided. The unit may include a flexible carrier including an adhesive backing configured for attaching the unit to skin of the subject, an antenna associated with the flexible carrier, the antenna being configured to wirelessly transmit power to the implant unit in response to a signal applied to the antenna, and a buffer layer disposed on the flexible carrier at a position to be between the antenna and the skin of the subject when the carrier is attached to the skin of the subject, the buffer layer being configured to establish an air gap between the skin of the subject and the antenna.

Abstract: An interface relay system for use with a fully implantable medical devices that permits transcutaneous coupling of the implanted medical device to a consumer electronics device. In one embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device provides a back-up source of power for operating the implanted medical device. In another embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device allows for providing unidirectional and/or bidirectional data transfer between the devices. In one arrangement, the consumer electronics device may be connectable to a communications/data network to allow for network communication between the implantable medical device and a remote processing platform/server.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating renal failure are disclosed. One embodiment of the device is an implantable peritoneal dialysis device. When in use, the device can have a semi-permeable reservoir implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The reservoir can receive blood waste and drain through one or more conduits, via a pump, to the biological bladder. Solids and/or a solution benefiting dialysis can be pumped to the reservoir and/or implanted in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A base station for passively recharging a battery in an implant without patient involvement is disclosed. The base station can be hand held or may comprise equipment configured to be placed at a fixed location, such as under a bed, on or next to a wall, etc. The base station can generate electric and magnetic fields (E-field and B-field) that couple with an antenna and a receiving coil within the implant to generate a charging current for charging the implant's battery. No handling or manipulation on part of the patient is necessary; the implant battery is passively charged whenever the patient is within range of either the magnetic or electric charging fields generated by base station. Charging using the B-field occurs when the IPG is at a relatively short distance from the base station, while charging using the E-field occurs at longer distances.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the medical device, and the transmission of wireless energy is then controlled based on the determined energy balance. The energy balance thus provides an accurate indication of the correct amount of energy needed, which is sufficient to operate the medical device properly, but without causing undue temperature rise.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a stimulation electronic circuit, a battery, a receiver configured to receive energy from a source external to the implantable stimulation device, and a battery charger circuit configured to use the energy to charge the battery and power the stimulation electronic circuit, the battery charger circuit including a load switch for connecting/disconnecting the battery, the load switch being controlled by the stimulation electronic circuit.

Abstract: A method for powering an autonomous intracorporeal leadless capsule includes the step of receiving a slow pressure variation at an external surface of a deformable member on the capsule. The deformable member is displacing in response to the slow pressure variation. The method further includes using a high pass mechanical filter to prevent the displacement from being transferred to an energy harvesting circuit within the capsule. The method further includes receiving a fast pressure variation at the external surface of the deformable member on the capsule, the deformable member displacing in response to the fast pressure variation. The method further includes via the high pass mechanical filter, passing the displacement to the energy harvesting circuit and creating energy using the displacement provided to the energy harvesting circuit.

Abstract: Systems including an implantable receiver-stimulator and an implantable controller-transmitter are used for leadless electrical stimulation of body tissues. Cardiac pacing and arrhythmia control is accomplished with one or more implantable receiver-stimulators and an external or implantable controller-transmitter. Systems are implanted by testing external or implantable devices at different tissue sites, observing physiologic and device responses, and selecting sites with preferred performance for implanting the systems. In these systems, a controller-transmitter is activated at a remote tissue location to transmit/deliver acoustic energy through the body to a receiver-stimulator at a target tissue location. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy to electrical energy for electrical stimulation of the body tissue. The tissue locations(s) can be optimized by moving either or both of the controller-transmitter and the receiver-stimulator to determine the best patient and device responses.

Abstract: A prosthesis including an external device and an implantable component. The external device includes a first inductive communication component. The implantable component includes a second inductive communication component, wherein the implantable component is configured to be implanted under skin of a recipient. The external device is configured to transmit power via magnetic induction transcutaneously to the implantable component via the second inductive communication component. The internal component is configured to receive at least a portion of the power transmitted from the external device via the inductive communication component. At least one of the first and second inductive communication components comprise an inductive communication component configured to vary its effective coil area.

Abstract: A fully implantable cardiac pacemaker system is provided. The pacemaker system includes a pacemaker having an electrode sub-assembly containing an electrode and a base into which the electrode is embedded. It also includes an implantable package that has electronic components for providing electrical pulses to a patient's heart. The pacemaker also has a power supply and a flexible electrically conductive lead that connects the electronic components to the electrode. In addition to the pacemaker, the pacemaker system includes a removable insertion casing that is physically attached to the base portion of the electrode sub-assembly. Upon insertion of the pacemaker into a patient's heart, the pacemaker is detached from the removable insertion casing and deployed fully in the patient's chest. The pacemaker system has particular use in fetal applications.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the medical device, and the transmission of wireless energy is then controlled based on the determined energy balance. The energy balance thus provides an accurate indication of the correct amount of energy needed, which is sufficient to operate the medical device properly, but without causing undue temperature rise.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating a condition of a subject, including an energy transmitter, which is configured to be positioned outside a body of the subject in a vicinity of a site selected from the group consisting of: a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a greater palatine nerve, a lesser palatine nerve, a sphenopalatine nerve, a communicating branch between a maxillary nerve and an SPG, an otic ganglion, an afferent fiber going into the otic ganglion, an efferent fiber going out of the otic ganglion, an infraorbital nerve, a vidian nerve, a greater superficial petrosal nerve, and a lesser deep petrosal nerve. A control unit is configured to drive the energy transmitter to transmit energy to the site, and configure the energy to stimulate the site. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system comprises an implantable stimulator and a control device. The control device is configured to transmit acoustic waves to the implantable stimulator, and the implantable stimulator is configured to transform the acoustic waves into electrical current, and generate stimulation energy based on the electrical current. For example, the electrical current can be transformed into electrical energy that can be used to generate the stimulation energy. Or the electrical current can contain signals used to directly or indirectly control the generation of the stimulation energy.