IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR HAVING DATA REPEATER FOR LONG
RANGE CONTROL AND DATA STREAMING
Background of the Invention
� � � � � � � � � � � The present
invention relates to implantable neural stimulators, and more particularly to a
way of increasing the distance from which an external remote control device is
able to control and monitor the operation of a fully implantable neural system,
such as a fully implantable cochlear implant system.
� � � � � � � � � � � Representative
cochlear implant systems are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents: 5,824,022;
5,584,869; 5,603,726; and 6,219580.� A
representative fully implantable cochlear implant system is disclosed in U.S.
Patent 6,308,101.
� � � � � � � � � � � A fully
implantable cochlear implant system, or other fully implantable neural system,
requires the use of a bi-directional telecommunications link, e.g., a radio
frequency (RF) link, to communicate between the implant components and a remote
control device for the purpose of setting the operating parameters of the
implant system, and for monitoring its operation.� The operating parameters of the implant system may include
adjusting sensitivity, volume, program selection, ON/OFF control, and the like.
� � � � � � � � � � � In a fully
implanted cochlear implant system such as that described in U.S. Patent
6,308,101, the functions of the implant system are split between electronic
circuitry contained in two separate housings: (1) an implantable speech
processor (ISP) and (2) an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS).� The two housings are coupled to each other
through a compact multi-turn coil through mutual inductance.� In such a system, the implantable speech
processor (ISP) receives and transmits control signals through the multi-turn
coil, using mutual inductance, by way of an imperceptible amount of energy,
which couples into the radiating modes.�
This link is therefore very limited in its transmission and reception
range, which is typically only about 10-20 inches.
� � � � � � � � � � � In the
past, it has been necessary to hold the remote control device very close to an
implantable device, e.g., on or very near the skin surface above the location
where the implant device is implanted.�
This is cumbersome and unsightly.�
In use, with the remote control device held on the skin above the
implant location, it is usually difficult for the user to see the controls or
displays on the remote control device when it must be held adjacent to the
implant location.
� � � � � � � � � � � In order to
allow the remote control device to communicate with a fully implantable device
from a farther distance, it has been necessary to increase the energy level of
the signal transmitted to the implant device.�
Disadvantageously, such increase in transmitted signal strength only
works in one direction, and increases the power consumption of the remote
control device.
� � � � � � � � � � � While radio
repeater systems have been in use for many years for tele...