Implantable stimulator with replenishable, high value capacitive power source and method therefor

A method of providing, on an exclusive basis, power to an implantable stimulator during at least an 8 hour cycle of substantially continual delivery of one or more electric stimulation pulses to targeted tissue in a controlled manner comprising the steps of:

• incorporating and containing a capacitive device in said implantable stimulator, said capacitive device having a capacitive rating of at least 0.1 farads;
• capturing at least 5 coulombs of electrical energy in said capacitive device prior to said 8 hour period;
• and,
• powering said implantable stimulator, during said 8 hour cycle for the substantially continual delivery of electric stimulation pulses, solely from said capacitive device.

A system for delivering electric stimulation pulses, in a controlled manner, to targeted tissue comprising:

• an implantable stimulator capable of delivering, in a controlled manner, one or more electric stimulation pulses to targeted tissue;
• a power source, contained within said implantable stimulator, sufficient to supply power to said implantable stimulator on an exclusive basis over at least an 8 hour period, said power source including a high value, small size capacitive energy storage unit having a capacitive rating of at least 0.1 farads;
• an inductor coil adapted to gather emf power transmissions, a rectifier and a voltage regulator, all electrically coupled to said capacitive energy storage unit and incorporated into said implantable stimulator;
• and,
• means, external to said implantable stimulator and not adapted for implantation, for replenishing said capacitive energy storage unit up to its maximum rated voltage by generating said emf power transmission near said inductor coil.