Method and apparatus for locating implanted receiver and feedback regulation between subcutaneous and external coils

A method of proximity sensing between external and implanted coils of an inductively coupled nerve or muscle stimulation system, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an implanted stimulus receiver comprising a secondary coil with a magnet and circuitry;
• b) providing an external stimulator comprising a power source, electrical circuitry, a primary coil, and indicator means;
• and
• c) providing at least two proximity sensors to sense the relative position of said primary coil to said secondary coil and indicate proximity on said indicator means;
• whereby, proximity of said primary coil and said secondary coil is sensed and indicated.

A system for proximity sensing and feedback regulation of stimulation pulses for an inductively coupled nerve or muscle stimulation system, comprising:

• a) an external pulse generator comprising a power source, electrical circuitry, and a primary coil;
• b) an implanted stimulus receiver comprising a secondary coil with a magnet and circuitry;
• and
• c) proximity sensing and control means comprising, a proximity sensor to sense the relative position of said primary coil to said secondary coil, and control circuitry for feedback regulation of the stimulation pulses responsive to said proximity sensor;
• whereby, said stimulation pulses are regulated.

A system of proximity sensing between external and implanted coils for an inductively coupled nerve or muscle stimulation system, comprising:

• a) an implanted stimulus receiver comprising a secondary coil with a magnet and circuitry;
• b) an external stimulator comprising a power source, electrical circuitry, a primary coil, and an indicator;
• and
• c) at least two proximity sensors to provide proximity signals to said electrical circuitry for proximity sensing based upon the relative position of the primary coil and secondary coil;
• whereby, the relative position of said primary coil with respect to said secondary coil is sensed and indicated on said indicator.

A method of regulating pulses to a nerve or muscle with an inductively coupled stimulation system having pulse generating means, a primary coil, and a subcutaneous secondary coil, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a magnet with said secondary coil;
• b) providing proximity sensing means with said primary coil to sense the relative position of said primary coil to said secondary coil;
• c) providing a proximity sensing feedback circuit to determine the regulation required based on said relative position;
• and
• d) providing control logic circuitry to adjust the output regulation required;
• whereby said pulses delivered to said nerve or muscle are regulated.