Compass-based indicator with magnetic shielding
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsAri Moskowitz, Marc Stepkowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention is directed toward a magnetic shield included in a compass-based indicator tool. The indicator tool utilizes a compass to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include a target that creates an internal magnetic field for the compass to interact with. External magnetic fields, specifically earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The magnetic shield blocks the external magnetic fields from influencing the accuracy of the device setting measurement.
Claims48
A compass-based indicator tool comprising:
- a housing;
- a compass disposed within the housing;
- and
- a magnetic shield surrounding at least a portion of the compass.
A locator tool comprising:
- a housing;
- a compass-based indicator tool received by the housing;
- and
- a magnetic shield surrounding at least a portion of the compass-based indicator tool.
A system comprising:
- an implantable medical device comprising a first magnet to indicate a current device setting;
- a locator tool to locate the implantable medical device within a patient;
- an indicator tool comprising a compass that interacts with the first magnet to determine the current device setting, and a magnetic shield surrounding at least a portion of the compass to reduce effects of a magnetic field on the compass;
- and
- an adjustment tool comprising a second magnet that interacts with the first magnet to change the current device setting.
A method comprising:
- mounting a compass-based indicator tool adjacent to an implantable medical device;
- shielding a compass from magnetic fields, wherein the compass is disposed within the compass-based indicator tool;
- and
- indicating a device setting of the implantable medical device, wherein the device setting is indicated on an index by the compass.
A compass-based indicator tool comprising:
- a housing;
- a compass disposed within the housing;
- and
- means for shielding the compass from an external magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.