Implantable transducer devices
AssigneeEBR Systems, Inc.
InventorsAxel F. Brisken, Mark W. Cowan, Debra S. Echt, Richard E. Riley
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Abstract
Receiver-stimulators comprise a nearly isotropic transducer assembly, demodulator circuitry, and at least two tissue contacting electrodes. Use of near isotropic transducers allows the devices to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative to an acoustic energy source. Transducers or transducer elements having relatively small sizes, typically less than ½ the wavelength of the acoustic source, enhance isotropy. The use of single crystal piezoelectric materials enhance sensitivity.
Claims13
A method for delivering a biologically stimulating electrical output, said method comprising:
- implanting in tissue an isotropic receiver-stimulator having an acoustic transducer assembly;
- coupling an acoustic energy source to the patient;
- directing acoustic energy from the acoustic energy source to the isotropic receiver-stimulator,
- wherein the acoustic energy that intersects the isotropic receiver-stimulator is transferred into the transducer assembly in a manner that is substantially insensitive to the relative orientation of the receiver-stimulator to the acoustic energy source, wherein the acoustic energy is converted by the transducer assembly into electrical signals;
- wherein the electrical signals are demodulated by the receiver-stimulator to produce a biologically stimulating electrical output;
- and
- wherein the biologically stimulating electrical output is delivered to the tissue by the receiver-stimulator.
A method for optimizing delivery of a biologically stimulating electrical output, said method comprising:
- implanting a receiver-stimulator having an acoustic transducer assembly in tissue;
- coupling an acoustic energy source to the patient;
- directing acoustic energy from the acoustic energy source to the implanted receiver-stimulator, wherein the transducer assembly converts the acoustic energy into electrical signals that are characterized by a source impedance;
- wherein the electrical signals are demodulated by the receiver-stimulator to produce a biologically stimulating electrical output;
- wherein the biologically stimulating electrical output is delivered to the tissue by the receiver-stimulator, and wherein the tissue is characterized by a load impedance;
- and
- wherein the source impedance is matched to the load impedance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.