Medical device packaging with charging interface

An apparatus comprising:

• (a) a compartment for holding a sterile medical device, wherein the compartment is further configured to maintain sterility within the compartment, wherein the compartment is further configured to maintain a hermetic seal;
• (b) at least one electrical coupling patch, wherein the at least one electrical coupling patch is integral with a wall of the compartment;
• (c) a charging circuit in communication with the at least one electrical coupling patch, wherein the charging circuit is operable to deliver power through the at least one coupling patch without compromising the sterility of the compartment;
• (d) a battery for use with a medical device, wherein the battery is contained within the compartment, wherein the battery is in electrical communication with the charging circuit, wherein the charging circuit is configured to deliver electrical power to the battery through the at least one electrical coupling patch without compromising the sterility of the compartment;
• (e) an outwardly extending member, wherein coupling patch is disposed on the outwardly extending member;
• and
• (f) a wall presenting a charging slot, wherein the charging slot includes a conductive portion, wherein the outwardly extending member is inserted in the charging slot, placing the electrical coupling patch in communication with the conductive portion of the charging slot.

A method of charging a battery contained in a sterilized medical device using a package for storing the medical device, wherein the package comprises a sterilized package, wherein the package comprises an internal coupling member, wherein one or both of the medical device and the package includes a battery, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving the package, wherein the package is sealed and the contents of the package are sterilized when the package is received;
• (b) charging the battery of the medical device by delivering electrical power to the internal coupling member, wherein the medical device is sealed in the package during the act of charging the battery such that the sterility of the medical device is not compromised during the act of charging the battery;
• (c) opening the package after charging the battery;
• and
• (d) removing the medical device from the opened package.