Self-adhesive TET coil holder with alignment feature

摘要

An alignment device for an external coil in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system. The device may be adhered to the skin or clothing of a patient and may ensure alignment between an external coil and an internal coil to provide optimal energy transfer in a TET system.

主权项

1. A method of providing energy to an internal coil disposed within the body of a mammalian subject comprising:
(a) maintaining an alignment device with a protrusion on clothing worn by the subject so that the alignment device is in a predetermined spatial relationship with the internal coil, said protrusion having an exterior sidewall with a first diameter; (b) engaging a housing of an external coil with the alignment device by
(i) aligning the protrusion with a recess formed on the external coil to thereby align the external coil with the internal coil, said recess having an interior sidewall with a second diameter that is slightly smaller than the first diameter; and(ii) inserting the protrusion into the recess so as to achieve a tight fit between the exterior sidewall of the protrusion and the interior sidewall of the recess; and (c) while the housing is engaged with the alignment device, actuating the external coil to thereby drive the internal coil.