CONTROL UNIT HAVING A DEPLOYABLE ANTENNA

摘要

A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable betwee n a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of th e implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position t o a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitt ed from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.