Relay interface for connecting an implanted medical device to an external electronics device

摘要

An interface relay system for use with a fully implantable medical devices that permits transcutaneous coupling of the implanted medical device to a consumer electronics device. In one embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device provides a back-up source of power for operating the implanted medical device. In another embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device allows for providing unidirectional and/or bidirectional data transfer between the devices. In one arrangement, the consumer electronics device may be connectable to a communications/data network to allow for network communication between the implantable medical device and a remote processing platform/server.

主权项

1. An external device for transcutaneously connecting a consumer electronics device with an implanted medical device, wherein the implanted medical device is a hearing prosthesis, to provide power to the implanted medical device, comprising:
a housing adapted for external mounting proximate to an implanted medical device; a cable extending from the housing and terminating in a connector adapted for receipt within a mating port of a consumer electronics device, wherein a first terminal of the connector is connectable to a power source of the consumer electronic device; power control circuitry disposed within the housing, the power control circuitry operable to receive power from the first terminal via the cable and adapt the power for transcutaneous transmission; and a wireless transmitter for transmitting the power from the housing for receipt by a receiver of an implanted medical device.