Efficient external charger for an implantable medical device optimized for fast charging and constrained by an implant power dissipation limit

摘要

An external charger for a battery in an implantable medical device and charging techniques are disclosed. Simulation data is used to model the power dissipation of the charging circuitry in the implant at varying levels of implant power. A power dissipation limit constrains the charging circuitry from producing an inordinate amount of heat to the tissue surrounding the implant, and duty cycles of a charging field are determined so as not to exceed that limit. A maximum simulated average battery current determines the optimal (i.e., quickest) battery charging current, and at least an optimal value for a parameter indicative of that current is determined and stored in the external charger. During charging, the actual value for that parameter is determined, and the intensity and/or duty cycle of the charging field are adjusted to ensure that charging is as fast as possible, while still not exceeding the power dissipation limit.

主权项

1. A method for charging a battery in an implantable medical device, comprising:
generating a magnetic charging field using an external charger, the magnetic charging field for producing a battery charging current in the battery in the implantable medical device during a charging session; determining a parameter indicative of a coupling between the external charger and the implantable medical device during the charging session; and adjusting in accordance with the parameter: (1) an intensity of the magnetic charging field, and (2) a duty cycle of the magnetic charging field, during the charging session.