INDUCTIVELY RECHARGEABLE EXTERNAL ENERGY SOURCE, CHARGER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

摘要

External power source (48), charger, system and method for an implantable medical device (16) having therapeutic componentry (28) and a secondary coil (34) operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry (28). A primary charging coil (54) is capable of transcutaneously inductively energizing the secondary coil (34) when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil (34). Drive circuitry (50) is operatively coupled to the primary charging coil (54) for exciting the primary charging coil (54). A rechargeable power source (160) is operatively coupled to the drive circuitry (50). A secondary recharging coil (168) is operatively coupled to the rechargeable power source (160). A primary recharging coil (167) is adapted to be coupled to a source of AC power which when placed in proximity of the secondary recharging coil (168) can inductively energize the secondary recharging coil (168) in order to charge the rechargeable power source (160).