Method of Energy Transfer to an Implantable Medical Device While Coupling Energy to Charging Unit

Abstract

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

1 . A method of transcutaneous energy transfer to an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry implanted in a patient, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) positioning a charging unit with respect to said implantable medical device;    (b) positioning a source of AC power with respect to said charging unit;    (c) inductively coupling energy from said charging unit to said implantable medical device; and    (d) coupling energy from said source of AC power to said charging unit while inductively coupling energy from said charging unit to said implantable medical device.    
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein said implantable medical device has a secondary coil operatively coupled to said therapeutic componentry, wherein said charging unit has a primary coil capable of inductively energizing said secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of said secondary coil and wherein step (a) comprises positioning said primary coil with respect to said secondary coil.  
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 2  wherein said charging unit has a secondary recharging coil, wherein said source of AC power has a primary recharging coil capable of inductively energizing said secondary recharging coil and wherein step (b) comprises positioning said primary recharging coil with respect to said secondary recharging coil.  
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 3  wherein step (d) further comprises coupling energy via an inductive coupling.  
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein said implantable medical device has a first rechargeable power source operatively coupled to said secondary coil and wherein step (c) further comprises charging said first rechargeable power source.  
   
   
       6 . A method as in  claim 5  wherein said first rechargeable power source comprises a rechargeable battery.  
   
   
       7 . A method as in  claim 5  wherein said charging unit has a second rechargeable power source operatively coupled to said secondary recharging coil and wherein step (d) further comprises charging said second rechargeable power source.  
   
   
       8 . A method as in  claim 7  wherein said second rechargeable power source comprises a rechargeable battery.