Medical Implant, Operating Device for a Medical Implant, Medical Device and Method for Electrical Supply of a Medical Implant

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a medical implant that can be wirelessly powered by converting movement induced by an external magnetic field into electrical energy. It features a dynamoelectric generator and a magnet component inside the body; when an external device generates a moving magnetic field, this moves the implant's magnet, allowing the generator to produce electricity for the implant's function, such as operating an artificial urinary sphincter. This avoids the need for batteries or wires penetrating the skin.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Powering active medical implants, such as artificial urinary sphincters, without internal batteries or transcutaneous wires
• Wireless charging or operation of internal medical devices using an external magnetic controller
• Providing electrical energy to implants that support or replace body functions, such as opening, closing, or maintaining bodily lumens (e.g., valves, sphincters)
• Supplying intermittent or regular energy to implanted pumps or active sensors
• Safe recharging or energizing of implants for urological applications, especially in devices for continence management
• Potential use in wearable or clothing-integrated charging solutions for patients with implanted devices

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables wireless energy supply to implants, eliminating the need for transcutaneous cables and thus reducing infection risk and surgical complications
• Avoids the downsides of inductive energy transfer, such as poor efficiency, tissue heating, and electromagnetic compatibility issues
• Improves biocompatibility by minimizing energy and heat input to surrounding tissue during charging/operation
• Allows for both continuous and intermittent powering and/or charging of implants, enabling flexible therapeutic use
• Compatible with portable, wearable, or even clothing-integrated external devices for patient convenience
• Enhances safety and comfort for patients requiring active implants, especially in long-term use

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a medical implant (2) which has an electrically operatable functional unit (4), a dynamoelectric generator unit (5), and a magnet unit (6) which can be moved relative to the generator unit (5) by an external magnetic force acting on the magnet unit, wherein the generator unit (5) is coupled to the magnet unit (6) such that the generator unit converts the movement of the magnet unit (6) into electric energy for operating the functional unit (4).