Patent ID: 7571007
Filing Date: 2009-08-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of recharging an implantable medical device after implantation within a patient, comprising: (a) transmitting a RF power signal; (b) receiving the RF power signal in an antenna in the implantable medical device; (c) rectifying a signal from the antenna; (d) recharging a rechargeable battery of the implantable medical device using the rectified signal, wherein the recharging applies multiple current levels to the rechargeable battery in succession, and wherein the recharging switches from at least one of the current levels to another current level when a charging voltage of the rechargeable battery reaches a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is a programmable value; (e) monitoring a voltage drop of the rechargeable battery when switching between a first current level and a second current level of the multiple current levels; (f) modifying the threshold value, for use in a subsequent charging cycle, in response to the monitoring; and (g) repeating (a)-(e) in the subsequent charging cycle including using the modified threshold value during repetition of (d).