Patent ID: 8027728
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A power control circuit for an implantable medical device to be connected to at least one of a low power control circuit and a high power output circuit, the power control circuit comprising: a first high rate electrochemical cell; a second high rate electrochemical cell; a first switch and a second switch; at least one resistive element connected between the first high rate electrochemical cell and the second high rate electrochemical cell, wherein the first switch is connected between the first high rate electrochemical cell and the at least one resistive element and the second switch is connected between the second high rate electrochemical cell and the at least one resistive element, wherein the first and second switches are normally closed when the first and second high rate electrochemical cells are operational for connection to the at least one of a low power control circuit and a high power output circuit; a selectively closable switch connected across the at least one resistive element between the first switch and the second switch providing a path for current flow therethrough from one of the first and second high rate electrochemical cells when the selectively closable switch is closed; and comparator circuitry connected to the first high rate electrochemical cell and the second high rate electrochemical cell to determine if either the first high rate electrochemical cell or the second high rate electrochemical cell is shorted or depleted, wherein upon determination that the first high rate electrochemical cell is shorted or depleted then the first switch is opened and further wherein upon determination that the second high rate electrochemical cell is shorted or depleted then the second switch is opened.