Patent ID: 6626940
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A medical device vibratory activation system, comprising:an implantable appliance comprising a conductive material; a signal-producing mechanism having a portion configured to be located relative to the implantable appliance, the signal-producing mechanism also being configured to generate an alternating signal that interacts with the conductive material in the implantable appliance to induce a vibrating motion of the implantable appliance; a sweep generator operably coupled to the signal producing mechanism and configured to sweep the signal over a plurality of frequencies; and an ammeter operably coupled to the signal-producing mechanism and configured to sense a current increase when the sweep generator generates a key frequency that induces a resonant response by the implantable appliance, wherein the key frequency is an indication of a condition of the implantable appliance.