Telemetry Port for Implanted Medical Device

Abstract

A telemetry port for providing an open space in which an antenna may transmit and receive signals free from interference from the metal shell of an implantable medical device, the telemetry port includes a housing defining a void space for receiving an antenna. The void space is configured to provide the antenna with sufficient space such that the antenna does not contact the housing. The housing further includes a periphery positioned along a bottom edge capable of being integrated to an implantable medical device, and forming a hermetic seal with the implantable medical device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable medical device comprising:
 a shell for enclosing one or more internal components disposed within the shell;   a telemetry port affixed to the shell, wherein the telemetry port provides an open space in which an antenna may transmit and receive signals free from interference from the shell, and wherein the telemetry port is affixed to the shell at an aperture positioned along a rim of the shell, whereby the aperture of the shell provides a point of ingress and egress to the antenna from within the housing and the telemetry port; and   the telemetry port forms a hermetic seal with the shell.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the telemetry port includes a housing defining a void space therein for receiving the antenna within the void space, the void space further configured to provide the antenna positioned therein with sufficient space such that the antenna does not contact the housing of the telemetry port, a gap defined within the void space, the gap being positioned between the antenna and the housing, the gap further being of sufficient size relative to the antenna, to allow for freedom of movement of the antenna within the housing, such that the antenna can move freely in any direction within the housing without contacting the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the telemetry port includes a periphery positioned along a bottom edge of the telemetry port, whereby the periphery integrates with the shell. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing of the telemetry port comprises a material that is permeable to telemetry signals. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable medical device of  claim 4 , wherein the shell comprises a material that is generally impermeable to telemetry signals.