Implantable battery and device incorporating an internal fuse

Abstract

An implantable battery and device incorporating an internal fuse is disclosed. The internal fuse is incorporated into the implantable battery. Upon a malfunction within the device or the battery causing a greater than within specification current, the fuse blows. The blowing of the fuse effectively shuts off the battery, and protects it from overheating. In various embodiments, the fuse is a fusible link, or a thin metal or a material neck-down portion of the lithium or the silver vanadium oxide carrier which is unable to carry more than within specification current.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An implantable system comprising: an implantable device; and,   an implantable battery providing power to the implantable device,   wherein the implantable battery includes a fuse having a predetermined current rating.   
     
     
       2. The implantable system of claim 1, wherein the fuse protects the battery from overheating. 
     
     
       3. An implantable battery comprising: a power generator; and,   a fuse coupled to the power generator and having a predetermined current rating.   
     
     
       4. The implantable battery of claim 3, wherein the fuse protects the battery from overheating.