Digitales Hochgeschwindigkeits-Telemetriesystem für implantierbare Vorrichtungen.

ADAPTIVES LEISTUNGSOPTIMIERENDES ÜBERTRAGUNGSSYSTEM ZUR DATENÜBERTRAGUNG BEI EINER IMPLANTIERBAREN VORRICHTUNG

VOLLSTÄNDIG IMPLANTIERBARE COCHLEA-MICROPROTHESE MIT EINER VIELZAHL VON KONTAKTEN

Telemetry system employing DC balanced encoding

Modulator apparatus configured for implantation

An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossaS nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.

Apparatus for stimulating muscles of a subject

A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; and in a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is also provided, the apparatus comprising a generator for generating a plurality of electrical pulses; means for applying the electrical pulses to the subject to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject; wherein the generator is operable in a first step to apply to the subject a conditioning electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target ...

Pacemaker telemetry system

PULSE WIDTH ADAPTATION FOR INDUCTIVE LINKS

A signal processor is described for communication with an implanted medical device. An external processor transmits to the implanted medical device an implant data signal having a sequence of HI and LOW logic states at a fixed data bit rate. The pulse width durations of the HI and LOW logic states is adjustable in response to feedback telemetry data from the implantable medical device.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS

FREQUENCY TO VOLTAGE CONVERTER FOR CARDIAC COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

ANTENNA PROVIDING VARIABLE COMMUNICATION WITH AN IMPLANT

A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MODULATING NERVES USING PARALLEL ELECTRIC FIELDS

A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at feast one pair of modulation electrodes.

MODULATOR APPARATUS CONFIGURED FOR IMPLANTATION

An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossaS nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.

BIDIRECTIONAL INDUCTIVE TRANSMISSION OF DATA WHERE THE SLAVE STATION IS FED BY THE MASTER STATION

... 2047736 9111063 PCTABS00105 L'invention vise à fournir un procédé permettant à la fois une transmission bidirectionnelle d'informations entre un système maître (EM) et un système esclave (RE) et l'alimentation électrique du système esclave (RE) à partir de l'énergie électromagnétique émise par le système maître (EM). Pendant l'émission d'informations sous forme d'un signal électromagnétique par le système maître (EM), on module l'impédance du système esclave (RE) en fonction des informations à transmettre du système esclave (RE) au système maître (EM), on détecte des variations de caractéristiques électriques du système maître (EM) induites par ladite modulation de l'impédance du système esclave (RE), on reconstitue lesdites informations à partir desdites variations détectées et on alimente les circuits et/ou charges (K) du système esclave (RE) à partir de l'énergie du signal électromagnétique reçue par l'antenne réceptrice (AR) du système esclave (RE).

Method and Apparatus for Communnating Data Between Medical Devices to Improve Detectability of Errors

PACEMAKER TELEMETRY SYSTEM

An implantable medical device telemetry system provides a means for decoding telemetry downlink information transmitted from an external unit to an implanted medical device, and for encoding telemetry uplink signals to be transmitted from the implanted devi ce to the external unit. A novel system architecture results in a very small te lemetry subsystem in the implanted device and a very fle xible system adaptable to be used in conjunction with various telemetry formats of various implanted devices. A programmable logic array ( PLA) structure that is mask programmable and which may further be partially RAM p rogrammable serves as the basis of the telemetry subsyst em For downlink telemetry, a counter is enabled during intevals of interest in the downlink RF burst stream. The counter value at the e nd of such an interval is then applied to the variable inputs of the PLA for decod ing in accordance with a selected telemetry protocol. Fo r uplink telemetry, the counter and PLA is used to control ...

METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TRANSFER WITH AN IMPLANTEDMEDICAL DEVICE

A method of wireless communication with a medical device, especially one implanted in the human body. A message input signal (S1, g4) undergoes angular modulation in a transmitter (2 - 8, 16 - 26) and reaches a receiver via a transmission channel (11-15,16 - 26). The transmitter produces angularly modulated pulses having a frequency spectrum and carrying information, in such a way that said pulses can be time-compressed in the transmitter by means of a filter (13) with a frequency dependent transit time, especially a dispersion filter (13,32, 33) so that pulses with reduced duration and higher amplitude can arise, and at least one pan of the information that makes up the message is impressed after a further modulation or message technology coding process and is subsequently received and/or at least one part of the information that makes up the message is impressed in addition to the angular modulation.

impiantabileImpiantabile elettromedicale device inside of the human body and method of communication with the same one.

Dispositivo elettromedicale (100) comprendente un corpo (101) dotato al suo intemo di almeno una batteria (102) per la fornitura di energia elettrica, ed una unità di elaborazione dati (107), ricevente energia dalla detta batteria (102) e configurata per gestire elettronicamente una erogazione di energia elettrica verso mezzi di interazione con il corpo umano; il detto dispositivo (100) essendo caratterizzato dal fatto di comprendere uno stadio di comunicazione ottica (109), configurato per almeno ricevere un primo segnale ottico e/o trasmettere un secondo segnale ottico rispettivamente di interrogazione e di risposta. La presente invenzione altresì concerne un sistema ed un metodo associati.

Dispositivo elettromedicale impiantabile all'interno del corpo umano e metodo di comunicazione con il medesimo.

Dispositivo elettromedicale (100) comprendente un corpo (101) dotato al suo interno di almeno una batteria (102) per la fornitura di energia elettrica, ed una unità di elaborazione dati (107), ricevente energia dalla detta batteria (102) e configurata per gestire elettronicamente una erogazione di energia elettrica verso mezzi di interazione con il corpo umano; il detto dispositivo (100) essendo caratterizzato dal fatto di comprendere uno stadio di comunicazione ottica (109), configurato per almeno ricevere un primo segnale ottico e/o trasmettere un secondo segnale ottico rispettivamente di interrogazione e di risposta. La presente invenzione altresì concerne un sistema ed un metodo associati.

BIDIRECTIONAL INFORMATION TRANSMISSION DEVICE HAS RECEIVER FEEDS THROUGH EMITTER.

RECEIVING CIRCUIT OF TELEMETRY RF FOR ACTIVE MEDICAL IMPLANT

Le signal binaire en bande de base (Db) est doublement modulé, par une porteuse basse fréquence (Fm) et par une porteuse haute fréquence (Fc). Le circuit récepteur est un circuit non hétérodyne semi-passif, dépourvu d'oscillateur local et de mélangeur. Il comprend une antenne (104), un filtre passe-bande (108) centré sur la porteuse haute fréquence (Fc), un détecteur d'enveloppe (120-126) et un démodulateur numérique (116). Le détecteur d'enveloppe comprend un premier circuit (120) de détection non cohérente à diode, un filtre passe-bande actif (122) centré sur une fréquence (2.Fm) double de la porteuse basse fréquence et présentant une largeur de bande (2.Db) double de la bande de base, et un second circuit (124) de détection non cohérente à diode, délivrant en sortie un signal en bande de base appliqué à l'étage de démodulation numérique (116).

Nerve stimulating and signal-monitoring device, the system thereof and method for manufacturing the same

A nerve stimulating and signal-monitoring device which is connected to a monitor station comprises a flexible substrate, a modulation/demodulation module, a System On Chip (SOC) unit and a plurality of stimulation probes. The modulation/demodulation module is configured to demodulate a received or to modulate a sending coded radio-frequency signal. The System On Chip (SOC) unit can be integrated with the radio-frequency module by System-In Package (SIP) technique, and then be bonded on the flexible substrate. The System On Chip (SOC) unit decodes demodulate and transfers the received encoded radio-frequency signal to obtain probe nerve-stimulating electrical probe-driving signals. The stimulation probes protruding from the flexible substrate and are electrically coupled to the System On Chip (SOC), and the stimulation probes are configured to transmit the nerve-stimulating electrical signals to epidermal nerves. In one embodiment, the System On Chip (SOC) unit can also receive, amplify, ...

MANAGING A MULTI-FUNCTION COIL IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE USING AN OPTICAL SWITCH

Combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable medical device uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry that is controlled via the use of an opto-switch. One or more capacitors are used to tune the coil to different frequencies for receiving power from an external device and for the telemetry of information to and from an external device. The opto-switch is coupled to the resonant circuit, but because its input is electrically decoupled from its output, it easy to control.

IMPLANTABLE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS INCLUDING NEUROSTIMULATION CIRCUITS, DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

A neurostimulation array comprising a first implantable neurostimulator storing a first identification code in a non-volatile memory and responding to communications including said first identification code, a second implantable neurostimulator storing a second identification code in a non-volatile memory and responding to communications including said second identification code, and a polymer connector attached to said first implantable neurostimulator and said second implantable neurostimulator, thereby forming a neurostimulation array.

RECEIVER WITH DUAL BAND PASS FILTERS AND DEMODULATION CIRCUITRY FOR AN EXTERNAL CONTROLLER USEABLE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM

Receiver and demodulation circuitry for an external controller for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The circuitry comprises two high Quality-factor band pass filters (BFPs) connected in series. Each BFP is tuned to a different center frequency, such that these center frequencies are outside the band of frequencies transmitted form the IMD. The resulting frequency response is suitably wide to receive the band without attenuation, but sharply rejects noise outside of the band. The resulting filtered signal is input to a comparator to produce a square wave of the filtered signal, which maintains the frequencies of the received signal and is suitable for input to a digital input of a microcontroller in the external controller. Demodulation of the square wave occurs in the microcontroller, and involves assessing the time between transitions in the square wave. These transmission timings are compared to expected transition times for the logic states in the transmitted data. The results ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTRA-BODY ULTRASOUND COMMUNICATION

An intra-body ultrasonic signal can be converted into a first electrical signal, a local oscillator signal can be generated in an implantable system. The first electrical signal and the local oscillator signal can be mixed in an implantable system, such as to generate a demodulated signal, processed, such as using a filter. The filtered, demodulated signal can be further processed, such as implantably determining a peak amplitude of the first portion of the demodulated signal received from the filter over a time interval, implantably generating a dynamic tracking threshold that starts at an amplitude proportional the first portion of the demodulated signal and exponentially decays over a time interval, and determining a noise floor in the absence of a received intra-body ultrasonic signal and implantably comparing the peak amplitude and the tracking threshold and generate the digital output based on the difference.

A VOICE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANT

A system for the control of an implant (32) in a body (11), comprising first (10, 20) and second parts (12) which communicate with each other. The first part (10, 20) is adapted for implantation and for control of and communication with the medical implant (32), and the second part (12) is adapted to be worn on the outside of the body (11) in contact with the body and to receive control commands from a user and to transmit them to the first part (10, 20). The body (11) is used as a conductor for communication between the first (10, 20) and the second (12) parts. The second part (12) is adapted to receive and recognize voice control commands from a user and to transform them into signals which are transmitted to the first part (10, 20) via the body (11).

NEURAL STIMULATOR SYSTEM

An implantable neural stimulator includes one or more electrodes, a first antenna, and one or more circuits. The one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue. The first antenna is a dipole antenna and is configured to receive an input signal containing electrical energy. The one or more circuits are configured to create one or more electrical pulses suitable using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes such that the one or more electrodes apply the one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue; generate a stimulus feedback signal; and send the stimulus feedback signal to the dipole antenna such that the dipole antenna transmits the stimulus feedback signal to the second antenna through electrical radiative coupling.

PULSED MAGNETIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR INTERLOCKING FUNCTIONS OF BATTERY POWERED LIVING TISSUE STIMULATORS

A magnetic control system for selectively enabling/disabling an implantable device's operation using externally applied pulsed magnetic means, e.g., a controlled electromagnet (190) or the like.

ANTENNA PROVIDING VARIABLE COMMUNICATION WITH AN IMPLANT

A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device.

Bi-directional telemetry system for use with microstimulator

An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bidirectional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.

Programmer for biostimulator system

A biostimulator system comprises one or more implantable devices and an external programmer configured for communicating with the implantable device or devices via bidirectional communication pathways comprising a receiving pathway that decodes information encoded on stimulation pulses generated by ones of the implantable device or devices and conducted through body tissue to the external programmer.

CONFIGURABLE MEDICAL TELEMETRY RADIO SYSTEM

A system including an external medical data telemetry device to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The external medical data telemetry device includes a processor, a reconfigurable radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuit, at least one far-field antenna, and a user interface. The reconfigurable RF transceiver circuit modulates an outgoing IMD data signal and demodulates an incoming IMD data signal using a modulation type that is selectable from a plurality of modulation types by the processor. The processor selects the modulation type using information entered by a user through the user interface.

Switched reactance modulated E-class oscillator design

A modulated Class E transmitter is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the modulated Class E oscillator achieves high coil currents (~1 A) and voltages (~500V) with low power components by precisely timed injection of current when the oscillating current in the inductor passes through zero. A detector circuit is used to trigger the current injection at the appropriate instant regardless of changes in the resonant frequency of the system. Its phase can be adjusted to compensate for propagation delays in the drive circuitry, while amplitude modulation is accomplished by switching in additional reactive conductance to increase the current injected into the tank circuit. Frequency modulation is accomplished in an alternate embodiment.

Ambulatory medical apparatus and method using a telemetry system with predefined reception listening periods

An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.

CONTROLLED TITRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY

Leadless cardiac pacemaker and system

Bidirectional telemetry system and method for transmitting data at high transmission rate

A bi-directional telemetry system includes an implanted unit (100) that allows a high-speed transfer of digital data with minimal complexity of the electronic circuitry. A corresponding external unit (102) is capable of decoding the high-data-rate transmitted information and, in turn, communicates with the implanted unit using pulse amplitude modulation. The data transmission rate of the implanted unit (100) to the external device (102) is 32 kbps, a four-fold increase over conventional data transmission rates, without increasing the carrier frequency. To this end, the implanted unit (100) using a modified implementation of the quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) method that generates the required symbols for readily available squarewave signals. Simulated sinewaves are generated within the transmitter (205) by an inverting amplifier stage (240) with variable input resistance determined by a pair of switches (51, 52) that are ultimately controlled by 16k and 32k clocks (CLK2, CLK3) in ...

TELEMETRY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR ANALOG AND DIGITAL DATA FROM AN IMPLANTED SOURCE

An improved telemetry transmission system (10) for transmitting electrocardiographic information, indications of the occurrence of the pacing pulse and digitally encoded information from an implanted pacer, drug dispensing device or the like to a remote receiver (12). Two-way telemetry is provided by switch (32) which tunes the tank circuit (40, 42) by means of a capacitor (44) to receive external control signals.

BIDIRECTIONAL INDUCTIVE TRANSMISSION OF DATA WITH SLAVE STATION SUPPLIED BY THE MASTER

The aim of the invention is to provide, at the same time, a bidirectional transmission of data between a master system (EM), and a slave system (RE), and the electric power supply of the slave system (RE) from the electromagnetic energy emitted by the master system (EM). During the emission of data by way of an electromagnetic signal by the master system (EM), the impedance of the slave system is modulated according to data to be transmitted from the slave system (RE) to the master system (EM), the variations of the electrical features of the master system (EM) induced by said modulation of the impedance of the slave system (RE), said data is restored from said detected variations and the circuits and/or loads (K) of the slave system (RE) are supplied with energy derived from the electromagnetic signal received by the reception antenna (A) of the slave system (RE).

ADJUSTMENT OF ADVERTISING INTERVAL IN COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE

УСТРОЙСТВО ОБРАБОТКИ СИГНАЛОВ И СПОСОБ СВЯЗИ С ИМПЛАНТИРУЕМЫМ МЕДИЦИНСКИМ УСТРОЙСТВОМ

Изобретение относится к области передачи цифровых данных и энергии. Технический результат заключается в повышении устойчивости алгоритма детектирования. Устройство обработки сигналов для связи с имплантируемым медицинским устройством содержит внешний процессор, связанный с возможностью передачи сигнала о данных имплантата имплантируемому медицинскому устройству, содержащего последовательность логических состояний "высокое" (HI) и "низкое" (LOW) при фиксированной скорости передачи двоичных разрядов данных и регулирующего длительности импульсов, выбранных из группы заданных значений длительности импульсов, в соответствии с правильными телеметрическими данными обратной связи, полученными от имплантируемого медицинского устройства, для оптимизации передачи данных. 2 н. и 8 з.п. ф-лы, 5 ил.

УСТРОЙСТВО ОБРАБОТКИ СИГНАЛОВ И СПОСОБ СВЯЗИ С ИМПЛАНТИРУЕМЫМ МЕДИЦИНСКИМ УСТРОЙСТВОМ

... 1. Устройство обработки сигналов для связи с имплантируемым медицинским устройством, включающее внешний процессор, связанный с возможностью передачи сигнала о данных имплантата имплантируемому медицинскому устройству, содержащего последовательность логических состояний "высокое" (HI) и "низкое" (LOW) при фиксированной скорости передачи двоичных разрядов данных и регулирующего длительности импульсов в соответствии с телеметрическими данными обратной связи, полученными от имплантируемого медицинского устройства, для оптимизации передачи данных. ! 2. Устройство по п.1, в котором внешний процессор установлен с возможностью передачи индуктивной связи. ! 3. Устройство по п.1, в котором внешний процессор установлен с возможностью передачи высокочастотного радиодиапазона 3 - 30 МГц. ! 4. Устройство по п.1, в котором сигнал данных имплантата представлен в манчестерском коде. ! 5. Устройство по п.1, в котором регулируемые длительности импульсов выбраны из группы заданных значений длительности импульсов ...

VERFAHREN UND GERÄT ZUR NACHRICHTENÜBERTRAGUNG ZWISCHEN VORRICHTUNGEN MIT EINER VERBESSERTEN FEHLERERKENNUNG

TRANSMISSION METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION WITH A IMPLANTIERTEN MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

STEERED TITRATION OF A NEURO STIMULATION THERAPY

BIDIREKTIONELLE INDUCTIVE DATA COMMUNICATION ALSO OF THE MASTER OF OPERATIONS UNTERSTATION.

TELEMETERIC MODULATION MINUTES PROCEDURE FOR MEDICAL DEVICES

Communications in a medical device system

Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, an implantable medical device comprising may comprise one or more electrodes and a controller coupled to the electrodes. The controller may be configured to receive a first communication pulse at a first communication pulse time and a second communication pulse at a second communication pulse time via the one or more electrodes. The controller may further be configured to identify one of three or more symbols based at least in part on the time difference between the first communication pulse time and the second communication pulse time.

Estimation of harmonic frequencies for hearing implant sound coding using active contour models

A signal processing arrangement generates electrical stimulation signals to electrode contacts in an implanted cochlear implant array. An input sound signal is processed to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. A spectrogram representative of frequency spectrum present in the input sound signal is generated. A characteristic envelope signal is produced for each band pass signal based on its amplitude. An active contour model is applied to estimate dominant frequencies present in the spectrogram, and the estimate is used to generate stimulation timing signals for the input sound signal. The electrode stimulation signals are produced for each electrode contact based on the envelope signals and the stimulation timing signals.

Neural stimulator system

An implantable neural stimulator includes one or more electrodes, a first antenna, and one or more circuits. The one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue. The first antenna is a dipole antenna and is configured to receive an input signal containing electrical energy. The one or more circuits are configured to create one or more electrical pulses suitable using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes such that the one or more electrodes apply the one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue; generate a stimulus feedback signal; and send the stimulus feedback signal to the dipole antenna such that the dipole antenna transmits the stimulus feedback signal to the second antenna through electrical radiative coupling.

Apparatus and methods for implant coupling indication

A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit.

Electrode configuration for implantable modulator

A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve.

Apparatus and method for detecting a sleep disordered breathing precursor

A device according to some embodiments may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject. The device may also include at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna and configured to receive a condition signal from an implantable device, the condition signal indicative of a precursor to sleep disordered breathing, and cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to the implantable device, in response to the condition signal, to stimulate at least one nerve in response to the precursor to sleep disordered breathing.

Apparatus and methods for feedback-based nerve modulation

A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured to communicate with a circuit implanted in the subject within proximity to a tongue of the subject, wherein the circuit is in electrical communication with at least one electrode, receive a physiological signal from the subject via the circuit, and send a control signal to the implanted circuit in response to the physiological signal, wherein the control signal is predetermined to activate neuromuscular tissue within the tongue.

CARDIAC MONITORING APPARATUS

PROGRAMMER FOR IMPLANTED PACER

A plurality of programming bits are placed into a parallel in-serially out register. When the programmer is activated, a monostable resets a counter, and energizes an oscillator which clocks the counter. Three subintervals from the counter are utilized for pulse width modulation of the programing signals. Once for each bit, the output is energized and begins transmitting pulses at the lowest subinterval rate. Depending upon the logic state of each bit, the transmission pulse is terminated either at the second or the third subinterval time.

LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION RF TELEMETRY CONTROL FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

A frequency synthesizer of an IMD functions in a PLL LOCK mode. The VCO frequency is governed by the PLL and an energy saving HOLD mode. The VCO generated carrier frequency can drift over time. The PLL is coupled with a control voltage of the VCO to develop a frequency control voltage during initial LOCK portions of telemetry transmission. The carrier frequency is modulated during uplink transmission of patient data. An AFC algorithm derives a frequency correction value from the difference in frequency of the constant received carrier frequency and the drifting VCO generated carrier frequency. A frequency correction value is applied to the VCO FM input. A recharge current is also applied to the capacitive loop filter.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY DELIVERY AS A FUNCTION OF DEGREE OF COUPLING

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR IMPLANT COUPLING INDICATION

A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit.

DEVICE OF TELEMETRY FOR STIMULATIVE PLANTABLE

METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TRANSFER WITH IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE

PURPOSE: A method for wireless communication transfer with an implanted medical device is provided not only to enlarge the transmission region for a medical device implanted in a human body and reduce the transmission output of the medical device, but also to maintain the transmission quality. CONSTITUTION: A message input signal (S1,g4) undergoes angular modulation in a transmitter (2-8, 16-26) and reaches a receiver via a transmission channel (11-15,16-26). The transmitter produces angularly modulated pulses having a frequency spectrum and carrying information, in such a way that said pulses can be time-compressed in the transmitter by means of a filter(13) with a frequency dependent transit time, especially a dispersion filter(13,32,33) so that pulses with reduced duration and higher amplitude can arise, and at least one part of the information that makes up the message is impressed after a further modulation or message technology coding process and is subsequently received and/or at ...

NEURAL STIMULATOR SYSTEM

PREDICTIVE BACKGROUND DATA TRANSFER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

Data is transferred from an implantable medical device (IMD) to one or more external devices passively in the background of an active communications session based on a prediction of data that will be requested by a user.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

An external medical device generates a drive signal inductively coupled to an implantable coil from an external coil. A regulator module coupled to the implantable coil generates an output signal in response to the inductively coupled signal and a feedback signal correlated to an amplitude of the inductively coupled signal. A signal generator receives the output signal for generating a therapeutic electrical stimulation signal. The control module adjusts the drive signal in response to the feedback signal to control the electrical stimulation signal.

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FEEDBACK-BASED NERVE MODULATION

A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured to communicate with a circuit implanted in the subject within proximity to a tongue of the subject, wherein the circuit is in electrical communication with at least one electrode, receive a physiological signal from the subject via the circuit, and send a control signal to the implanted circuit in response to the physiological signal, wherein the control signal is predetermined to activate neuromuscular tissue within the tongue.

Data communication in a transcutaneous energy transfer system

Disclosed are systems and methods for use of an inductive link for a communication channel in a transcutaneous energy transfer system.

Microprocessor controlled ambulatory medical apparatus with hand held communication device

An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external ...

Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea using implantable electrodes

Electrodes are implanted at strategic locations within a patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In a preferred method, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.

Receiver With Dual Band Pass Filters and Demodulation Circuitry for an External Controller Useable in an Implantable Medical Device System

Receiver and demodulation circuitry for an external controller for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The circuitry comprises two high Quality-factor band pass filters (BFPs) connected in series. Each BFP is tuned to a different center frequency, such that these center frequencies are outside the band of frequencies transmitted form the IMD. The resulting frequency response is suitably wide to receive the band without attenuation, but sharply rejects noise outside of the band. The resulting filtered signal is input to a comparator to produce a square wave of the filtered signal, which maintains the frequencies of the received signal and is suitable for input to a digital input of a microcontroller in the external controller. Demodulation of the square wave occurs in the microcontroller, and involves assessing the time between transitions in the square wave. These transmission timings are compared to expected transition times for the logic states in the transmitted data. The results ...

Apparatus and method for electrically administered seizure therapy using titration in the current domain

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea using implantable electrodes

Electrodes are implanted at strategic locations within a patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In a preferred method, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

A medical device system for delivering a neuromodulation therapy includes a delivery tool for deploying an implantable medical device at a neuromodulation therapy site. The implantable medical device includes a housing, an electronic circuit within the housing, and an electrical lead comprising a lead body extending between a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing and at least one electrode carried by the lead body. The delivery tool includes a first cavity for receiving the housing and a second cavity for receiving the lead. The first cavity and the second cavity are in direct communication for receiving and deploying the housing and the lead coupled to the housing concomitantly as a single unit.

Apparatus and methods for implant coupling indication

A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit.

Systems and methods for cooperative invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation

Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYTE DATA TELEMETRY

Sample-and-hold digital phase-locked loop for ASK signals

PROGRAMMER FOR IMPLANTED PACER

Körperleitungspfad in einem Kommunikationssystem einer medizinischen Vorrichtung.

Transcutaneous energy and information transmission apparatus

CHOPPER MIXER TELEMETRIESCHALTUNG

Transcutaneous modulated power link for a medical implant

A medical implant system such a Direct Acoustic Cochlear Stimulation and method for generating a transcutaneous link between an external module and an internal module. A signal is generated in the external module by modulating an input signal using pulse modulation and then further modulating the pulse modulated signal using digital modulation. In the internal module, the received signal is processed using digital demodulation, the digitally demodulated signal being applied to the input of an amplifier to generate a control signal to control an actuator of the implant. A power component may also be extracted from the received signal in the internal module.

Apparatus and methods for feedback-based nerve modulation

A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured to communicate with a circuit implanted in the subject within proximity to a tongue of the subject, wherein the circuit is in electrical communication with at least one electrode, receive a physiological signal from the subject via the circuit, and send a control signal to the implanted circuit in response to the physiological signal, wherein the control signal is predetermined to activate neuromuscular tissue within the tongue.

HIGH SPEED DIGITAL TELEMETRY SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES

MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED CLASS E DRIVER

MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED CLASS E DRIVER

A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying ("FSK") module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING ENERGY AS A FUNCTION OF CONDITION SEVERITY

A device for regulating energy delivery to an implanted circuit is disclosed. The device may include at least one implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes in electrical communication with the circuit. The at least one pair of implantable electrodes may be configured to modulate at least one nerve. The at least one implantable circuit may be configured deliver a signal to the at least one pair of implantable electrodes. The signal may have at least one of a power level or a duration determined based on a severity of a detected physiologic condition.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A SLEEP DISORDER BASED ON POSITIONING OF THE TONGUE

Devices and methods are disclosed that include an external unit comprising at least one processor. The processor may be configured to receive a signal indicative of tongue movement in a subject from an implant unit implanted in the subject, determine whether the tongue movement is representative of sleep disordered breathing, generate a modulation control signal to correct the sleep disordered breathing when the at least one processor determines an occurrence of sleep disordered breathing.

TRANSCUTANEOUS ENERGY AND INFORMATION TRANSMISSION APPARATUS

An apparatus for transcutaneously transmitting a power signal to, and communicating first and second information signals with, an implantable device. The apparatus can include an external unit having first power means for generating the power signal; first signalling means for generating the first information signal; first receiving means for receiving the second information signal; and first coupling means for independently coupling the power signal and said first information signal. The apparatus can also include an internal unit having second power means for receiving the power signal; second signalling means for generating the second information signal; second receiving means for receiving the first information signal; and second coupling means for independently coupling the power signal and the second information signal. The first power means transmits the power signal at a power frequency, and the first signalling means can transmit the first information signal at a frequency greater ...

Dispositif de transmission bidirectionnelle d'informations à récepteur alimenté par l'émetteur.

L'invention vise à fournir un procédé permettant à un système esclave (RE) alimenté à partir de l'énergie électromagnétique émise par un système maître, de transmettre, avec une consommation minimale en énergie électrique, des informations au système maître. A cet effet, pendant l'émission d'un signal radioélectrique par le système maître (EM), on module l'impédance du système esclave (RE) en fonction des informations à transmettre du système esclave (RE) au système maître (EM), on détecte des variations de caractéristiques électriques du système maître (EM) induites par ladite modulation de l'impédance du système esclave (RE), et on reconstitue lesdites informations à partir desdites variations détectées.

APPARATUS FOR SENSING AND TRANSMITTING A PULSE FOR THE ARTIFICIAL STIMULATION

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

Various embodiments of a minimally invasive implantable medical device (IMD) system are described. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device system includes an external device for transmitting a communication signal and an implantable device for receiving the communication signal by inductive coupling. The implantable device is configured to harvest power from the inductively coupled communication signal and power a signal generator from the harvested power to generate a therapeutic electrical stimulation signal.

NEURAL STIMULATOR SYSTEM

An implantable neural stimulator includes one or more electrodes, a first antenna, and one or more circuits. The one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue. The first antenna is a dipole antenna and is configured to receive an input signal containing electrical energy. The one or more circuits are configured to create one or more electrical pulses suitable using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes such that the one or more electrodes apply the one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue; generate a stimulus feedback signal; and send the stimulus feedback signal to the dipole antenna such that the dipole antenna transmits the stimulus feedback signal to the second antenna through electrical radiative coupling.

MEDICAL DEVICE IDENTIFIER

A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider. The portal device ...

Ambulatory medical apparatus and method using a robust communication protocol

An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.

Wireless ECG sensor system and method

A wireless ECG sensor system includes a sensor patch configured to attach to a user. The sensor patch may include a substrate having a positive and a negative electrode, and a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder carried by the substrate. The RFID may include a first antenna, a non-transitory and non-volatile storage medium in electrical communication with the first antenna, a load modulation switch in electrical communication with the first antenna, and a microcontroller in electrical communication with the first antenna and in data communication with both the storage medium and the load modulation switch. The system may also include an interrogator device having a second antenna configured to wirelessly transmit electromagnetic radiation having a resonant frequency of the first antenna of the sensor patch, and a demodulator configured to measure a voltage amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted by the second antenna.

Telemetry of Implanted Electrode Contacts During MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) telemetry arrangement and process for a cochlear implant system are described. Electrode current is measured that is induced in a cochlear implant electrode lead during an MRI process performed on an implanted patient. An MRI telemetry signal for an external telemetry sensor is then output based on the measured electrode current.

Configurable medical telemetry radio system

A system including an external medical data telemetry device to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The external medical data telemetry device includes a processor, a reconfigurable radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuit, at least one far-field antenna, and a user interface. The reconfigurable RF transceiver circuit modulates an outgoing IMD data signal and demodulates an incoming IMD data signal using a modulation type that is selectable from a plurality of modulation types by the processor. The processor selects the modulation type using information entered by a user through the user interface.

Communications between a plurality of medical devices using time delays between communication pulses between symbols

Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, an implantable medical device comprising may comprise one or more electrodes and a controller coupled to the electrodes. The controller may be configured to receive a first communication pulse at a first communication pulse time and a second communication pulse at a second communication pulse time via the one or more electrodes. The controller may further be configured to identify one of three or more symbols based at least in part on the time difference between the first communication pulse time and the second communication pulse time.

Charging and Communication System for a Battery-Powered Microstimulator

A system and method are provided for both recharging and communicating with a stimulator having a rechargeable battery, which stimulator is implanted deeply in the body, in particular where the stimulator is a microstimulator, the system includes a base station and an external device, for instance a chair pad. The chair pad may contain an antenna/charging coil and a booster coil. The antenna/charging coil can be used for charging the rechargeable battery and also for communicating with the stimulator using frequency shift keying and on-off keying. The booster coil can be used to recharge a battery depleted to zero volts. The base station connected to the chair pad may be used to power the antenna/charging coil and the booster coil.

Antenna For An Implantable Medical Device

This disclosure describes antenna structures for use in an implantable medical device. The antenna structure may include an inner portion that is magnetically coupled to an outer portion. In one example, the inner and outer portions comprise conductive loops. In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, a capacitive sensor is electrically coupled to one of the conductive loops of the antenna of the implantable medical device. As the capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes as a function of the sensed parameter, an impedance of the antenna varies with the output of the capacitive sensor. This variation in impedance of the antenna modulates a carrier signal with the measured parameter. In other words, the measured parameter is modulated onto the carrier signal as a change in amplitude caused by variation in impedance of antenna during radiation/transmission.

Apparatus And Methods For Wireless Communication Via Electrical Pulses Conducted By The Interstitial Tissues Of The Body For An Active Implantable Medical Device

An active implantable medical device having wireless communication of data via electrical pulses conducted by the interstitial tissues of the body. This device ( 12, 14 ) includes a pair of electrodes ( 22, 24 ) and generates pulse trains consisting of a series of electrical pulses applied to the electrodes. The pulse train is modulated by digital information (data) that is produced by the device. A regulated current or voltage source ( 42 ) is used to generate ( 44, 48 ) current or voltage pulses to form the pulse train. Each current or voltage pulse is a biphasic pulse comprising a positive and negative alternation. The biphasic current or voltage modulated by the digital information, is injected between the electrodes ( 22, 24 ) and wirelessly communicated.

Telemetry control for implantable medical devices

An implantable medical device (IMD) and method are provided in which a telemetry module in the IMD includes a configurable polling interval at which the telemetry module is powered up from a low power inactive state to perform sniff operations for detecting whether communication signals are being received from an external device. The IMD includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, a controller receiving data from the sensor, and the telemetry module coupled to the controller for facilitating communication between the IMD and an external device. The polling interval of the telemetry module is configured based upon the parameter(s) sensed by the sensor, such that the polling interval is configured to conserve power consumption of the IMD. The polling interval is either decreased or increased to respectively increase or decrease the frequency of the sniff operations based on the parameters sensed at the IMD.

Method and apparatus of acoustic communication for implantable medical device

An implantable medical device includes an acoustic transducer for intra-body communication with another medical device via an acoustic couple. The acoustic transducer includes one or more piezoelectric transducers. In one embodiment, an implantable medical device housing contains a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device and an acoustic communication circuit. The acoustic transducer is electrically connected to the acoustic communication circuit to function as an acoustic coupler and physically fastened to a wall of the implantable housing, directly or via a supporting structure.

Methods for low power communication in an implantable medical device

The present invention is directed to an implantable medical device and a method for power management for power efficient use of RF telemetry during, for example, conditions where long periods of continuous monitoring of the device and the patient is desired such as during MRI procedures. A protocol module adapted to, at receipt of a low power protocol indication, activate and use a low power protocol for communication between the device and external units. The protocol module is capable of switching between different communication protocols including a low power communication protocol and a default RF communication protocol depending on, for example, whether continuous long-term monitoring of the patient is performed. During the low power communication protocol, the protocol module is adapted to select parts of stored electrophysical and/or hemodynamical signal waveforms for telemetric transmission and to create communication packages having a predetermined length using the selected parts of the electrophysiological and/or hemodynamical signal waveform. Further, a transmitter is instructed to transmit the communication packages at predetermined transmission intervals and the telemetry module is instructed to power down the transmitter or set the transmitter in a lowest possible activation state during intermediate periods between the transmission intervals.

Controlled titration of neurostimulation therapy

Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion.

Predictive background data transfer for implantable medical devices

Data is transferred from an implantable medical device (IMD) to one or more external devices passively in the background of an active communications session based on a prediction of data that will be requested by a user.

Systems and Methods for Determining a Sleep Disorder Based on Positioning of the Tongue

Devices and methods are disclosed that include an external unit comprising at least one processor. The processor may be configured to receive a signal indicative of tongue movement in a subject from an implant unit implanted in the subject, determine whether the tongue movement is representative of sleep disordered breathing, generate a modulation control signal to correct the sleep disordered breathing when the at least one processor determines an occurrence of sleep disordered breathing.

Devices and Methods for Delivering Energy as a Function of Condition Severity

A device for regulating energy delivery to an implanted circuit is disclosed. The device may include at least one implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes in electrical communication with the circuit. The at least one pair of implantable electrodes may be configured to modulate at least one nerve. The at least one implantable circuit may be configured deliver a signal to the at least one pair of implantable electrodes. The signal may have at least one of a power level or a duration determined based on a severity of a detected physiologic condition.

Apparatus and Method to Control an Implant

A device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing configured to retain a battery, a primary antenna associated with the housing, and at least one processor in electrical communication with the battery and the primary antenna. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device during a treatment session of at least three hours in duration, wherein the primary signal is generated using power supplied by the battery and includes a pulse train, the pulse train including a plurality of modulation pulses.

Device and Method for Modulating Nerves Using Parallel Electric Fields

A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.

System and Method for Nerve Modulation Using Noncontacting Electrodes

An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject may include an antenna configured to receive a signal. The implant unit may also include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured to be implanted into the body of the subject in the vicinity of at least one nerve to be modulated, the at least one pair of modulation electrodes being configured to receive an applied electric signal in response to the signal received by the antenna and generate an electrical field to modulate the at least one nerve from a position where the at least one pair of modulation electrodes does not contact the at least one nerve.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RF WAKE-UP OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

A telemetry system is presented for enabling wireless communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its wireless communication circuitry. A wakeup scheme for the implantable device is provided in which the external device transmits a data segment containing a repeating sequence of special wakeup characters in order to establish a communications session with the implantable device. The wakeup scheme may be designed to operate in the context of a handshaking protocol for collision avoidance. 1. A telemetry system for enabling wireless communications between an implantable medical device and an external remote monitor (RM) , comprising:a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a controller incorporated into each of the implantable medical device and the RM;a wakeup timer incorporated into the implantable device;wherein the transmitter and receiver of the implantable device are interfaced to the controller to enable the transmitter and receiver to be independently powered up or down;wherein the RM is programmed to transmit a data segment containing a repeating sequence of special wakeup characters in order to establish a wireless communications session with the implantable device; power up its receiver for a specified time window at periodic intervals to wait for receipt of a special wakeup character transmitted by the RM;', 'maintain its receiver and place its transmitter in a powered-up state upon receipt of the special character and for as long as consecutive special wakeup characters continue to be received; and', 'transmit an acknowledge signal upon receipt of at least one character other than a special wakeup character; and, 'wherein the implantable device is configured to establish a communications session with the implantable device when a response to the acknowledge signal is received by the implantable device; and', 'adjust a periodic ...

HIGH-VOLTAGE CMOS NEUROELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR A MULTICHANNEL VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS

A multichannel vestibular prosthesis includes a sensor system and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the sensor system to receive sensor signals from the sensor system while in operation. The microcontroller is configured to provide control signals in response to the sensor signals. The multichannel vestibular prosthesis also includes a neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit configured to communicate with the microcontroller to receive the control signals, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit. The neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit includes a digital controller configured to communicate with the microcontroller, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters configured to communicate with the digital controller, and a plurality of analog current control circuits, each constructed to communicate with a respective one of the plurality of digital-to-analog converters. Each of the plurality of analog current control circuits can be electrically connected directly or under software control to a respective one of a plurality of electrodes for delivering electrical stimuli to at least one vestibular nerve, and the digital controller is configured to control amplitudes, frequencies, polarities and durations of currents to be delivered to any combination of the plurality of electrical leads. 1. A multichannel vestibular prosthesis , comprising:a sensor system;a microcontroller configured to communicate with said sensor system to receive sensor signals from said sensor system while in operation, said microcontroller configured to provide control signals in response to said sensor signals;a neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit configured to communicate with said microcontroller to receive said control signals; anda plurality of electrodes electrically connected to said neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit, a digital controller configured to communicate with said ...

Charge control for high voltage therapy energy storage component

Techniques for controlling charging of a high voltage therapy energy storage component are provided to reduce any undesirable impact from charging during unusual operating conditions. Unusual operating conditions may be caused by any of a number of external factors, including saturation of charging transformer core, circuit failures, capacitor mismatches, or the like, which may result in an unexpected power supply voltage drop or abnormally high currents through device components. An implantable medical device may comprise a power source, a therapy module that includes at least one energy storage component, and a charging module coupled between the power source and the therapy module. The charging module is configured to obtain a measurement representative of an average power drawn from the power source and to terminate charging of the at least one energy storage component based at least on the measurement representative of an average power drawn from the power source.

Rf-powered communication for implantable device

A communication circuit of an implantable device is coupled to a power source (e.g., including a battery) upon receipt of a radiofrequency (RF) signal at the implantable device. A circuit that controls whether the communication circuit is to be coupled to the power source obtains its power from the received RF signal. Thus, the implantable device is able to perform RF signal monitoring (e.g., RF “sniffing”) without using battery power. Battery power is then used for subsequent communication operations after it has been determined that the implantable device is receiving RF signals (e.g., from a verified external device).

Antenna Providing Variable Communication With An Implant

A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device. 114-. (canceled)15. A device , comprising:a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject,at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna, the at least one processor configured to:cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes,wherein the processor is further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted to cause a current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes below a neuromuscular modulation threshold when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted to cause a current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes above a neuromuscular modulation threshold when received by the implantable device.16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive via the primary antenna claim 15 , a condition signal from an implantable device in ...

Modulator Apparatus Configured for Implantation

An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossal nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.

System and method for nerve modulation using noncontacting electrodes

An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject may include an antenna configured to receive a signal. The implant unit may also include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured to be implanted into the body of the subject in the vicinity of at least one nerve to be modulated, the at least one pair of modulation electrodes being configured to receive an applied electric signal in response to the signal received by the antenna and generate an electrical field to modulate the at least one nerve from a position where the at least one pair of modulation electrodes does not contact the at least one nerve.

DATA COMMUNICATION IN A TRANSCUTANEOUS ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM

Disclosed are systems and methods for use of an inductive link for a communication channel in a transcutaneous energy transfer system. An example system may include a resonant circuit associated with an external primary, a power transistor connected to the resonant circuit and configured to drive the resonant circuit with a first time-varying electrical signal having a frequency, and a power driver connected to the power transistor that is configured to set the frequency of the first time-varying electrical signal to a resonant frequency to enable power transfer from the external primary to an implanted secondary. The example system may further include a communication driver operatively connected to the power transistor and configured to encode the first time-varying electrical signal with a data signal by modulating an attribute of the time-varying electrical signal as electrical power is transferred from the external primary to the implanted secondary. 1. A system for communicating data in an transcutaneous energy transfer system , comprisinga resonant circuit associated with an external primary;a power transistor connected to the resonant circuit and configured to drive the resonant circuit with a first time-varying electrical signal having a frequency;a power driver connected to the power transistor and configured to set the frequency of the first time-varying electrical signal to a resonant frequency to enable power transfer from the external primary to an implanted secondary; anda communication driver operatively connected to the power transistor and configured to encode the first time-varying electrical signal with a data signal by modulating an attribute of the time-varying electrical signal as electrical power is transferred from the external primary to the implanted secondary.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein:the first time-varying electrical signal induces a second time-varying electrical signal in the implanted secondary; andthe implanted secondary ...

Bilateral Matching of Frequencies and Delays for Hearing Implant Stimulation

A bilateral hearing implant system has a left side and a right side. There is an interaural time delay (ITD) processing module on each side that adjusts ITD characteristics of the stimulation signals based on defined groups of stimulation channels that include: i. an apical channel group on each side corresponding to a lowest range of audio frequencies up to a common apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of one or more stimulation channels is assigned to each apical channel group, and wherein corresponding apical channel group stimulation channels on each side have matching bands of audio frequencies, and ii. one or more basal channel groups on each side corresponding to higher range audio frequencies above the apical channel group upper frequency limit. 1. A bilateral hearing implant system having a left side and a right side , the system comprising:a plurality of audio processing stages on each side configured to process input audio signals to generate corresponding neural tissue stimulation signals using a plurality of stimulation channels each having an assigned band of audio frequencies; i. an apical channel group on each side corresponding to a lowest range of audio frequencies up to a common apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of one or more stimulation channels is assigned to each apical channel group, and wherein corresponding apical channel group stimulation channels on each side have matching bands of audio frequencies; and', 'ii. one or more basal channel groups on each side corresponding to higher range audio frequencies above the apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of basal channel groups are defined on each side, and wherein one or more stimulation channels are assigned to each basal channel group;, 'wherein the audio processing stages on each side include an interaural time delay (ITD) processing module configured for adjusting ITD characteristics of the ...

SINGLE CHANNEL COCHLEAR IMPLANT ARTIFACT ATTENUATION IN LATE AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIALS

Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods and systems for attenuating artifacts in single channel cochlear implants. Both high and low frequency artifacts can be attenuating using embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems. In some embodiments, low-pass filters, impedance balancing, and DC artifact estimation can be used, alone or in combination, to attenuate or completely remove artifacts in single channel cochlear implants. 1. A single channel artifact cancelation method , the method comprising:recording a single channel neural response signal from a patient using at least one electrode, wherein the neural response signal comprises at least one high frequency artifact, at least one low frequency artifact, and an attenuated neural response signal;attenuating the high frequency artifact by passing the recorded signal through a low-pass filter; andattenuating the low frequency artifact by balancing impedance in the at least one electrode;wherein, if the low frequency artifact remains after balancing impedance in the at least one electrode, further attenuating the low frequency artifact by estimating the low frequency artifact and subtracting the estimate from the recorded signal; andwherein the attenuated neural response signal is obtained after the attenuations.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuated neural response signal is obtained by using the equation:{'br': None, 'i': NR', 't', 't', 'DCA', 't, 'sub': f', 'est, '()≈SIG()−()'}{'sub': f', 'est, 'wherein t is time, NR(t) is the attenuated neural response signal, SIG(t) is the recorded signal, and DCA(t) is the estimated low frequency artifact.'}3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the artifacts are completely removed after the method is performed.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neural response signal is represented by the equation:{'br': None, 'i': t', 'NR', 't', 'HFA', 't', 'DCA', 't, 'SIG()=()+()+()'}wherein t is time, SIG(t) is the recorded signal, NR(t) is the attenuated neural response ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING NEUROSTIMULATION DOSING

Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy. 1. (canceled)2. A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) , comprising:delivering a neurostimulation therapy using the IMD, wherein a prescribed dose of the neurostimulation therapy corresponds to a lower charge limit over a period of time;monitoring a delivered dose of the neurostimulation therapy with respect to the prescribed dose using the IMD to determine whether the delivered dose is delivering an amount of charge at least equal to the lower charge limit over the period of time; and declaring a fault if the monitored delivered dose does not deliver the amount of charge at least equal to the lower charge limit; or', 'recording data for the monitored delivered dose of the neurostimulation therapy., 'performing an action using the IMD, including3. The method of claim 2 , wherein monitoring the delivered dose of the neurostimulation therapy with respect to the prescribed dose includes monitoring charge depletion for a time period and comparing the monitored charge depletion against a limit corresponding to the prescribed dose.4. The method of claim 2 , ...

Systems and methods for monitoring neurostimulation dosing

Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy.

Signaling Error Conditions in an Implantable Medical Device System Using Simple Charging Coil Telemetry

The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action.

LEADLESS CARDIAC PACEMAKER FOR GENERATING CARDIAC PRESSURE VOLUME LOOP

A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart. The LCP may include a housing, a first electrode secured relative to the housing, a second electrode secured relative to the housing, and a pressure sensor secured relative to the housing and coupled to the environment outside of the housing. The LCP may further include circuitry in the housing in communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the pressure sensor. The circuitry may be configured to determine and store a plurality of impedance-pressure data pairs, from which a representation of a pressure-volume loop may be determined. 1. A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart , the LCP comprising:a housing;a first electrode secured relative to the housing and exposed to the environment outside of the housing;a second electrode secured relative to the housing and exposed to the environment outside of the housing, the second electrode is spaced from the first electrode;a pressure sensor secured relative to the housing and is coupled to the environment outside of the housing; andcircuitry in the housing in communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the pressure sensor, the circuitry configured to determine, at a first time during a cardiac cycle, a first impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode and also a corresponding first pressure via the pressure sensor, resulting in a first impedance-pressure data pair.2. The LCP of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is configured to wirelessly transmit the first impedance-pressure data pair to a remote device.3. The LCP of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is configured to determine claim 1 , at a second time during the cardiac cycle claim 1 , a second impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode and also a second pressure via the pressure sensor claim 1 , resulting in a second impedance- ...

Method for Stimulating Muscles of a Subject and Apparatus for Performing the Same

A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; and in a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject employing the aforementioned method is also provided. 141-. (canceled)42. A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject , the method comprising:in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; andin a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject.43. The method according to claim 42 , wherein the method further comprises determining the motor threshold intensity of the target site of the subject.44. The method according to claim 43 , wherein determining the motor threshold intensity comprises applying to the subject a plurality of pulses of increasing intensity while monitoring the subject for contraction of one or more muscles.45. The method according to claim 42 , wherein the conditioning pulse is applied at an intensity of up to 80% of the motor threshold intensity.46. The method according to claim 42 , wherein the conditioning pulse is applied at an intensity of greater than 50% of the motor threshold intensity.47. The method according to claim 42 , wherein the conditioning pulse is applied for a period of from 1.0 to 10 milliseconds.48. The method according to claim 42 , wherein the first step comprises applying a plurality of ...

Systems and Methods for Communicating with an Implantable Stimulator

An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with either on-off keying (OOK) modulation or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the OOK modulation and a second telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the FSK modulation. 1. An implantable medical device , comprising:a coil; andtelemetry circuitry coupled to the coil for allowing data-containing signals to be received from at least one external device, the telemetry circuitry comprising a first telemetry receiver for receiving data over a first telemetry link in accordance with a first communication scheme, and a second telemetry receiver for receiving data over a second telemetry link in accordance with a second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme.2. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first telemetry scheme comprises a frequency shift key telemetry scheme wherein a binary ‘1’ is represented by a transmitted signal of a first frequency claim 1 , and wherein a binary ‘0’ is represented by a transmitted signal of a second frequency.3. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the second telemetry scheme comprises an On-Off-Keying (OOK) Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) telemetry scheme wherein a binary ‘0’ is represented by a first pulse width and a binary ‘1’ is represented by a second pulse width claim 1 , and wherein a transition between one data bit and an adjacent data bit is marked by a change in a transmitted data signal from an ON to an OFF state or from an OFF to an ON state claim 1 , wherein the ON state is characterized by the presence of a data signal having a frequency claim 1 , and wherein the OFF state is characterized by the absence of the data signal.4. The implantable ...

VESTIBULAR NERVE STIMULATION

Presented herein are techniques for electrically stimulating a recipient's vestibular nerve in order to mask vestibular noise signals (vestibular noise) generated by the peripheral vestibular system (e.g., prevent erroneous balance information generated by the peripheral vestibular system from being sent to the brain of the recipient). A vestibular nerve stimulator in accordance with embodiments presented herein includes a plurality of electrodes implanted in an inner ear of a recipient at a location that is adjacent to the otolith organs of the inner ear. The vestibular nerve stimulator is configured to generate one or more continuous pulse trains and to deliver the one or more continuous pulse trains to the inferior branch of the recipient's vestibular nerve. 1. A method , comprising:implanting a plurality of electrodes within an inner ear of a recipient adjacent to otolith organs of the inner ear, wherein the inner ear includes a peripheral vestibular system;generating electrical stimulation signals configured to improve the recipient's sense of gravitational balance by masking vestibular noise generated by the peripheral vestibular system; anddelivering, via one or more of the plurality of electrodes, the electrical stimulation signals to at least the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve through one or more of the otolith organs.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein stimulation parameters of the electrical stimulation signals are selected based on one or more subjective assessments of the recipient's balance.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the stimulation parameters of the electrical stimulation signals that are selected based on one or more subjective assessments of the recipient's balance include an amplitude of the electrical stimulation signals.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the stimulation parameters of the electrical stimulation signals that are selected based on one or more subjective assessments of the recipient's balance include one or more of ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COOPERATIVE INVASIVE AND NONINVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION

Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering the at least one stimulus is performed by at least one apparatus claim 1 , wherein the at least one apparatus is an invasive deep brain stimulation device or a non-invasive brain stimulator.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein promoting the ability of the individual to perform the particular activity comprises enhancing the ability of the individual to perform the activity to at least partially achieve that of the pre-determined level of ability with respect to the particular activity.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the individual has a disease or disorder that impairs the individual's ability to perform the particular activity.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the disease or disorder comprises at least one of Parkinson's disease claim 4 , tremors claim 4 , motor dysfunction claim 4 , dyskinesia claim 4 , gate freeze claim 4 , epilepsy claim 4 , migraine headaches claim 4 , pain claim 4 , anxiety claim 4 , depression claim 4 , mood swings claim 4 , attention deficit disorders claim 4 , sleep disorders claim 4 , or cognitive decline disorders.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the individual has Parkinson's disease; and wherein the particular activity is walking; and wherein the continuously adjusting claim 1 , based on the relationship claim 1 , the specific ...

Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes

Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes. An example medical device system may include a first medical device and a second medical device communicatively coupled to the first medical device. The first medical device may be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a first communication mode. The first medical device may further be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a second communication mode after determining that one or more of the communication pulses captured the heart of the patient.

Communications in a medical device system

Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, an implantable medical device comprising may comprise one or more electrodes and a controller coupled to the electrodes. The controller may be configured to receive a first communication pulse at a first communication pulse time and a second communication pulse at a second communication pulse time via the one or more electrodes. The controller may further be configured to identify one of three or more symbols based at least in part on the time difference between the first communication pulse time and the second communication pulse time.

BILATERAL FEEDBACK

Apparatus comprising (1) a breathing sensor, configured to detect a breathing-related factor of a subject; (2) at least a first electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective first hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a first electrical current to the first hypoglossal nerve; (3) at least a second electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective second hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a second electrical current to the second hypoglossal nerve; and (4) circuitry configured to, in response to a detected symmetry-related factor indicative of a degree of symmetry of the subject, configure at least one current selected from the group consisting of: the first current and the second current. Other embodiments are also described. 1. Apparatus for use with a body of a subject , the apparatus comprising:a breathing sensor, configured to detect a breathing-related factor of the subject;at least a first electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective first hypoglossal nerve of the subject, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a first electrical current to the first hypoglossal nerve;at least a second electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective second hypoglossal nerve of the subject, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a second electrical current to the second hypoglossal nerve; andcircuitry configured to, in response to a detected symmetry-related factor indicative of a degree of symmetry of the subject, configure at least one current selected from the group consisting of: the first current and the second current.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the breathing sensor comprises exactly one breathing sensor.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode and the ...

Implantable medical device which may be controlled from central station

An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for transmitting medical data sensed from a patient to, and for receiving control signals from, a medical expert (a human medical professional and/or a computerized expert system) at a remote location; an electronic medical treatment device for treating the patient in response to control signals applied thereto; and a sensor circuit, having a sensor circuit output, for producing sensor circuit output signal(s) representing medical data sensed from the patient. The IMD also includes a logic device (processor) which analyzes the sensor circuit output signal(s) to detect a medical abnormality and, upon detecting an abnormality, either sends a notification signal representing a medical state of said patient to the medical expert at the remote location or sends a local treatment device control signal to the medical treatment device, or does both. The medical expert can transmit an external treatment control signal to the IMD to effect patient treatment, if treatment is warranted. To ensure that the medical expert is authorized to provide such treatment, data which identify one or more authorized medical experts is stored in an IMD memory and compared with identification data transmitted from the putative authorized medical expert along with the external treatment control signal. Only if the identification data received from the putative authorized medical expert matches the pre-stored identification data of an originally authorized medical expert does the IMD effect treatment.

NEURAL INTERROGATION PLATFORM

A system includes spatially isolated nodes proximal to a cortical surface or spinal cord, a telemetric antenna array located above the dura, the telemetric antenna array configured to provide power to and exchange data with the spatially isolated nodes, and a power and data distribution unit configured to power the spatially isolated nodes, aggregate recorded data, send the aggregated recorded data and commands through a wireless link. 1. A system comprises:spatially isolated nodes proximal to a cortical surface or spinal cord;a telemetric antenna array located above the dura, the telemetric antenna array configured to provide power to and exchange data with the spatially isolated nodes; anda power and data distribution unit configured to power the spatially isolated nodes, aggregate recorded data, send the aggregated recorded data and commands through a wireless link.2. The system of wherein each of the spatially isolated nodes comprises reconfigurable logic.3. The system of wherein the logic is configured to implement data analysis.4. The system of wherein the logic is configured to implement data compression.5. The system of wherein the logic is configured to implement closed loop stimulation6. The system of wherein the logic is configured to implement power saving control schemes.7. The system of wherein each of the spatially isolated nodes uses glass packaging technology that is RF and optically transparent and robust to ionic diffusion claim 1 , making a low profile hermetic seal suitable for long term implants.8. The system of wherein each of the spatially isolated nodes includes a probe.9. The system of wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of a micro-electrode array claim 8 , a micro-ECoG grid and a deep brain electrode.10. A method comprising:in a system comprising spatially isolated nodes proximal to a cortical surface or spinal cord, a telemetric antenna array located above the dura, the telemetric antenna array configured to provide ...

Head pain management device having an antenna

A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device.

POWER CONTROLS FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE POWERED USING ULTRASONIC WAVES

Method and system embodiments for controlling power provided to a device implantable in a subject are described. In some embodiments, a method is performed at the implantable device to receive, from an interrogator, powering ultrasonic waves having a wave power. Then, energy from the powering ultrasonic waves is converted into an electrical signal to power the implantable device. Information that indicates whether more power or less power should be transmitted to the implantable device is transmitted to the interrogator.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

An external medical device generates a drive signal inductively coupled to an implantable coil from an external coil. A regulator module coupled to the implantable coil generates an output signal in response to the inductively coupled signal and a feedback signal correlated to an amplitude of the inductively coupled signal. A signal generator receives the output signal for generating a therapeutic electrical stimulation signal. The control module adjusts the drive signal in response to the feedback signal to control the electrical stimulation signal. 129-. (canceled)30. A system comprising: [ produce, from the received power, a rectified voltage that varies according to an amount of power received from the externally powered device,', 'power the implantable medical device using the rectified voltage, and', 'generate a feedback control signal correlated to an amplitude of the rectified voltage;, 'a regulator module configured to, 'a signal generator powered by the rectified voltage and configured to generate a therapeutic stimulation output signal having a stimulation control parameter that is adjusted in response to the amount of power received from the externally powered device;', 'a plurality of electrodes for delivering the therapeutic stimulation output signal to a targeted therapy site; and', 'a telemetry module for transmitting the feedback control signal to the externally powered device., 'an implantable medical device configured to receive power from an externally powered device, the implantable medical device comprising31. The system of claim 30 , wherein the stimulation control parameter this is adjusted in response to the amount of power received from the externally powered device is a stimulation voltage.32. The system of claim 30 , wherein the feedback control signal is configured to control adjustment of the amount of power provided by the externally powered device to maintain the stimulation voltage at a desired stimulation voltage.33. The system of ...

THERAPY DEVICE WITH CURRENT TITRATION

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved. 1. A device for inducing electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) , the device comprising:a signal generator configured to generate a seizure-inducing ECT signal, the ECT signal having an electric current component;a current controller structured to adjust the electric current of the ECT signal to a constant current level less than 500 milliamps; andat least two ECT stimulus electrodes configured to apply the ECT signal to a patient.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:a patient monitoring input configured to receive a signal from a patient monitoring sensor in response to the ECT signal applied to the patient.3. The device of claim 2 , in which the current controller is adjustable by a user.4. The device of claim 3 , in which the adjustable current controller is adjustable through a user interface coupled to the current controller that is configured to permit a user to set the adjustable current of the ECT signal.5. The device of claim 1 , in which the at least two ECT stimulus electrode includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode claim 1 , and in which the negative electrode is asymmetric in size to the positive electrode.6. The device of claim 1 , in which the patient monitoring sensor includes an electroencephalogram.7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a rectification circuit configured to convert a bi-directional current ECT signal to a uni- ...

Implantable medical device with pressure sensor

An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured with a pressure sensor. The IMD includes a housing and a diaphragm that is exposed to the environment outside of the housing. The diaphragm is configured to transmit a pressure from the environment outside of the housing to a piezoelectric membrane. In response, the piezoelectric membrane generates a voltage and/or a current, which is representative of a pressure change applied to the housing diaphragm. In some cases, only changes in pressure over time are used, not absolute or gauge pressures.

Patient Specific Frequency Modulation Adaption

An input sound signal is processed to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. Stimulation timing signals are generated for each band pass signal, including for one or more selected band pass signals using a timing function defined to determine a mapped instantaneous frequency by adjusting instantaneous frequency based on a frequency relation factor representing a relationship between: (1) the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel, and (2) a patient-specific, channel-specific range of stimulation rates defined based on patient-specific pitch perception measurements to enhance patient pitch perception within the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel, and iii. generate the stimulation timing signal for the selected band pass signal at the mapped instantaneous frequency of the selected band pass signal. 1. A method for generating electrode stimulation signals to electrode contacts in an implanted cochlear implant electrode array , the method comprising:processing an input sound signal to generate a plurality of band pass signals, wherein each band pass signal represents a band pass channel defined by an associated range of audio frequencies, and wherein each band pass signal has characteristic amplitude and temporal fine structure features;extracting a characteristic envelope signal for each band pass signal based on its amplitude; i. represent instantaneous frequency based on the band pass signal temporal fine structure features,', (1) the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel of the selected band pass signal, and', '(2) a patient-specific, channel-specific range of stimulation rates defined based on patient-specific pitch perception measurements to enhance patient pitch perception within the range of audio frequencies for the band pass channel of the selected band pass signal, and, 'ii. determine a mapped instantaneous frequency by adjusting the instantaneous frequency based ...

Methods and Systems for Wireless Communication with a Subcutaneous Medical Device

An exemplary subcutaneous medical device implanted within a patient uses a coil-less magnetic field sensor included within the subcutaneous medical device to detect a toggling sequence between a presence and an absence of an externally-generated static magnetic field. The toggling sequence is representative of a digital data stream according to a digital wireless communication protocol. The subcutaneous medical device identifies, based on the detected toggling sequence and in accordance with the digital wireless communication protocol, a multi-bit command encoded within the digital data stream represented by the toggling sequence. The subcutaneous medical device further performs, in response to the identifying of the multi-bit command, an action associated with the multi-bit command. Corresponding methods and a corresponding external controller are also disclosed. 1. A method comprising:detecting, by a subcutaneous medical device implanted within a patient and using a coil-less magnetic field sensor included within the subcutaneous medical device, a toggling sequence between a presence and an absence of an externally-generated static magnetic field, the toggling sequence representative of a digital data stream according to a digital wireless communication protocol;identifying, by the subcutaneous medical device based on the detected toggling sequence and in accordance with the digital wireless communication protocol, a multi-bit command encoded within the digital data stream represented by the toggling sequence; andperforming, by the subcutaneous medical device in response to the identifying of the multi-bit command, an action associated with the multi-bit command.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein: a central electrode of a first polarity centrally located on a surface of a housing of the electroacupuncture device, and', 'an annular electrode of a second polarity and that is spaced apart from the central electrode; and, 'the subcutaneous medical device is a ...

Systems and methods for low energy wake-up and pairing for use with implantable medical devices

Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices or trial medical devices for wirelessly connecting the devices to external instruments such as tablet computers or smartphones. In an example where the medical device is an implantable neurostimulator, the neurostimulator passively detects wireless wake-up signals generated by the external instrument, i.e. the neurostimulator “sniffs” for advertisement signals generated by the external instrument. In response to passive detection of a wake-up signal, the implantable neurostimulator determines if a response is warranted and, if so, the neurostimulator activates its wireless transmission components to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the external instrument so as to complete a wake-up and handshake protocol. In this manner, power consumption within the implantable device (or within a similarly equipped trial medical device) can be reduced compared to devices that would otherwise periodically transmit advertisement signals even when no external mobile instrument is present.

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TELEMETRY IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE BASED ON POWER SOURCE CAPACITY

An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials. 1. A method for controlling an implantable medical device , the device having telemetry circuitry to receive both a first type of telemetry and to receive a second type of telemetry , the method comprising:listening for the first and second telemetry types;monitoring a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device; andif the voltage falls below a first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first telemetry type while continuing listening for the second telemetry type.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first telemetry type comprises Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) claim 1 , and wherein the second telemetry type comprises On/Off Keying (OOK).3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the telemetry circuitry comprises an OOK receiver claim 2 , an FSK receiver claim 2 , and an FSK transmitter.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first threshold is stored in a first register in the implantable medical device.5. The method of claim 1 , ...

MANAGING DYNAMIC CONNECTION INTERVALS FOR IMPLANTABLE AND EXTERNAL DEVICES

A method, system and external instrument are provided. The method initiates a communication link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD), established a first connection interval for conveying data packets between the EI and IMD and monitors a connection criteria that includes at least one of a data throughput requirement. A battery indicator or link condition of the communications link is between the IMD and EI. The method further changes from the first connection interval to a second connection interval based on the connection criteria. 1. A method , comprising:initiating a communications session between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD);collecting connection criteria for the communications session, wherein the connection criteria include a data throughput;comparing the connection criteria to a threshold; andterminating a connection link for the communications session based on the comparison of the connection criteria to the threshold.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least the comparing and terminating are performed by the EI.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising following the terminating claim 1 , transmitting an advertising notice from the IMD in connection with establishing a new communications session.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least the comparing and terminating are performed by the IMD.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a data transfer rate associated with the communications session claim 1 , the terminating including terminating the connection link based on a comparison of the data transfer rate and the threshold.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connection criteria relate to at least one of a connection loss or break down.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communications session includes first and second segments that have first and second connection intervals (CI) claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , the method further comprising:during ...

Signaling Error Conditions in an Implantable Medical Device System Using Simple Charging Coil Telemetry

The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action. 1. An implantable medical device , comprising:a charging coil configured to receive power from an external charger,rectifier circuitry configured to rectify power received by the charging coil,error modulation circuitry configured to determine whether one of a plurality of errors is present in the implantable medical device to communicate an indication of a determined error to the external charger, anda battery,wherein the rectifier circuitry is configured to directly power the error modulation circuitry independent of power in the battery.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein communicating an indication of the determined error comprises modulating an antenna of the implantable medical device.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the antenna is a coil.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the coil is the charging coil.5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the modulating the antenna comprises modulating the antenna a one of a plurality of frequencies claim 2 , wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies is unique to a different determined error.6. The device of claim 2 , wherein the error modulation circuitry is directly coupled to a load transistor that is controlled to modulate an impedance of the antenna.7. The device of claim 1 , ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING CURRENT DRAIN IN A MEDICAL DEVICE

A medical device is configured to produce a cardiac motion signal by sampling a signal produced by an axis of a motion sensor, starting a blanking period, suspending the sampling of the signal during at least a portion of the blanking period, and restarting the sampling of the signal at the sampling frequency before the blanking period has expired. The medical device may detect a cardiac event from the cardiac motion signal and generate a pacing pulse in response to detecting the cardiac event in some examples. 1. A medical device comprising: sampling at least one axis signal of the motion sensor;', 'starting a blanking period corresponding to a portion of a cardiac cycle, the blanking period having an expiration time;', 'suspending sampling of the at least one axis signal of the motion sensor during at least a portion of the blanking period; and', 'restarting the sampling of the at least one axis signal before the expiration of the blanking period; and, 'a motion sensing circuit comprising a motion sensor for sensing a motion signal, the motion sensor having a plurality of axes, each axis of the plurality of axes configured to produce an axis signal, the motion sensing circuit configured to sense the motion signal by receive the motion signal; and', 'detect a cardiac event from the motion signal after the expiration of the blanking period., 'a control circuit configured to2. The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a pulse generator configured to generate a pacing pulse in response to the control circuit detecting the cardiac event from the motion signal.3. The medical device of claim 2 , wherein: detect the cardiac event by detecting an atrial event from the motion signal; and', 'set an atrioventricular pacing interval in response to detecting the atrial event; and, 'the control circuit is further configured tothe pulse generator is configured to generate the pacing pulse at the atrioventricular pacing interval following the detected atrial event.4. The ...

Polarity Reversing Lead

A system, including: an implantable neural stimulator including electrodes, at least one antenna and an electrode interface; a radio-frequency (RF) pulse generator module comprising an antenna module configured to send an input signal to the antenna in the implantable neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling, the input signal containing electrical energy and polarity assignment information that designates polarity assignments of the electrodes in the implantable neural stimulator; and wherein the implantable neural stimulator is configured to: control the electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information, create one or more electrical pulses suitable for modulation of neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal, and supply the electrical pulses to the electrodes through the electrode interface such that the electrodes apply the electrical pulses to the neural tissue with the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information. 1. A circuit for an implantable wirelessly powered device for implantation in a patient's body , the circuit comprising:one or more antenna configured to receive an input RF signal from an external controller through electrical radiative coupling; rectify the input RF signal received at the one or more antenna; and', 'convert the input RF signal to a direct current (DC) power to drive one or more electrodes;, 'a radio-frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) rectifying circuit coupled to the one or more antenna on the implantable wirelessly powered device, the rectifying circuit configured to generate one or more electrical pulses using the converted DC power; and', "steer, to each electrode, one or more electrical pulses to modulate neural tissue within the patient's body."], 'a controller circuit connected to the rectifying circuit and the controller circuit coupled to one or more electrodes, the controller ...

DOSED DELIVERY OF AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY

An example of a method embodiment may include receiving a user programmable neural stimulation (NS) dose for an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy, and delivering the INS therapy with the user programmable NS dose to an autonomic neural target of a patient. Delivering the INS therapy may include delivering NS bursts, and delivering the NS bursts may include delivering a number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle during a portion of the cardiac cycles and not delivering NS pulses during a remaining portion of the cardiac cycles. The method may further include sensing cardiac events within the cardiac cycles, and controlling delivery of the user programmable NS dose of INS therapy using the sensed cardiac events to time delivery of the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle to provide the user programmable NS dose. The user programmable NS dose may determine the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a signal indicative of a user programmable neural stimulation dose;delivering a neural stimulation therapy to a target of a patient;controlling delivery of the neural stimulation therapy to provide the user programmable neural stimulation dose; anddisplaying a dose meter on a display to provide an indicator of a total charge delivered over a period of time, and the indicator of the total charge is for a current user programmable neural stimulation dose, or for a user proposed neural stimulation dose, or for both the current user programmable neural stimulation dose and the user proposed neural stimulation dose.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user programmable neural stimulation dose is delivered during a neural stimulation ON window of time claim 1 , and controlling delivery of the user programmable neural stimulation dose of intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy includes controlling the delivery of the total charge delivered over the period of time3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the user programmable neural ...

Minimally invasive implantable neurostimulation system

A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

OPTIMIZING DATA RETRIEVAL FROM AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

An external data retrieval apparatus includes a transceiver, and a processing system coupled to the transceiver. The processing system obtains a plurality of measures over a period of time. The measures relate to a quality of a communications channel between the data retrieval apparatus and an active implantable medical device. The processing system determines a trend in the plurality of measures over the period of time, and then determines a preferred time during which to retrieve data based on the trend. 1. A method of power transmission control by an active implantable medical device , the method comprising:receiving a measure of quality of a signal transmitted by the active implantable medical device, the measure received from an external data retrieval apparatus;comparing the measure to a criterion; andadjusting a signal transmission power level until the measure is at or near the criterion.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the criterion corresponds to a minimum quality measure claim 1 , which in turn claim 1 , corresponds to a minimum performance requirement for a communication channel between the active implantable medical device and the external data retrieval apparatus.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the minimum performance requirement corresponds to a data rate.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the measure of quality comprises one of a signal-to-noise ratio claim 1 , a received signal strength indicator claim 1 , or a packet error rate.5. An active implantable medical device claim 1 , comprising:a transceiver; and receive a measure of quality of a signal transmitted by the active implantable medical device, the measure received from an external data retrieval apparatus;', 'compare the measure to a criterion; and', 'adjust a signal transmission power level until the measure is at or near the criterion., 'a processing system coupled to the transceiver and configured to6. The active implantable medical device of claim 5 , wherein the criterion ...

VOICE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANT

The present invention relates to a system for the control of a medical implant in a mammal body. The system comprises a first and a second part being adapted for communication with each other. In the system the first part is adapted for implantation in the mammal body for the control of and communication with the medical implant, and the second part is adapted to be worn on the outside of the mammal body and adapted to receive control commands from a user and to transmit these commands to the first part.

Systems and Methods for Cooperative Invasive and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof. 1. A method comprising: i. a particular activity performed by an individual and', 'ii. brain electrical activity of the individual associated with the particular activity;, 'detectingadministering at least one stimulus to modulate brain electrical activity of an individual while the individual is performing the particular activity; anddetecting changes in the brain electrical activity of the individual responsive to the at least one stimulus, wherein the at least one stimuli provides a specific stimulation pattern to promote the ability of the individual to perform the particular activity;continuously detecting brain electrical activity of the individual while the individual is performing the particular activity;continuously projecting, in real time, the detected brain electrical activity of the individual while the individual is performing the particular activity onto a denoised optimal set of wavelet packet atoms to obtain a particular set of projections of the individual, wherein the denoised optimal set of wavelet packet atoms is based on brain electrical activity collected from a plurality of individuals performing the particular activity,wherein each of the plurality of individuals performing the particular activity exhibits a pre-determined level of ability with respect to the particular activity and wherein ...

Enhanced implant-to-implant communications using accelerometer

Embodiments described herein relate to implantable medical devices (IMDs) and methods for use therewith. Such a method includes using an accelerometer of an IMD (e.g., a leadless pacemaker) to produce one or more accelerometer outputs indicative of the orientation of the IMD. The method can also include controlling communication pulse parameter(s) of one or more communication pulses (produced by pulse generator(s)) based on accelerator output(s) indicative of the orientation of the IMD. The communication pulse parameter(s) that is/are controlled can be, e.g., communication pulse amplitude, communication pulse width, communication pulse timing, and/or communication pulse morphology. Such embodiments can be used to improve conductive communications between IMDs whose orientation relative to one another may change over time, e.g., due to changes in posture and/or due to cardiac motion over a cardiac cycle.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A PHYSICAL LAYER UTILIZED DURING A WIRELESS CONNECTION

An implantable medical device, external device and method for managing a wireless communication are provided. The IMD includes a transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly, with an external device (ED), utilizing a protocol that utilizes multiple physical layers. The transceiver is configured to transmit information indicating that the transceiver is configured with first, second, and third physical layers (PHYs) for wireless communication. The IMD includes memory configured to store program instructions. The IMD includes one or more processors configured to execute instructions to obtain an instruction designating one of the first, second and third PHY to be utilized for at least one of transmission or reception, during a communication session, with the external device and manage the transceiver to utilize, during the communication session, the one of the first, second and third PHY as designated.

COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF MEDICAL DEVICES USING TIME DELAYS BETWEEN COMMUNICATION PULSES BETWEEN SYMBOLS

Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, an implantable medical device comprising may comprise one or more electrodes and a controller coupled to the electrodes. The controller may be configured to receive a first communication pulse at a first communication pulse time and a second communication pulse at a second communication pulse time via the one or more electrodes. The controller may further be configured to identify one of three or more symbols based at least in part on the time difference between the first communication pulse time and the second communication pulse time. 1. A method of communicating a message from a first medical device to a second medical device , the method comprising:asynchronously beginning transmission, followed by transmitting a plurality of communication pulses from the first medical device;receiving the plurality of communication pulses at the second medical device;the second medical device determining an amount of time between at least selected consecutive communication pulses, and determining one of three or more symbols for each determined amount of time based at least in part on the determined amount of time; andwherein the three or more symbols comprising a synchronization symbol that when received indicates to the second medical device a beginning of the message.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three or more symbols comprise a “0” symbol claim 1 , a “1” symbol and the synchronization symbol.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three or more symbols comprise a “0” symbol claim 1 , a “1” symbol claim 1 , the synchronization symbol and an End-of-Frame (EOF) symbol.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three or more symbols comprise the synchronization symbol and an End-of-Frame (EOF) symbol.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three or more symbols comprise:a “0” symbol when the determined amount of time corresponds to a first time difference;a “1” symbol when the determined amount of ...

POWER SAVING COMMUNICATION METHOD FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

A non-implantable communication unit conducts wireless communication with an implantable medical device (IMD). The communication unit comprises a request processor for generating power down requests destined to the IMD and triggering temporary power down of the IMD radio equipment. When the communication unit receives a data packet from the IMD or a connected programmer it determines the size of the data packet. A timer processor sets a timer to a value defined based on the determined size. A processor controller selectively controls the operation of request processor to generate or stop generating the power down requests based on a current value of the timer. Power down of the IMD radio equipment is thereby prevented if it is likely that the IMD comprises data to transmit to the communication unit as predicted based on data packet sizes. 1. A communication control method comprising:determining a size of a data packet received from an implantable medical device or transmitted to the implantable medical device;setting a timer to a value defined based on the size; andselectively controlling the generation of power down requests defining a power down of at least one of a transmitter and a receiver of the implantable medical device based on a current value of the timer.2. The communication control method according to claim 1 , wherein the selectively controlling comprises stopping the generation of the power down requests if the current value of the timer is different from a predefined stop value.3. The communication control method according to claim 1 , wherein the selectively controlling comprises starting the generation of the power down requests if the current value of the timer is equal to a predefined stop value.4. The communication control method according to claim 1 , and further comprising:receiving an intracardiac electrogram, IEGM, message from the implantable medical device; andreducing the timer with a predefined reduction value in response to the reception ...

WIRELESS ECG SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method of operating a wireless ECG sensor system may include (1) wirelessly transmitting, using a second antenna, electromagnetic radiation having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency of a first antenna of a sensor patch; (2) inductively receiving, using the first antenna, power for operating a passive RFID transponder of the sensor patch; and (3) operating the microcontroller of the sensor patch to perform at least one scan, wherein performing the at least one scan is defined as: (a) receiving a cardiac activity signal from at least one of the positive and negative electrodes of the sensor patch, (b) retrieving a location identifier from the storage medium of the sensor patch, and (c) operating the load modulation switch of the sensor patch to alter a voltage amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation to transmit to a demodulator a cardiac event reading comprising the cardiac activity signal and the location identifier. 1. A method of operating a wireless ECG sensor system wherein the wireless ECG sensor system comprises a sensor patch and an interrogator device , wherein the sensor patch comprises a substrate , a positive electrode and a negative electrode carried by and positioned in dielectric separation upon the substrate , and a passive RFID transponder having a first antenna , a non-transitory and non-volatile storage medium , a load modulation switch , and a microcontroller , and wherein the interrogator device comprises a demodulator and a second antenna , the method comprising:wirelessly transmitting, using the second antenna, electromagnetic radiation having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency of the first antenna of the sensor patch;inductively receiving, using the first antenna, power for operating the passive RFID transponder of the sensor patch from the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted by the second antenna; and receiving a cardiac activity signal from at least one of the positive and negative electrodes of the sensor ...

WIRELESS ECG SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD

A system for monitoring cardiac health of a user including a local sensing subsystem, a contactless interrogation subsystem, and a remote monitoring subsystem. The local sensing subsystem may include a sensor patch configured to attach to the user and include a substrate, a passive radio-frequency identification transponder, and a first antenna. The contactless interrogation subsystem may include an interrogator separated from the sensor patch, which may include a second antenna, a demodulator, and a communications link. The remote monitoring subsystem may include a computing system comprising a processor for executing instructions. The local sensing subsystem may be adapted to perform at least one scan. The contactless interrogation subsystem may be adapted to operate the demodulator to receive a cardiac event and to operate the communications link to transmit the cardiac event. The remote monitoring subsystem may be adapted to execute the instructions to detect an arrhythmia from the cardiac reading. 1. A system for monitoring cardiac health of a user , the system comprising: [ wherein a positive electrode is carried by the first section of the substrate, and', 'wherein a negative electrode is carried by the second section of the substrate; and, 'a substrate having first and second sections and configured to exhibit dielectric dispersion between the first and the second sections;'}, a first antenna,', 'a non-transitory and non-volatile storage medium in electrical communication with the first antenna,', 'a load modulation switch in electrical communication with the first antenna, and', 'a microcontroller in electrical communication with the first antenna and in data communication with both the storage medium and the load modulation switch;, 'a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder carried by the substrate, and comprising], 'a local sensing subsystem including a sensor patch configured to attach to the user, the sensor patch comprising a second ...

A voice control system for an implant

A system for the control of an implant ( 32 ) in a body ( 11 ), comprising first ( 10, 20 ) and second parts ( 12 ) which communicate with each other. The first part ( 10, 20 ) is adapted for implantation and for control of and communication with the medical implant ( 32 ), and the second part ( 12 ) is adapted to be worn on the outside of the body ( 11 ) in contact with the body and to receive control commands from a user and to transmit them to the first part ( 10, 20 ). The body ( 11 ) is used as a conductor for communication between the first ( 10, 20 ) and the second ( 12 ) parts. The second part ( 12 ) is adapted to receive and recognize voice control commands from a user and to transform them into signals which are transmitted to the first part ( 10, 20 ) via the body ( 11 ).

SECURE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

An implantable medical device (IMD) configured to communicate with an external device (ED). The ED supports two way RF communications and has a light source. The IMD includes a processor coupled to an optical detector, the processor is configured to verify that light is being received from the ED light source and that the ED is a trusted device, establishing a unidirectional optical channel from the ED to the IMD. An RF transceiver is coupled to the processor, the processor being configured permit two way RF communications with the ED only under a condition that the ED is verified as a trusted device. The processor may be configure to wake up periodically or aperiodically to check for the presence of light from the ED light source. The processor may be configured to detect a multi-bit message from the ED via the unidirectional optical channel. The multi-bit message may include a key. 1. An implantable medical device (IMD) configured to communicate with an external device (ED) , the ED being configured to support two way RF communications and having a light source , the IMD comprising:a processor coupled to an optical detector, the processor being configured to verify that light is being received from the ED light source and that the ED is a trusted device, establishing a unidirectional optical channel from the ED to the IMD; andan RF transceiver coupled to the processor, the processor being configured permit two way RF communications with the ED only under a condition that the ED is verified as a trusted device.2. The IMD of wherein the processor is configure to wake up periodically or aperiodically to check for the presence of light from the ED light source.3. The IMD of wherein the processor is configure to determine an intensity of light received from the ED light source and determine if the intensity of the light received by the IMD is above a predetermined threshold.4. The IMD of wherein the processor is configured to detect a multi-bit message from the ED via ...

CONTROL OF SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which one or combination of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for. 121-. (canceled)22. A method for controlling a semi-autonomous vehicle by both an internal and at least one additional control source , comprising:(a) receiving, by a vehicle processor, vehicle sensor information;(b) based on the received sensor information, generating, by the vehicle processor, internal vehicle control information, said information representing an internal vehicle control choice;(c) providing, by the vehicle, the sensor information to at least one additional control source;(d) receiving, by the at least one additional control source, the sensor information;(e) providing, by at least one additional control source processor, additional vehicle control information, said information representing an additional vehicle control choice;(f) providing, by the at least one additional control source, at least one additional vehicle control choice to said vehicle processor;(g) receiving, by the vehicle processor, the at least one additional vehicle control choice; 'wherein a vehicle control choice received from a vehicle control source with a higher assigned priority takes precedence over a vehicle control choice received from a vehicle control source with a lower assigned priority;', '(h) providing, by a hierarchy-determining processor, hierarchy information comprising a first plurality of priority assignments, for each of said internal vehicle ...

MEDICAL DEVICE COMMUNICATION WITH WIRELESS TELEMETRY HEAD

In some examples, a method including wirelessly communicating, using an external medical device, with an implantable medical device via a telemetry head device, wherein the telemetry head device includes a power source configured to supply operational power to the telemetry head device; determining a first power level of the power source while the external medical device wirelessly communicates with the implantable medical device via the telemetry head device; suspending wireless communication between the implantable medical device and the external medical device based on the determined first power level. The wireless communication may be resumed, e.g., at the point communication was suspended, upon determining that the power level of the power source has been increased after the communication was suspended. 1. A method comprising:wirelessly communicating, using an external medical device, with an implantable medical device via a telemetry head device, wherein the telemetry head device includes a power source configured to supply operational power to the telemetry head device;determining a first power level of the power source while the external medical device wirelessly communicates with the implantable medical device via the telemetry head device;suspending wireless communication between the implantable medical device and the external medical device based on the determined first power level,subsequently determining the power source increased to a second power level greater than the first power level; andresuming the suspended wireless communication between the implantable medical device and the external medical device via the telemetry head device based on the determined second power level of the power source, andwherein at least one of the communicating, determining, and suspending is performed via at least one processor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a first power source claim 1 , wherein subsequently determining the power source ...

MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED CLASS E DRIVER

A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying (“FSK”) module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times. 1. (canceled)2. A charger comprising:a power source; a charging coil, wherein the charging coil is configured to magnetically couple with an implantable device to recharge the implantable device;', 'a switch, wherein the switch is switched by application of a first voltage to the switch, the switch comprising: a first node coupled to both the power source and the charging coil, and a second node;', 'a voltage sensor configured to sense a sense voltage across the switch between the first and second nodes; and', 'a current sensor positioned to sense a current passing through the charging coil; and, 'a class E driver forming a resonant circuit having at least one resonant frequency, the class E driver comprising wherein the processor is configured to control the switch via the application of the first voltage to the switch based on an identified current zero-crossing transition, and', 'wherein the processor is configured to receive voltage data indicative of voltage across the switch; and', 'wherein the processor is configured to modify control of the switch based on the received voltage data indicative of the voltage across the switch., 'a processor electrically connected to the class E driver and configured to receive data indicative of the voltage across the switch and data indicative of the current passing through the ...

MITIGATING EXCESSIVE WAKEUPS IN LEADLESS DUAL-CHAMBER PACING SYSTEMS AND OTHER IMD SYSTEMS

Techniques for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) reduce how often a first receiver of the IMD wakes up a second receiver thereof to reduce power consumption. A received message and/or a channel over which messages can be received is/are examined, and a value is adjusted based on results thereof. After being adjusted, the value is compared to a first threshold if the IMD is in a normal state, or compared to a second threshold if the IMD is in a noise state. If in the normal state, there is a determination whether to stay in the normal state or switch to the noise state. If in the noise state, there is a determination whether to stay in the noise state or switch to the normal state. At least the second receiver is temporarily put to sleep, if the IMD is maintained in or switched to the noise state. 1. A method for managing operations of first and second receivers of an implantable medical device (IMD) , the method comprising:configuring the second receiver of the IMD to selectively wakeup,receiving a message at the first receiver;examining the message to determine a characteristic of the message;adjusting a value of a variable indicative of an extent of the characteristic of the message;comparing the value to a threshold; andbased on the comparing of the value to the threshold, switching the second receiver, for a select time period, to a state to ignore messages received.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic corresponds to at least one of i) determining whether the message is valid or invalid claim 1 , ii) identifying consistence with respect to redundant information in the message claim 1 , iii) determining whether the message was received in a present or absence of excessive noise claim 1 , iv) determining whether one or more of pulse width claim 1 , pulse amplitude or pulse interval are within a corresponding expected range claim 1 , or v) determining when a time-out condition occurs before the message is decoded.3. The method of claim 1 ...

Implantable communication system starter system and methods

A starter circuit for an electronic device includes a rectifier circuit having an input coupled to an antenna; a Schmidt trigger coupled to the rectifier circuit; a pulse timer circuit coupled to receive pulses from the Schmidt trigger and configured to measure pulse characteristics to determine whether the pulses are part of a valid startup sequence and to generate a reset signal if the pulses are not part of a valid startup sequence; and a counter having first and second inputs coupled to outputs of the pulse timer circuit, the counter configured to output a signal to initiate power-on of a component of the electronic device a when its count value reaches a predetermined value.

WIRELESS TISSUE STIMULATION DEVICES

In one aspect, wireless gastrointestinal stimulations are described herein. In some embodiments, a system described herein comprises at least one transmitter and at least one stimulation device. The transmitter can include a signal generator operable to generate an electromagnetic signal, a first antenna operable to broadcast the electromagnetic signal, and an energy source. The at least one stimulation device is operable to deliver a pattern of electrical pulses to a gastrointestinal tissue comprising a muscle, and the stimulation device includes a circuit board having a circumference, at least one second antenna wrapped around the circumference of the circuit board, the at least one second antenna being configured to receive the electromagnetic signal and to generate an electrical current from the electromagnetic signal, and at least one electrode operable to deliver the electrical current to the muscle. 118-. (canceled)20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the at least one stimulation device is implanted endoscopically by disposing an endoscope through a mouth and esophagus of the patient and into the stomach of the patient.21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the electrical current is a pulsed electrical current having one or more of a pulse frequency between 10 Hz and 100 Hz claim 19 , a pulse duty cycle between 0.1% and 3% claim 19 , and a pulse width between 200 μs and 400 μs.22. The method of claim 19 , wherein the at least one stimulation device does not comprise a battery.23. The method of claim 19 , wherein the at least one stimulation device comprises a rechargeable battery claim 19 , and the method further comprises:delivering the electrical current to the rechargeable battery after generating the electrical current in a recharging mode of the stimulation device;delivering the electrical current from the rechargeable battery to the at least one electrode in a stimulation mode of the stimulation device; andactuating a switch to switch between the ...

Microprocessor controlled class e driver

A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying (“FSK”) module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.

DIRECTIONAL STIMULATION PROGRAMMING

Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for managing electrical stimulation therapy and/or sensing of physiological signals such as brain signals. For example, a system is configured to receive, for each electrode combination of a plurality of electrode combinations, information representing a signal sensed in response to first electrical stimulation delivered to a patient via a lead, wherein the plurality of electrode combinations comprise different electrode combinations comprising electrode disposed at different positions around a perimeter of the lead implanted in the patient. The system may also be configured to determine, based on the information for each electrode combination of the plurality of electrode combinations, values for a threshold at different locations around the perimeter of the lead and determine, based on the values for the threshold, one or more stimulation parameter values that at least partially define second electrical stimulation deliverable to the patient via the lead. 1. A system comprising: receive, for each electrode combination of a plurality of electrode combinations, information representing a signal sensed in response to first electrical stimulation delivered to a patient via a lead, wherein the plurality of electrode combinations comprises different electrode combinations comprising electrode disposed at different positions around a perimeter of the lead implanted in the patient;', 'determine, based on the information for each electrode combination of the plurality of electrode combinations, values for a threshold at different locations around the perimeter of the lead; and', 'determine, based on the values for the threshold, one or more stimulation parameter values that at least partially define second electrical stimulation deliverable to the patient via the lead., 'processing circuitry configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more stimulation parameter values comprises an electrode combination.3. The ...

MULTI-MODE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING

Methods and systems can facilitate identifying effective electrodes and other stimulation parameters, as well as determining whether to use cathodic and anodic stimulation. Alternately, the methods and systems may identify effective electrodes and other stimulation parameters based on preferential stimulation of different types of neural elements. These methods and systems can further facilitate programming an electrical stimulation system for stimulating patient tissue. 1. A system for programming electrical stimulation of a patient using an implantable electrical stimulation system comprising an implantable pulse generator and a lead having a plurality of electrodes , the system comprising: receive a first response for each of a plurality of first monopolar stimulations performed using a subset of one or more of the electrodes of the lead as a cathode for each of the first monopolar stimulations;', 'select a first subset of one or more of the electrodes based on the first responses;', 'receive a second response for each of a plurality of second monopolar stimulations performed using a subset of one or more of the electrodes of the lead as an anode for each of the second monopolar stimulations;', 'select a second subset of one or more of the electrodes based on the second responses;', 'select a programming subset of one or more of the electrodes based, at least in part, on the first and second responses associated with the first subset and second subset, respectively;', 'receive a third response for each of a plurality of third monopolar stimulations performed using the programming subset of one or more of the electrodes with each of the third monopolar stimulation having a different stimulation amplitude;', 'select a programming stimulation amplitude based on the third responses;', 'receive direction to program the implantable pulse generator with the programming subset of one or more of the electrodes and the programming stimulation amplitude; and', 'initiate a ...

Leadless cardiac pacemaker system for usage in combination with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a joint coupling the first housing portion to the second housing portion. A polymer seal is positioned in the joint in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed. 120-. (canceled)21. An implantable medical device configured to be implanted proximate a tibial nerve of a patient , the implantable medical device comprising:a housing;a lead including a proximal portion for connecting to the housing, and a distal portion, the lead further including an electrode;a pulse generating circuit enclosed in the housing for delivering electrical stimulation pulses via the electrode to the nerve,wherein the housing is configured to be implanted proximate the fascia layer superficial to the tibial nerve, and the lead is configured to be implanted such that at least a portion of the lead is beneath the fascia layer.22. The implantable medical device of claim 21 , wherein the lead includes a distal paddle portion claim 21 , and wherein the lead is configured to be implanted such that at least a portion of the distal paddle portion is beneath the fascia layer.23. The implantable medical device of claim 21 , wherein the lead includes a distal paddle portion claim 21 , and the electrode is positioned on the distal paddle portion.24. The implantable medical device of claim 23 , further comprising a plurality of electrodes on the distal paddle portion of the lead.25. The implantable medical device of claim 21 , wherein the lead is non-removably coupled to the housing claim 21 , such that the implantable medical device is provided as a single manufactured assembly.26. The implantable medical device of claim 21 , wherein the lead is removably coupleable with the housing.27. The implantable medical device of claim 21 , further comprising at least one fixation member coupled to the housing claim 21 , the at ...

Device for transmitting energy and data and method for operating such device

Energy transmission device for the wireless transmission of energy to an active implant, comprising: a transmitter coil adapted for electrical connection to an energy source, and an implantable receiver coil adapted for inductive coupling to the transmitter coil for wireless energy transmission, wherein an implantable primary coil is electrically connected to a modulator, the modulator modulating an AC voltage supplied to the implantable primary coil based on a data signal so that data transmission from the implantable primary coil to an extracorporeal secondary coil is performed, the frequency of the data transmission being different from the frequency at which the energy is transmitted from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil, and wherein information regarding the energy control of the energy to be transmitted from the transmitter coil is transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil by a pulse width modulated signal, other information not regarding the energy control is transmitted by means of a frequency modulation of the carrier frequency of the pulse width modulated signal or by a modulation of the frequency at which the pulses of the pulse width modulated signal are transmitted.

Prioritized programming of multi-electrode pacing leads

Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating selection of at least one vector from among a plurality of vectors for pacing a chamber of a heart. In one example, a method includes presenting, by a computing device, a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, selecting at least one criterion from among a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, measuring the at least one selected criterion for each of the plurality of vectors, and automatically prioritizing, by the computing device, the plurality of vectors based on the measurement of the at least one selected criterion.

Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes

Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes. An example medical device system may include a first medical device and a second medical device communicatively coupled to the first medical device. The first medical device may be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a first communication mode. The first medical device may further be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a second communication mode after determining that one or more of the communication pulses captured the heart of the patient.

Far field telemetry operations between an external device and an implantable medical device during recharge of the implantable medical device via a proximity coupling

Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.

FACILITATING ACCELERATION OF ADVERTISING RATES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES

Techniques for facilitating communication between an implantable medical device and an external device are provided. In one example, a method comprises broadcasting, via communication circuitry of an implantable device, a first set of advertisements at a first advertising rate according to a communication protocol. The method further comprises determining that detection circuitry of the implantable device detected voltage induced by an electromagnetic field at an interface between tissue of a patient and electrodes of the implantable device and in response to the detection of voltage induced by the electromagnetic field, broadcasting, via the communication circuitry, a second set of advertisements at a second advertising rate according to the communication protocol. The second advertising rate is greater than the first advertising rate. 1. An implantable device , comprising:a plurality of electrodes;detection circuitry electrically coupled to the electrodes, the detection circuitry configured to detect voltage induced by an electromagnetic field at an interface between tissue of a patient and the electrodes of the implantable device;communication circuitry configured for wireless communication according to a communication protocol; and broadcast, via the communication circuitry, a first set of advertisements at a first advertising rate according to the communication protocol;', 'determine that the detection circuitry detected voltage induced by the electromagnetic field; and', 'in response to the detection of voltage induced by the electromagnetic field, broadcast, via the communication circuitry, a second set of advertisements at a second advertising rate according to the communication protocol, wherein the second advertising rate is greater than the first advertising rate., 'processing circuitry electrically coupled to the detection circuitry and the communication circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to2. The implantable device of claim 1 , ...

IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION DEVICE, STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA COMMUNICATION

An implantable stimulation device including a stimulation module and a data communication module. The stimulation device includes electrodes to delivery stimulation pulses, a voltage source, a DC-blocking capacitor and autoshort switch. The voltage source is connected to the electrodes via stimulation-pulse-switch(s) that controls delivery pacing pulses. The DC-blocking capacitor is connected with the voltage source and an electrode. The autoshort switch allows discharging of the DC-blocking capacitor via the electrodes when closed. The data communication module includes a data transmission control module connected to the autoshort switch and/or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch, to alternatingly open and close the autoshort switch or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch respectively, during an autoshort period following the delivery of a stimulation pulse or during a stimulation pulse period, respectively, to modulate an autoshort pulse or a stimulation pulse peak amplitude, respectively. 1. An implantable stimulation device comprising:at least one stimulation module;at least two electrodes configured to allow delivery of stimulation pulses; and, [ [ 'wherein said voltage source is configured to connect to the at least two electrodes via at least one stimulation-pulse-switch that is configured to control delivery of a pacing pulse,', 'a voltage source,'}, 'at least one DC-blocking capacitor connected in series with the voltage source and the at least two electrodes, and', 'an autoshort switch configured to allow discharging of the at least one DC-blocking capacitor via the at least two electrodes when the autoshort switch is closed;, 'wherein said at least one stimulation module comprises'}, 'alternatingly open and close the autoshort switch during an autoshort period following the delivery of a stimulation pulse to modulate a autoshort pulse amplitude.', 'wherein said at least one data communication module comprises at least one data transmission ...

Implantable medical device, medical system and method for data communication

An implantable medical device including a data communication device that includes a device to alter and/or generate an oscillatory electric field imposed on body tissue surrounding the implantable medical device when the implantable medical device is in its implanted state. The device that alters an oscillatory electric field modulates an impedance of body tissue surrounding the implantable medical device when the implantable medical device is in its implanted state and within an oscillatory electric field. The device that alters an oscillatory electric field includes a device that generates an oscillatory electric field that is phase-synchronized with an oscillatory electric field imposed on body tissue surrounding the implantable medical device when the implantable medical device is in its implanted state.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PRECISION FUNCTIONAL MAPPING-GUIDED PERSONALIZED NEUROMODULATION

A method of performing personalized neuromodulation on a subject is provided. The method includes acquiring functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of a brain of the subject. The method also includes calculating functional connectivity of the brain between a voxel in a subcortical region of the brain and a voxel in a cortical region of the brain, based on the fMRI data. The method also includes identifying a target location in the brain to be targeted by neuromodulation based on the calculated functional connectivity. 1. A method of performing personalized neuromodulation on a subject , comprising:acquiring functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of a brain of the subject;calculating functional connectivity of the brain between a voxel in a subcortical region of the brain and a voxel in a cortical region of the brain, based on the fMRI data; andidentifying a target location in the brain to be targeted by neuromodulation based on the calculated functional connectivity.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing neuromodulation on the subject directed at the identified target location.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein performing neuromodulation comprises implanting a neurostimulator for deep brain stimulation at the target location in the brain.4. The method claim 1 , wherein calculating functional connectivity further comprises:calculating functional connectivity of the brain between the voxel in the subcortical region of the brain and a vertex in a cortical functional network.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein calculating functional connectivity further comprises:extracting blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activity timecourses from each vertex in the cortical functional network based on the fMRI data;averaging the BOLD activity timecourses of the cortical functional network across all vertices in the cortical functional network;extracting BOLD activity timecourses from the voxel in the subcortical region; andcalculating ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING NEUROSTIMULATION DOSING

Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data fir the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does riot favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy. 1. (canceled)2. An implantable medical device , comprising:a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with a neural stimulation pulse frequency, wherein a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time, wherein the neural stimulator includes a clock with an oscillator, a hardware state machine operationally connected to the clock to provide pulse timing control signals, and pulse circuitry configured to receive the timing control signals and deliver neurostimulation pulses with a pulse frequency controlled using the timing control signals, the pulse circuitry including a frequency output limiter configured to avoid excessive charge delivery.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the output limiter is configured to bloc purse from being issued for a period of time after a preceding pulse.4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the output limiter includes a programmable frequency output limiter configured to block a pulse from being issued for a programmable period of time after a preceding pulse ...

Mobile Applications And Methods For Conveying Performance Information Of A Cardiac Pacemaker

Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for relaying information from a cardiac pacemaker to an external device. Logic on the pacemaker modulates a heartbeat clock of the pacemaker to encode information onto a blood pressure sequence by adding or subtracting a small subinterval to or from a pulse repetition interval of the pacemaker. A muscle stimulator beats the heart according to the modulated sequence. A monitoring device external to the body monitors the blood pressure to retrieve the encoded information, or message. The encoded information is then decoded to determine the information in the message. This information may concern the pacemaker as well as other devices within the body that communicate with the pacemaker such as blood monitors, etc. Since the message is conveyed via simple modulation of the heart beat intervals, no separate transmitter is required in the pacemaker which would otherwise increase cost and decrease battery life. 1. A method comprising:monitoring, by a processing system including a processor, a pulse monitor and a pacemaker of a system comprising the pulse monitor, the pacemaker, and an internal device separate from the pacemaker, wherein the pulse monitor is coupled to the pacemaker and the internal device;monitoring, by the processing system, performance of the internal device to obtain monitored information;determining, by the processing system, a reporting requirement based on the monitored information; and generating, by the processing system, a modulation signal based on the monitored information;', 'initiating, by the processing system, a timer to stimulate a heart muscle of a patient according to an interval to cause a first adjustment of a heartbeat associated with the heart muscle;', 'modifying, by the processing system, the interval by adding or subtracting a subinterval to generate a modified interval, wherein the subinterval is representative of a binary digit, according to the modulation signal; and', 'stimulating, by ...

COMMUNICATIONS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM WITH LINK QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Methods and devices for testing and configuring implantable medical device systems. A first medical device and a second medical device communicate with one another using test signals configured to provide data related to the quality of the communication signal to facilitate optimization of the communication approach. Some methods may be performed during surgery to implant one of the medical devices to ensure adequate communication availability. 1. A method of configuring communication between implantable medical devices comprising:in a first medical device having a plurality of electrodes configured for outputting a conducted signal, generating a first conducted signal using a selected pair of electrodes;in a second medical device, receiving and analyzing the first conducted signal;in the second medical device, communicating a second signal related to an outcome of the analysis of the first conducted signal while the first conducted signal is being received.2. A method as in further comprising receiving the second signal in the first medical device while the first conducted signal is still being generated.3. The method of wherein the second signal is a conducted signal received by the first medical device using a different pair of electrodes than the pair used for generating the first conducted signal.4. The method of further comprising receiving the second signal with an external device configured for communication with at least one of the first medical device and the second medical device.5. The method of wherein:the second medical device analyzes the first conducted signal and calculates communication metrics of the first conducted signal as received by the second medical device;the second signal encodes data related to the communication metrics of the first conducted signal as received by the second medical device; andthe external device is configured to provide real time feedback to a user related to the communication metrics.6. The method of wherein the ...

Methods for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices and related systems

In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communication sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices while the clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; receiving and storing second programming data from a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein the second programming data was created during programming sessions with IMDs without network connectivity to the system for management of IMDs; reconciling programming of the plurality of IMDs that were programmed with the second programming data with data stored by the system for management of IMDs; and communicating second signed validation data to cause IMDs to conduct therapeutic operations according to programming data validated by respective instances of second validation data.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE USING PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY KEYS FOR THERAPEUTIC SETTINGS AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION

In one embodiment, an implantable medical device (IMD) comprises: therapeutic circuitry for controlling delivery of a medical therapy to a patient; a processor for controlling the IMD according to executable code; wireless communication circuitry for conducting wireless communications; and memory for storing data and executable code, wherein the executable comprises code for causing the processor to (1) communicate with an external programming device to define therapeutic settings for operation of the IMD, (2) perform validation operations on one or more instances of therapeutic settings by determining whether a respective instance of therapeutic settings is accompanied by permanent validation data or temporary validation data, wherein the validation operations comprise analyzing temporary validation data against at least one key of a plurality of cryptographic keys stored by the IMD. 1. An implantable medical device (IMD) comprising:therapeutic circuity for controlling delivery of a medical therapy to a patient;a processor for controlling the IMD according to executable code;wireless communication circuitry for conducting wireless communications; andmemory for storing data and executable code, wherein the executable comprises code for causing the processor to (1) communicate with an external programming device to define therapeutic settings for operation of the IMD, (2) perform validation operations on one or more instances of therapeutic settings by determining whether a respective instance of therapeutic settings is accompanied by permanent validation data or temporary validation data, wherein the validation operations comprise analyzing temporary validation data against at least one key of a plurality of cryptographic keys stored by the IMD, and (3) communicate with an external programming device or patient controller device according to a revocation protocol for receipt of available revocation data from a remote device management system, wherein the revocation ...

METHODS OF OPERATING A SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES (IMDS) USING RECONCILIATION OPERATIONS AND REVOCATION DATA

In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communications sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein some of the communication sessions occur while the plurality of clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; conducting communications sessions with a plurality of patient controller devices, wherein the communication sessions with the patient controller devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs; reconciling programming session data received from the plurality of clinician programmer devices with programming session data received from patient controller devices to identify instances of unauthorized IMD programming; and distributing revocation data to patient controller devices to be downloaded to corresponding IMDs, wherein the revocation data identifies cryptographic keys that are no longer trusted. 1. A method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs) , comprising:conducting communications sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein some of the communication sessions occur while the plurality of clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs and wherein the communication sessions with the plurality of clinician programmer devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs;conducting communications sessions with a plurality of patient controller devices, wherein the communication sessions with the patient controller devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs;reconciling programming session data received from the plurality of clinician programmer devices with programming session data received from patient controller devices to identify instances of unauthorized IMD programming; anddistributing revocation data to patient ...

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH OFFLINE PROGRAMMING LIMITATIONS AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATIONS

In one embodiment, a method of programming an implantable medical device (IMD) to provide therapeutic operations for a patient, comprises: receiving first programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during a first communication session; receiving second programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to define limitations of reprogramming during one or more subsequent offline programming sessions; conducting a second communication session between the IMD with an external programming device when network connectivity is not available; receiving third programming data by IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during the second communication session; and determining whether the third programming data is permitted according to limitations defined by the second programming data. 1. A method of programming an implantable medical device (IMD) to provide therapeutic operations for a patient , comprising:conducting a first communication session between the IMD with an external programming device;receiving first programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during the first communication session;receiving second programming data by the IMD from the external programming device to define limitations of reprogramming during one or more subsequent offline programming sessions;conducting a second communication session between the IMD with an external programming device when network connectivity with a remote server of a medical device management is not available for the external programming device;receiving third programming data by IMD from the external programming device to provide therapeutic operations according to at least one instance of settings data during the ...

DOSED DELIVERY OF AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY

An example of a method embodiment may include receiving a user programmable neural stimulation (NS) dose for an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy, and delivering the INS therapy with the user programmable NS dose to an autonomic neural target of a patient. Delivering the INS therapy may include delivering NS bursts, and delivering the NS bursts may include delivering a number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle during a portion of the cardiac cycles and not delivering NS pulses during a remaining portion of the cardiac cycles. The method may further include sensing cardiac events within the cardiac cycles, and controlling delivery of the user programmable NS dose of INS therapy using the sensed cardiac events to time delivery of the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle to provide the user programmable NS dose. The user programmable NS dose may determine the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle.

INTUITED DELIVERY OF AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY

An example of a method embodiment may deliver intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy to an autonomic neural target of a patient. The INS therapy includes neural stimulation (NS) ON times alternating with NS OFF times, and includes at least one NS burst of NS pulses during each of the NS ON times. For a given NS OFF time and subsequent NS ON time, delivering INS therapy may include monitoring a plurality of cardiac cycles during the NS OFF time, using the monitored plurality of cardiac cycles to predict cardiac event timing during the subsequent NS ON time, and controlling delivery of the INS therapy using the predicted cardiac event timing to time NS burst delivery of at least one NS burst for the subsequent NS ON time based on the predicted cardiac event timing.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY ADMINISTERED SEIZURE THERAPY USING TITRATION IN THE CURRENT DOMAIN

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved. 1. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system , the method comprising:setting an initial current value on the ECT system;administering an electrical signal to the patient, the electrical signal comprising the initial current value;determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved; andif the seizure threshold has not been achieved, sequentially raising a current value of the electrical signal, administering the electrical signal to the patient, and determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved until the seizure threshold is achieved.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein sequentially raising the current value comprises doubling the current value.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the initial current value is 100 mA.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the initial current value is a current which would achieve the seizure threshold in about 15% of a general population.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein sequentially raising the current value comprises a maximum current value above which the current value cannot be raised.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the maximum current value is 800 mA.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising stopping the method if the seizure threshold is not achieved after the electrical signal is applied to the patient a predetermined number of times.8. A method of operating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) ...

MANAGING DYNAMIC CONNECTION INTERVALS FOR IMPLANTABLE AND EXTERNAL DEVICES

A method, system and external instrument are provided. The method initiates a communication link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD), established a first connection interval for conveying data packets between the EI and IMD and monitors a connection criteria that includes at least one of a data throughput requirement. A battery indicator or link condition of the communications link is between the IMD and EI. The method further changes from the first connection interval to a second connection interval based on the connection criteria. 1. A method , comprising:initiating a communication link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD);establishing a first connection interval for conveying data packets between the EI and IMD;monitoring a connection criteria that includes at least one of a data throughput requirement, a battery indicator or link condition of the communications link between the IMD and EI; andchanging from the first connection interval to a second connection interval based on the connection criteria.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the changing operation dynamically changes between the first and second connection intervals based on the data throughput requirements.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the changing operation dynamically changes between the first and second connection intervals based on the link condition of the communications link.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second connection interval is longer than the first connection interval claim 1 , the changing operation comprising changing to the second connection interval when the data throughput requirement drops below a data threshold.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first connection interval is shorter than the second connection interval claim 1 , the method further comprising changing from the second connection interval back to the first connection interval when the link condition drops below a quality ...

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE

A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD. 1. A method for establishing a communications session with an implantable medical device (IMD) , wherein the IMD and an external device are configured to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel , the method comprising:periodically transmitting, from the IMD after implantation in a patient, advertisement notices over the dedicated advertisement channel according to the protocol, the advertisement notices being transmitted periodically at an advertisement period over multiple cycles;repeatedly scanning the advertisement channel, by the external device, for select scanning intervals in search of the advertisement notices, the scanning operation being repeated periodically at a scan period over multiple cycles, wherein the advertisement period and scan period are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles, wherein (i) the advertising notices have a first length and each of the scanning operations have a second length that is shorter that the first length, and (ii) the advertising and scan periods differ to cause a respective scan operation in a plurality of cycles to begin before and overlap with a corresponding advertising notice during the plurality of cycles;when the external device detects one ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING CURRENT DRAIN IN A MEDICAL DEVICE

A medical device is configured to produce a cardiac motion signal by sampling a signal produced by an axis of a motion sensor, starting a blanking period, suspending the sampling of the signal during at least a portion of the blanking period, and restarting the sampling of the signal at the sampling frequency before the blanking period has expired. The medical device may detect a cardiac event from the cardiac motion signal and generate a pacing pulse in response to detecting the cardiac event in some examples. 1. A medical device comprising: sampling a first signal produced by a first axis of the plurality of axes of the motion sensor at a sampling frequency by repeatedly applying the current source to the first axis for a sample time at time intervals corresponding to the sampling frequency;', 'starting a blanking period corresponding to a portion of a cardiac cycle, the blanking period having a start and an expiration;', 'suspending the sampling of the first signal during at least a portion of the blanking period; and', 'restarting the sampling of the first signal at the sampling frequency before the expiration of the blanking period;, 'a motion sensing circuit comprising an electrical current source and a motion sensor having a plurality of axes, each respective axis of the plurality of axes configured to produce a signal correlated to motion imparted along the respective axis, the motion sensing circuit configured to produce a cardiac motion signal bya control circuit configured to receive the cardiac motion signal and detect a cardiac event from the cardiac motion signal; anda pulse generator configured to generate a pacing pulse in response to the control circuit detecting the cardiac event.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the motion sensing circuit comprises a filter having a settling time claim 1 , the motion sensing circuit being configured to restart the sampling of the first signal at the settling time earlier than an expiration of the blanking period. ...

CONTROLLED TITRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY

Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion. 1. An implantable device for delivering neurostimulation , comprising:a pulse generator for outputting neural stimulation pulses and for connecting to one or more stimulation electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to one or more selected neural sites;a controller connected to the pulse generator for controlling the output of neural stimulation pulses in accordance with a defined schedule and in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters, wherein the stimulation parameters include an amount of neurostimulation to be delivered for producing parasympathetic stimulation and/or sympathetic inhibition;a telemetry unit interfaced to the controller for enabling user input of a defined schedule for delivering neurostimulation and stimulation parameters; and,wherein the controller is programmed to receive medication dosage information via telemetry and modify the schedule for delivering neurostimulation accordingly.2. The device of wherein the controller is further programmed to modify the one or more stimulation parameters in accordance with the medication dosage information.3. The device of wherein the controller is programmed to reduce the amount of neurostimulation delivered when the patient takes a dose of a beta-blocker.4. The device of wherein the controller is programmed to increase the amount of neurostimulation delivered when the patient takes a dose of a diuretic.5. The device of wherein the controller is programmed to receive medication dosage information from an electronic pill ...

RF TELEMETRY RECEIVER CIRCUIT FOR ACTIVE MEDICAL IMPLANTS

An RF telemetry receiver circuit for active implantable medical devices. The baseband binary signal (D) is doubly modulated by a low frequency carrier (F) and by a high frequency carrier (F). The receiver circuit is a semi-passive non heterodyne circuit, devoid of a local oscillator and mixer. It comprises an antenna (), a passive bandpass filter () centered on the high-frequency carrier (F), a passive envelope detector (-) and a digital demodulator (). The envelope detector comprises a first diode circuit () of non-coherent detection, an active bandpass filter () centered on a frequency (2.F) twice the low frequency carrier and having a bandwidth (2.D) twice the baseband bandwidth, and a second diode circuit () of non-coherent detection, outputting a baseband signal applied to the digital demodulation stage (). 1. An RF telemetry reception circuit for an implantable medical device , comprising:an antenna for receiving a baseband binary signal from an external device, wherein the baseband binary signal is double-modulated by a first frequency carrier and a second frequency carrier;a passive bandpass filter configured to filter the double-modulated signal received by the antenna to attenuate signals outside of a selected band;a first envelope detection circuit that receives the filtered signal;an active bandpass filter centered on a frequency twice the first frequency carrier and having a bandwidth twice a bandwidth of the baseband binary signal, wherein the first envelope detection circuit provides a resultant signal to the active bandpass filter corresponding to a frequency band of the active bandpass filter;a second envelope detection circuit of that outputs a rectified version of the output from the active bandpass filter; anda digital demodulation circuit configured to produce an output signal that corresponds with the baseband binary signal and is based on the rectified signal.2. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the double-modulated signal facilitates the ...

VESTIBULAR NERVE STIMULATION

Presented herein are techniques for electrically stimulating a recipient's vestibular nerve in order to mask vestibular noise signals (vestibular noise) generated by the peripheral vestibular system (e.g., prevent erroneous balance information generated by the peripheral vestibular system from being sent to the brain of the recipient). A vestibular nerve stimulator in accordance with embodiments presented herein includes a plurality of electrodes implanted in an inner ear of a recipient at a location that is adjacent to the otolith organs of the inner ear. The vestibular nerve stimulator is configured to generate one or more continuous pulse trains and to deliver the one or more continuous pulse trains to the inferior branch of the recipient's vestibular nerve. 120-. (canceled)21. A vestibular nerve stimulator , comprising:a stimulating assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be implanted in an inner ear of a recipient adjacent to otolith organs of the inner ear; anda stimulator unit configured to generate and deliver electrical stimulation signals to at least an inferior branch of the vestibular nerve through one or more of the otolith organs.22. The vestibular nerve stimulator of claim 21 , wherein the electrical stimulation signals have stimulation parameters determined based on one or more subjective assessments of the recipient's disbalance.23. The vestibular nerve stimulator of claim 22 , wherein the stimulator unit is configured to generate and deliver the electrical stimulation signals to the recipient's vestibular nerve with a duty cycle selected based on the recipient's disbalance and a residual effect of the stimulation for the recipient.24. The vestibular nerve stimulator of claim 22 , wherein the stimulation parameters are predetermined and fixed parameters selected based on the subjective assessments of the recipient's disbalance.25. The vestibular nerve stimulator of claim 22 , wherein the stimulation parameters determined based on ...

Signal transmission optimization for tissue conduction communication

A device includes a tissue conduction communication (TCC) transmitter that generates a TCC signal including a carrier signal having a peak-to-peak amplitude and a carrier frequency cycle length including a first polarity pulse for a first half of the carrier frequency cycle length and a second polarity pulse opposite the first polarity pulse for a second half of the carrier frequency cycle length. Each of the first polarity pulse and the second polarity pulse inject a half cycle charge into a TCC pathway. The TCC transmitter starts transmitting the TCC signal with a starting pulse having a net charge that is half of the half cycle charge and transmits alternating polarity pulses of the carrier signal consecutively following the starting pulse.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM

A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes. 121-. (canceled)22: A device for delivering a neuromodulation therapy , comprising: a housing;', 'at least one fixation member coupled to the housing, the at least one fixation member configured to engage the tissue layer and secure the implantable medical device at an implant site;', 'a plurality of electrodes; and', 'a pulse generating circuit enclosed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of electrodes, the pulse generating circuit configured to generate stimulation pulses for delivery as electrical stimulation therapy via the plurality of electrodes to the nerve through the tissue layer,', 'wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes is located on an exterior surface of the housing configured to contact the tissue layer when the implantable medical device has been implanted at the implant site, and', 'wherein the at least one fixation member comprises a flexible material configured to allow the at least one fixation member to assume a first position when the implantable medical device is received in an implantation tool and to extend to a second position when expelled from the implantation tool to engage the tissue layer at the implant site., 'an implantable medical device configured to be implanted on a surface of a tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient, the implantable medical device comprising23: The device of claim 22 , wherein the at least one fixation member includes a plurality of tines.24: The device of claim 23 , wherein each of the plurality of tines includes a descending portion ...

Polarity Reversing Lead

A system, including: an implantable neural stimulator including electrodes, at least one antenna and an electrode interface; a radio-frequency (RF) pulse generator module comprising an antenna module configured to send an input signal to the antenna in the implantable neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling, the input signal containing electrical energy and polarity assignment information that designates polarity assignments of the electrodes in the implantable neural stimulator; and wherein the implantable neural stimulator is configured to: control the electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information, create one or more electrical pulses suitable for modulation of neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal, and supply the electrical pulses to the electrodes through the electrode interface such that the electrodes apply the electrical pulses to the neural tissue with the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information. 1. A system for modulating neural tissue in a patient comprising:an implantable neural stimulator comprising one or more electrodes, at least one antenna and an electrode interface;a radio-frequency (RF) pulse generator module comprising an antenna module configured to send an input signal to the antenna in the implantable neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling, the input signal containing electrical energy and polarity assignment information that designates polarity assignments of the electrodes in the implantable neural stimulator; and control the electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information,', 'create one or more electrical pulses suitable for modulation of neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal, and', 'supply the electrical pulses to the electrodes through the electrode ...