Systems and methods for timing-based communication between implantable medical devices

• US 8,374,693 B2
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Issued: 02/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Chavan, Abhijeet V., Von Arx, Jeffrey A., Mazar, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATTON, AMANDA K
• Application Number:
  US11/186,245
• Publication Number:
  US 20060122667A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,763 Days
• Field of Search: 607/16, 607/30, 607/32, 607/59, 607/60
• US Class Current: 607/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8212 with means or measures taken for minimising energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37276 characterised by means for reducing power consumption during telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/378 Electrical supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3962 in combination with another heart therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3975 Power supply A61N1/378 takes precedence

Abstract

A method carried out by an implantable medical device (IMD) for coordinating performance of one or more designated functions includes waiting in a low-power state for a predetermined event, detecting the predetermined event, and, responsive to detecting the predetermined event, searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body. The method further includes, receiving the wake-up command, and responsive to receiving the wake-up command, performing the one or more designated functions, and returning to the low-power state. A system includes a network of one or more implantable medical devices (IMDs) implanted in a human body. The system includes a satellite IMD operable to change between a plurality of power states, search for a wake-up command, and transmit an identification signal. The system may include a primary unit operable to receive the signal and coordinate a wake-up time based on the signal.

Claims

1. A method carried out by an implantable medical device (IMD) for coordinating performance of one or more designated functions, the IMD being implantable in a human body, the method comprising:

waiting in a low-power state for a predetermined time event, wherein only timing circuitry within the IMD is activated in the low-power state;

detecting the predetermined time event;

responsive to detecting the predetermined time event, activating communication circuitry within the IMD and searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body;

receiving the wake-up command;

responsive to receiving the wake-up command, performing the one or more designated functions; and

returning to the low-power state.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising transmitting a signal to the coordinating device, the signal identifying the IMD.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time event is passage of a scheduled time.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the scheduled time is retrieved from a look up table.

5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the scheduled time is set in a programmable timer.

6. The method as recited in claim 3 further comprising:

receiving time interval data from the coordinating device, the time interval data designating the scheduled time; and

setting a timer in the IMD based at least in part on the time interval data.

7. The method as recited in claim 3 further comprising:

receiving time correction data from the coordinating device; and

setting a timer based on the time correction data.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein setting the timer comprises adjusting an oscillator frequency, adjusting an oscillator divider, or setting a count value in a register.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein receiving the wake-up command comprises receiving a carrier signal modulated with on-off shift keying.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein receiving the wake-up command comprises receiving an ultrasonic signal.

11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more designated functions includes measuring a physiologic parameter.

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more designated functions includes administering a therapy.

13. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the coordinating device is operable to perform a therapeutic function.

14. A method carried out by an implantable medical device (IMD) for coordinating performance of one or more designated functions, the IMD being implantable in a human body, the method comprising:

scheduling a timing event within timing circuitry of the IMD, the timing circuitry configured to selectively activate one or more components of the IMD between a low-power state and an active state;

waiting in a low-power state for the scheduled timing event to elapse, wherein only the timing circuitry is activated in the low-power state;

responsive to the elapsed timing event, activating communication circuitry within the IMD and searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body;

receiving the wake-up command;

responsive to receiving the wake-up command, performing the one or more designated functions; and

returning to the low-power state.

15. A method carried out by an implantable medical device (IMD) for coordinating performance of one or more designated functions, the IMD being implantable in a human body, the method comprising:

scheduling a timing event within timing circuitry of the IMD, the timing circuitry configured to selectively activate one or more components of the IMD between a low-power state and an active state;

waiting in the low-power state for the scheduled timing event to elapse, wherein only the timing circuitry is activated in the low-power state;

responsive to the elapsed timing event, activating communication circuitry within the IMD and searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body;

receiving the wake-up command;

responsive to receiving the wake-up command, activating one or more sensors within the IMD and sensing pressure or flow within the body; and

returning to the low-power state.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein activating communication circuitry within the IMD and searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body includes activating the IMD in an intermediary power state between the low-power state and a fully active state.