MRI operation modes for implantable medical devices
First Claim
1. A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) in the presence of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the IMD including a sensor operable to sense MRI electromagnetic fields, the method comprising:
- programming the IMD with an external device from a non-MRI mode, in which the sensor is inactive, to an MRI mode, in which the sensor is active, outside the presence of the MRI system; and
switching the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode when the sensor detects an MRI electromagnetic field.
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the processor is in electrical communication with the timer, and is further operable to switch the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period.
334 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) in the presence of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the IMD including a sensor operable to sense MRI electromagnetic fields, the method comprising:
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programming the IMD with an external device from a non-MRI mode, in which the sensor is inactive, to an MRI mode, in which the sensor is active, outside the presence of the MRI system; and switching the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode when the sensor detects an MRI electromagnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI), the IMD including a sensor operable to sense EMI, the method comprising:
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programming the IMD with an external device from a non-MRI mode, in which the sensor is inactive, to an MRI mode, in which the sensor is active, outside the presence of the EMI; detecting the presence of EMI; switching the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode upon detecting the presence of EMI; measuring a time period from when the IMD is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode; and switching the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period, wherein the predetermined time period is set so that the IMD is switched from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode after the IMD is positioned a safe distance from the EMI. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) in the presence of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the IMD including a sensor operable to sense electromagnetic fields, the method comprising:
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programming the IMD with an external device from a non-MRI mode, in which the sensor is inactive, to an MRI mode, in which the sensor is active, outside the presence of the MRI system; measuring a level of one or more electromagnetic field components generated by the MRI system; switching the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode if the level of the one or more electromagnetic field components exceeds a predetermined level threshold; measuring the level of the one or more electromagnetic field components while the IMD is in the second operation mode; and switching the IMD from the second operation mode to the first operation mode if the level of the one or more electromagnetic field components fall below the predetermined level threshold. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification