Method for Controlling Telemetry in an Implantable Medical Device Based on Power Source Capacity
First Claim
1. A method for controlling an implantable medical device, the device having telemetry circuitry to receive both a first type of telemetry from a first external component and to receive a second type of telemetry from an external charging component, wherein the external charging component is used to wirelessly charge a power source in the implantable medical device, the method comprising:
- listening for the first and second telemetry types;
monitoring a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device; and
if the voltage falls below a first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first telemetry type while continuing listening for the second telemetry type from the external charging component to permit charging of the power source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient'"'"'s skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, e.g., neurological disorders, uses a self-contained power source such as a primary battery, a rechargeable battery, or other energy sources. For the rechargeable battery, and other energy sources that may require a periodic or occasional replenishment, such recharging or replenishment is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A suitable bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator system to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the system, including the charge level of the power source, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry within the microstimulator 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 of the case. Further, the case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for controlling an implantable medical device, the device having telemetry circuitry to receive both a first type of telemetry from a first external component and to receive a second type of telemetry from an external charging component, wherein the external charging component is used to wirelessly charge a power source in the implantable medical device, the method comprising:
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listening for the first and second telemetry types;
monitoring a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device; and
if the voltage falls below a first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first telemetry type while continuing listening for the second telemetry type from the external charging component to permit charging of the power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for controlling an implantable medical device, comprising:
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monitoring a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device;
if the voltage is above a first threshold, enabling the following functions;
listening for a first type of telemetry from a first external component;
listening for a second type of telemetry from an external charging component, wherein the external charging component is used to wirelessly charge the power source; and
providing stimulation to device electrodes using the power source; and
if the voltage falls below the first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first type of telemetry from the first external component and discontinuing providing stimulation to device electrodes using the power source, while continuing listening for the second type of telemetry. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for controlling an implantable medical device, comprising:
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monitoring a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device;
if the voltage is above a first threshold, enabling the following functions;
listening for a first type of telemetry from a first external component, wherein the first external component is used to program stimulation parameters for the implantable medical device;
listening for a second type of telemetry from an external charging component, wherein the external charging component is used to wirelessly charge the power source; and
providing stimulation to device electrodes using the power source and in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
if the voltage falls below the first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first telemetry type and discontinuing providing stimulation to device electrodes using the power source, while continuing listening for the second telemetry type so that the power source can be recharged. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification