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

摘要

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.

主权项

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; and if the voltage falls below a first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first telemetry type while continuing listening for the second telemetry type.