Systems including an implantable receiver-stimulator and an implantable controller-transmitter are used for leadless electrical stimulation of body tissues. Cardiac pacing and arrhythmia control is accomplished with one or more implantable receiver-stimulators and an external or implantable controller-transmitter. Systems are implanted by testing external or implantable devices at different tissue sites, observing physiologic and device responses, and selecting sites with preferred performance for implanting the systems. In these systems, a controller-transmitter is activated at a remote tissue location to transmit/deliver acoustic energy through the body to a receiver-stimulator at a target tissue location. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy to electrical energy for electrical stimulation of the body tissue. The tissue locations(s) can be optimized by moving either or both of the controller-transmitter and the receiver-stimulator to determine the best patient and device responses.

Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods

A system and method for waking up a satellite implantable medical device ('IMD') from a sleep state in which power consumption by the satellite IMD is essentially zero. The satellite IMD may be adapted to perform one or more designated measurement and/or therapeutic functions. The satellite IMD includes a wake-up sensor that is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a wake-up field generated by a primary IMD or an external device. The wake-up field may be an electromagnetic field, a magnetic field, or a physiologically sub-threshold excitation current (i.e., E-field). Upon sensing by the wake-up sensor of the wake-up field, other components of the satellite IMD, which may include a controller, a sensing and/or therapy module, and/or a communications module, are awakened to perform one or more designated functions.

System and method for waking an implantable medical device from a sleep state

An apparatus and method for adjusting the performance of an implanted device based on data including contextual information. Contextual information, including operational and performance data concerning the implanted device as well as the patient with the implanted device, is stored by a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device is adapted for battery operation and includes a personal digital assistant (PDA). The portable electronic device is adapted for use as an interface to conduct wireless communications with the implanted device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device interfaces with a clinical programmer for use by a physician.

Method and apparatus for establishing context among events and optimizing implanted medical device performance

Methods of monitoring and evaluating the status of a tumor undergoing treatment includes monitoring in vivo at least one physiological parameter associated with a tumor in a subject undergoing treatment, transmitting data from an in situ located sensor to a receiver external of the subject, analyzing the transmitted data, repeating the monitoring and transmitting steps at sequential points in time and evaluating a treatment strategy. The method provides dynamic tracking of the monitored parameters over time. The method can also include identifying in a substantially real time manner when conditions are favorable for treatment and when conditions are unfavorable for treatment and can verify or quantify how much of a known drug dose or radiation dose was actually received at the tumor. The method can include remote transmission from a non-clinical site to allow oversight of the tumor's condition even during non-active treatment periods (in between active treatments). The disclosure also includes monitoring systems with in situ in vivo biocompatible sensors and telemetry based operations and related computer program products.

Methods, systems, and associated implantable devices for dynamic monitoring of physiological and biological properties of tumors

Systems and methods for communicating with an implant within a patient's body using acoustic telemetry includes an external communications device attachable to the patient's skin. The device includes an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic signals into the patient's body and/or for receiving acoustic signals from the implant. The device includes a battery for providing electrical energy to operate the device, a processor for extracting data from acoustic signals received from the implant, and memory for storing the data. The device may include an interface for communicating with a recorder or computer, e.g., to transfer data from the implant and/or to receive instructions for controlling the implant. The device is secured to the patient's skin for controlling, monitoring, or otherwise communicating with the implant, while allowing the patient to remain mobile.

Systems and methods for communicating with implantable devices

An implant includes a pressure sensor, a controller for acquiring pressure data from the sensor, and an acoustic transducer for converting energy between electrical energy and acoustic energy. A capacitor is coupled to the acoustic transducer for storing electrical energy converted by the transducer and/or for providing electrical energy to operate the implant. The acoustic transducer may operate alternatively or simultaneously as an energy exchanger or an acoustic transmitter. During use, the implant is implanted within a patient's body, and an external transducer transmits a first acoustic signal into the patient's body, to energize the capacitor. The implant then obtains pressure data, and transmits a second acoustic signal to the external transducer, the second acoustic signal including the pressure data.

Alon Ben-Yosefh

Papers

Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using them