Variable implantable medical device power characteristics based upon implant depth

Patent 7660630 Issued on February 9, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date:

April 27, 2026. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Medtronic, Inc.

Application

No. 11380445 filed on 04/27/2006

US Classes:

607/27Testing or monitoring pacer function

Examiners

Primary: Getzow, Scott M

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Class

A61N 1/00

Abstract

An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein includes adjustable power characteristics such as variable transmitter output power and variable receiver front end gain. These power characteristics are adjusted based upon the intended or actual implant depth of the IMD. The IMD may process an IMD implant depth value (provided by an external IMD programming device) to generate power scaling instructions or control signals that are interpreted by the IMD transmitter and/or the IMD receiver. Such adjustability enables the IMD to satisfy minimum telemetry requirements in a manner that does not waste power, thus extending the IMD battery life.