Abstract: Telemetry signal strength is used for positioning a primary recharge coil of a recharging unit at a location proximate to an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) in preparation to recharge a rechargeable power source of the IMD. An antenna of the recharging unit is positioned proximate to the IMD, a telemetry session is initiated between the two devices, and a value indicative of the telemetry signal strength is obtained. Using a known correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the IMD/recharging unit pair, the telemetry signal strength value is used to determine whether adequate recharge coupling may be achieved between the pair of devices. If so, a recharge session may be established. Otherwise, the antenna is repositioned and the process is repeated. The correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the device pair may be developed empirically or using modeling.

Abstract: Techniques for using telemetry signal strength for positioning a primary recharge coil of a recharging unit at a location proximate to an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) in preparation to recharge a rechargeable power source of the IMD are disclosed. An antenna of the recharging unit is positioned proximate to the IMD, a telemetry session is initiated between the two devices, and a value indicative of the telemetry signal strength is obtained. Using a known correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the IMD/recharging unit pair, the telemetry signal strength value is used to determine whether adequate recharge coupling may be achieved between the pair of devices. If so, a recharge session may be established. Otherwise, the antenna is repositioned and the process is repeated. The correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the device pair may be developed empirically or using modeling.