Abstract: Systems and techniques for determining in vivo mechanical load exerted on an implanted medical device (IMD) are described. The IMD or a device that has a substantially similar form factor as the IMD includes at least one mechanical stress sensor mechanically coupled to a housing or a component within the housing. In some examples, a patient parameter is determined based on a signal indicative of the in vivo mechanical load exerted on the IMD. In addition, in some examples, a processor determines whether a transient or cumulative mechanical load exerted on an IMD exceeded a predetermined threshold. A processor may additionally or alternatively determine whether a pattern in the mechanical loading of the IMD indicates a diversion from a manufacturing, shipping, storage or other handling process.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for determining in vivo mechanical load exerted on an implanted medical device (IMD) are described. A transfer function for determining a normal force exerted by a muscle based on an in-line force and muscle parameters is also described.

Abstract: A mechanical response of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a first static magnetic field and a first gradient magnetic field slew rate is simulated by exposing the IMD to a second static magnetic field having a magnitude greater than the first static magnetic field and generating a second gradient magnetic field at the IMD such that a product of the second static magnetic field and a second gradient magnetic field slew rate is substantially equal to a product of the first static magnetic field and the first gradient magnetic field slew rate.