Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a communication module that comprises at least one of a receiver module and a transmitter module. The receiver module is configured to both receive from an antenna and demodulate an RF telemetry signal, and receive from a plurality of electrodes and demodulate a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal. The transmitter module is configured to modulate and transmit both an RF telemetry signal via the antenna and a TCC signal via the plurality of electrodes. The RF telemetry signal and the TCC signal are both within a predetermined band for RF telemetry communication. In some examples, the IMD comprises a switching module configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of electrodes and the antenna to the receiver module or transmitter module.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a communication module that comprises at least one of a receiver module and a transmitter module. The receiver module is configured to both receive from an antenna and demodulate an RF telemetry signal, and receive from a plurality of electrodes and demodulate a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal. The transmitter module is configured to modulate and transmit both an RF telemetry signal via the antenna and a TCC signal via the plurality of electrodes. The RF telemetry signal and the TCC signal are both within a predetermined band for RF telemetry communication. In some examples, the IMD comprises a switching module configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of electrodes and the antenna to the receiver module or transmitter module.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) configured to transmit a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal includes a TCC transmitter module configured to generate the TCC signal and transmit the TCC signal via a plurality of electrodes. The TCC signal comprises a biphasic signal having an amplitude and a frequency, wherein at least one of the amplitude and the frequency are configured to avoid stimulation of tissue of the patient. The TCC transmitter module comprises protection circuitry coupled between a current source and the plurality of electrodes, wherein the protection circuitry is configured to protect the signal generator from an external anti-tachyarrhythmia shock delivered to the patient.