Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric compartment of the device. A helical antenna may be employed to save space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric compartment of the device. A helical antenna may be employed to save space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric compartment of the device. A helical antenna may be employed to save space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed. The sensing apparatus may have one or more magneto-resistive-sensing elements, one or more reorientation elements for adjusting the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, and semiconductor circuitry having driver circuitry for controlling the reorientation elements. The magneto-resistive-sensing elements, reorientation elements and/or semiconductor circuitry may be disposed in single package and/or monolithically formed on a single chip. Alternatively, some of the semiconductor circuitry may be monolithically formed on a first chip with the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, while a second portion of the semiconductor circuitry may be formed on a second chip. The first and second chips may be placed in close proximity and electrically connected together. Alternatively the chips may have no intentional electrical interaction.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and method of making and using thereof is provided. The sensing apparatus may be fabricated from semiconductor circuitry and a magneto-resistive sensor. A dielectric may be disposed between the semiconductor circuitry and the magneto-resistive sensor. In one embodiment, the semiconductor circuitry and magneto-resistive sensor are formed into a single package or, alternatively, monolithically formed into a single chip. In another embodiment, some of the semiconductor circuitry may be monolithically formed on a first chip with the magneto-resistive sensor, while other portions of the semiconductor circuitry may be formed on a second chip. As such, the first and second chips may be placed in close proximity and electrically connected together or alternatively have no intentional electrical interaction.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed. The sensing apparatus may have one or more magneto-resistive-sensing elements, one ore more reorientation elements for adjusting the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, and semiconductor circuitry having driver circuitry for controlling the reorientation elements. The magneto-resistive-sensing elements, reorientation elements and semiconductor circuitry may be disposed in single package and/or monolithically formed on a single chip. Alternatively, some of the semiconductor circuitry may be monolithically formed on a first chip with the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, while a second portion of the semiconductor circuitry may be formed on a second chip. The first and second chips may be placed in close proximity and electrically connected together. Alternatively the chips may have no intentional electrical interaction.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and method of making and using thereof is provided. The sensing apparatus may be fabricated from semiconductor circuitry and a magneto-resistive sensor. A dielectric may be disposed between the semiconductor circuitry and the magneto-resistive sensor. In one embodiment, the semiconductor circuitry and magneto-resistive sensor are formed into a single package or, alternatively, monolithically formed into a single chip. In another embodiment, some of the semiconductor circuitry may be monolithically formed on a first chip with the magneto-resistive sensor, while other portions of the semiconductor circuitry may be formed on a second chip.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting telemetry data from an implantable medical device to an external device. A connection-oriented protocol is used to transmit data at a higher data rate while a burst mode protocol is used to transmit data a lower data rate. The lower data rate may be used for remote communications where the received signal is of lower power.

Abstract: An implantable, self-contained, user-attachable or detachable telemetry module plugs into an implantable medical device to provide or supplement one or more telemetry functions needed by a patient having certain health conditions. A user-attachable or detachable telemetry module allows a user, such as a physician or other care provider, to select a telemetry module and attach it to a medical device. Various types of telemetry are implemented as various user-attachable or detachable telemetry modules, each providing one or more telemetry functions suitable for a particular patient whose condition imposes a particular demand on telemetry. A care provider selects a user-attachable or detachable telemetry module most suited for the particular patient, which improves healthcare cost efficiency. One example of user-attachable or detachable telemetry module includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter-receiver circuit module and a lead carrying an antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device utilizing far-field electromagnetic radiation. Such radio-frequency communications can take place over much greater distances than with inductively coupled antennas.

Abstract: An improved bio-medical telemetry apparatus for programming an implanted medical device includes a large substantially planar and concentrically wound first telemetry coil. The coil is disposed inside a thin flexible housing including layers of insulative materials to prevent electrical contact between loops of the first telemetry coil and to hold the first telemetry coil formed shape in place. The apparatus further includes a communication lead coupled to the first telemetry coil for communicating with a medical device programmer. During a telemetry session the first telemetry coil including the flexible housing is disposed at a posterior location of the torso and an implanted medical device disposed subcutaneously on an anterior location of the torso. During programming the first telemetry coil is inductively coupled to the implanted medical device for wireless data communication with the implanted medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric around the periphery of the device. Such a circumferential antenna saves space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed. The sensing apparatus may have one or more magneto-resistive-sensing elements, one ore more reorientation elements for adjusting the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, and semiconductor circuitry having driver circuitry for controlling the reorientation elements. The magneto-resistive-sensing elements, reorientation elements and semiconductor circuitry may be disposed in single package and/or monolithically formed on a single chip. Alternatively, some of the semiconductor circuitry may be monolithically formed on a first chip with the magneto-resistive-sensing elements, while a second portion of the semiconductor circuitry may be formed on a second chip. The first and second chips may be placed in close proximity and electrically connected together. Alternatively the chips may have no intentional electrical interaction.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensing apparatus and method of making and using thereof is disclosed. The sensing apparatus may be fabricated from semiconductor circuitry and a magneto-resistive sensor. A dielectric may be disposed between the semiconductor circuitry and the magneto-resistive sensor.