Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a control circuit for controlling the operation of the device and for obtaining physiological data from a patient in which the medical device is implanted. The implanted device also includes a communication circuit for transmitting the physiological data to an external device. A first power source is coupled to the control circuit and provides power to the control circuit. A second power source is coupled to the communication circuit and provides power to the communication circuit.

Abstract: A method for reforming one or more capacitors in an implantable medical device includes the steps of determining a capacitor reformation time period using empirical capacitor charging data, configuring the programming module with capacitor reformation instructions that include the capacitor reformation voltage and time period, and in response to the capacitor reformation instructions, charging the capacitors for the capacitor reformation time period.

Abstract: The present teachings include an electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, a separator disposed between the cathode and anode, and a housing containing the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. The separator can include a first sheet consisting essentially of a single layer material and a second sheet distinct from the first sheet. The second sheet can include an inner microporous layer laminated between two more outer layers. In some cells, the inner layer can have a transition temperature between a porous configuration and a substantially non-porous configuration that is between about 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees C., and in which the two more outer layers maintain their structural integrity to at least about 10 degrees C. greater than the first layer transition temperature.