Abstract: A method for adjusting reactance includes an adjustable reactance generator including a comparator receiving an input sinusoidal waveform and outputting a square wave that retains the frequency and phase of the applied sinusoidal waveform. The reactance adjustment is generated using a power switching circuit that receives the square wave from the comparator as a control signal and outputs a square wave that retains the frequency and phase of the applied sinusoidal voltage waveform, an adjustable power supply that adjusts the amplitude of the square wave output by the power switching circuit, and an amplitude detector that controls the output level of the adjustable power supply. The power switching circuit output, when converted to a sinusoid, provides the effect of an adjustable reactance.

Abstract: Devices that communicate using wireless proximal communications measure pulse width to find distortion in the received signal. The distortion may be due to the devices being too close to one another for a transmission power level currently being used which causes ringing of a receiving coil. The distortion may be used to find a correction that the receiving device may use to correct for the distortion in the received pulse train when decoding the pulse train. The distortion may be used to adjust a transmission power level of the receiving device and/or to send an instruction to the transmitting device to adjust the power transmission power level of the transmitting device. The distortion may be used for other purposes including determining a device depth and/or location for an implanted device, such as an implantable medical device within a body of a patient.

Abstract: A signal processing device 6 is connected to an endoscope 2 that examines a subject and outputs a signal in accordance with a result of the examination. The signal processing device 6 includes a plurality of internal modules 61 to 64 that process the signal output from the endoscope 2. The internal modules 61 to 64 are connected via an interface supporting a communication protocol and having a connector geometry, at least the communication protocol or both communication protocol and connector geometry conforming to a communication interface standard.

Abstract: A implant tracking system for allowing the location of an animal to be tracked from an implanted device that is not readily removable includes an implant member having an internal positioning component that is connected to an internal rechargeable power component and a wearable charger implement that includes an inductive charging band, a wire charging port, an internal charger battery, and an attachment mechanism. In one instance, the positioning component is a satellite positioning system receiver. In use, it is contemplated that the implant member is implanted under the skin of a pet or other animal whose location is desired to be tracked while the wearable charger can be removably positioned on the pet in order to wirelessly recharge the power component of the implant member through inductive charging.

Abstract: Implantable medical systems enter an exposure mode of operation, either manually via a down linked programming instruction or by automatic detection by the implantable system of exposure to a magnetic disturbance. A controller then determines the appropriate exposure mode by considering various pieces of information including the device type including whether the device has defibrillation capability, pre-exposure mode of therapy including which chambers have been paced, and pre-exposure cardiac activity that is either intrinsic or paced rates. Additional considerations may include determining whether a sensed rate during the exposure mode is physiologic or artificially produced by the magnetic disturbance. When the sensed rate is physiologic, then the controller uses the sensed rate to trigger pacing and otherwise uses asynchronous pacing at a fixed rate.

Abstract: Far field telemetry communications are conducted during recharge sessions between an external device and an implantable medical device. The two devices may not have been previously paired together for far field telemetry and may have been paired with other devices for far field telemetry during previous recharge sessions and/or programming sessions. Embodiments provide for temporary bonding of the two devices for far field telemetry during the recharge session. The implantable medical device of the recharge session may maintain a programming bond with an external device other than the external device conducting the recharge session. Safeguards against establishment of inadvertent programming sessions between the external device that has conducted a recharge session and implantable medical devices that may or may not be bonded to that external device are provided.

Abstract: A system may include a processor configured to automatically obtain magnetic resonance imaging compatibility information relating to compatibility of an active implantable medical device implantable in a patient with an MRI modality from at least two information sources. The processor may also be configured to automatically determine compatibility of the active implantable medical device with the magnetic resonance imaging modality based on the magnetic resonance imaging compatibility information.

Abstract: Each sensor of a plurality of sensors operates independently to perform at least a monitoring function acquiring sensor data indicative of a common physiological parameter and a grading function performed occasionally to assign a current signal quality grade for the sensor that is indicative of operational status of the monitoring function of the sensor. A data structure stores information pertaining to the plurality of sensors including at least priorities of the plurality of sensors respective to the common physiological parameter and the current signal quality grades for the sensors. Each sensor further operates to perform at least one output function generating an output signal conditional upon content of the data structure including at least the priorities and the current signal quality grades of the sensors indicating the output function should be performed.

Abstract: New and alternative approaches to the monitoring of cardiac signal quality for external and/or implantable cardiac devices. In one example, signal quality is monitored continuously or in response to a triggering event or condition and, upon identification of a reduction in signal quality, a device may reconfigure its sensing state. In another example, one or more trends of signal quality are monitored by a device, either continuously or in response to a triggering event or condition, and sensing reconfiguration may be performed in response to identified trends and events. In yet another example, a device may use a looping data capture mode to track sensing data in multiple vectors while primarily relying on less than all sensing vectors to make decisions and, in response to a triggering event or condition, the looped data can be analyzed automatically, without waiting for additional data capture to reconfigure sensing upon identification of the triggering event or condition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a feedthrough dielectric body for an active implantable medical device includes the steps of: a) forming an alumina ceramic body in a green state, or, stacking upon one another discrete layers of alumina ceramic in a green state and pressing; b) forming at least one via hole straight through the alumina ceramic body; c) filling the at least one via hole with a ceramic reinforced metal composite paste; d) drying the alumina ceramic body and the ceramic reinforced metal composite paste; e) forming a second hole straight through the ceramic reinforced metal composite paste being smaller in diameter in comparison to the at least one via hole; f) filling the second hole with a substantially pure metal paste; g) sintering the alumina ceramic body, the ceramic reinforced metal composite paste and the metal paste; and h) hermetically sealing the feedthrough dielectric body to a ferrule.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for a patient includes an external system configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal having at least power or data. An implantable system is configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system, and the external system includes a first external device with at least one external antenna configured to transmit a first transmission signal to the implantable system. The first transmission signal includes at least power or data, and an external transmitter is configured to drive the at least one external antenna. An external power supply is configured to provide power to at least the external transmitter, and an external controller is configured to control the external transmitter. A first implantable device includes at least one implantable antenna configured to receive the first transmission signal from the first external device.

Abstract: Example isolated AC-DC power supplies include a PFC converter coupled to an AC input, a DC-DC converter coupled between the PFC converter and a DC output, and a controller configured to control switching operation of the DC-DC converter. A pulse modulator is coupled to an output of the PFC converter to receive a signal representative of voltage ripple at the output of the PFC converter, and is configured to modulate a pulse signal based on an amplitude of the voltage ripple. A pulse demodulator is coupled to the pulse modulator to receive the modulated pulse signal, and is configured to demodulate the modulated pulse signal and provide a demodulated signal to adjust switching operation of the DC-DC converter. Also disclosed are methods for controlling isolated AC-DC power supplies.

Abstract: A system and method for PEMF tissue engineering enhances musculoskeletal tissue stimulation by monitoring treatment for compliance with treatment regimens. A PEMF device includes sensors that detect attributes indicating whether the PEMF device is in use. The PEMF device also includes communication devices that connect it with other devices. The data obtained from the sensors may be used to determine a level of compliance in use of the tissue engineering device with a prescribed treatment regimen for the patient. The data is transferred via a paired UE to a remote server. The remote server stores the data in a database and periodically generates compliance reports. The compliance reports are shared with subscribing access devices including the prescribing physician. The UE pairing with the PEMF device maintains a treatment calendar and dynamically modifies reminders based on current treatment status. The treatment regimen may be updated and sent to the PEMF device.

Abstract: Techniques have been proposed to transmit a wake-up packet at the central 26-tone resource unit of the IEEE 802.11ax OFDMA structure with a low-power wake-up radio packet within the OFDMA allocation. Prior techniques proposed to multiplex transmission of the wake-up packet with IEEE 802.11ax OFDMA PPDUs; leaving the RUs adjacent to the central 26-tone unassigned to function as guard bands. These guard bands are needed to reduce the impact of the adjacent channel interference on the LP-WUR. One embodiment transmits the 26×20 MHz/256=2.03125 MHz wake-up pulse at the center of (or in general anywhere within) the band (e.g., RU5) without requiring the nulling of the seven DC subcarriers. This moves the wakeup pulse inward leaving larger guard bands between the wake-up packet and the adjacent OFDMA allocations. This at least improves the LP-WUR detection performance and will allow assignment of more RUs to IEEE 802.11ax OFDMA PPDUs—Thereby improving overall system throughput and efficiency.

Abstract: An implantable hearing prosthesis, comprising an integrated integrity system. The integrity system is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis, to evaluate the integrity of the prosthesis based on the measurements, and to perform at least one diagnostic operation based on the evaluation.

Abstract: A mobile device for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker is disclosed. The mobile device includes a detection subsystem to receive an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker from a detection arrangement. A processing subsystem is coupled to the detection subsystem to decode the electrical signal. A radio subsystem is configured to transmit the decoded electrical signal to a wireless node. A system includes the mobile device and the detection arrangement. A method includes receiving the electrical signal generated by the ingestible event marker at the mobile device, decoding the electrical signal to extract information associated with the ingestible event marker, and transmitting the information to a wireless node.

Abstract: An electronic medical system is described. The system comprises an external RF power transmitter configured to emit a first power signal via an electromagnetic coupling, said RF power transmitter being configured to emit said first energy signal with a power no greater than 1W. The system further comprises an implantable medical device comprising: at least one receiver antenna configured to receive said first energy signal via an electromagnetic coupling; an RF power receiver module configured to extract a second energy signal having a power of at least 1 mW and to be powered by said second energy signal; a power actuator module, operatively connected to the RF power receiver module, powered by said second energy signal. The power actuator module is configured to deliver a medical treatment to at least a target tissue of a patient on the basis of a control signal generated by the RF power receiver module.

Abstract: A system for managing rechargeable batteries for medical devices includes a charging station that holds and charges multiple batteries simultaneously and an idle time module that determines a battery idle time for one or more of the multiple batteries held in the charging stations, wherein the battery idle time indicates the duration that each respective battery has been fully charged and available for use. The system further includes a battery selection indicator for each of the multiple batteries, wherein the battery selection indicator is activated based on the battery idle time to identify that the respective battery should be selected for use.

Abstract: A method of security access control for a hard disk and a hard disk, where the hard disk includes an Internet Protocol (IP) interface and a control board, and the method includes that the IP interface receives an access data packet and sends the access data packet to the control board, where the control board parses the access data packet to obtain an authentication data packet, where the authentication data packet includes access permission information, inspects the access permission information according to a stored security policy to determine whether an access is authorized, performs a security check on the access data packet using a security algorithm when the access of the user is authorized, and allows accessing data in a corresponding sector on the hard disk according to the sector identifier when the security check is passed.

Abstract: A flexible antenna is associated with an active implantable medical device to facilitate communication between the implantable medical device and an external component in the outside world via, for example, long range or far field telemetry. The flexibility of the antenna allows it to conform to the shape of the location at which it is situated, such as on the cranial bone of a patient for an antenna associated with a cranially implanted medical device. The conformability of the antenna helps to maintain the antenna in the desired shape and to maintain it in the desired location relative to implantable medical device and the patient and improves patient comfort.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transfer system comprises an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, and communications antenna in the implantable receive resonator configured to send communication information to the transmit resonator. The communications antenna can include a plurality of gaps positioned between adjacent conductive elements, the gaps being configured to prevent or reduce induction of current in the plurality of conductive elements when the antenna is exposed to a magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for managing establishment of a communications link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD). The method stores, in the IMD, an advertisement schedule that includes first and second power schemes to be utilized with advertisement notices. The first and second power schemes define at least one of i) first and second power levels for transmitting the advertisement notices or ii) first and second receive sensitivities to scan for a connection request. The method manages at least one of a transmit or receive operation of the IMD, utilizing the first and second power schemes in connection with first and second advertisement notices, respectively. The method establishes a communication session between the IMD and the EI.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting implant data includes an orthopedic implant, a wireless receiver, and a processing circuit electrically coupled to the wireless receiver. The orthopedic implant is configured to transmit implant identification data and implant sensor data to the wireless receiver in response to a power signal. The orthopedic implant may transfer the data over, for example, a wireless network. The processing circuit receives the implant identification data and the implant sensor data from the wireless receiver and is configured to retrieve patient-related data from a database based on the implant identification data. The processing circuit may also be configured to update a patient queue, assign a patient room to a patient, and/or transmit the patient-related data and the implant sensor data to a client machine located in the patient room.

Abstract: A first fraction of an electrical stimulation is allocated to a first electrode. In response to user input, the first fraction of the electrical stimulation is fixed to the first electrode such that the first fraction is user-adjustable but cannot be automatically changed. In response to the first fraction being fixed to the first electrode, a respective second fraction of the electrical stimulation is automatically allocated to a plurality of second electrodes. The second fraction is a function of the first fraction and a total number of the second electrodes. Thereafter, a new electrode is added to, or deleting from, the second electrodes, while the first fraction is still fixed to the first electrode. The respective second fractions are automatically adjusted in response to the adding or the deleting, without affecting the first fraction of the electrical stimulation that has been fixed to the first electrode.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self-alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: Mixed mode operations within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Certain communication systems can include wireless communication devices of various capabilities therein (e.g., IEEE Task Group ac (TGac VHT), IEEE 802.11 amendment TGn, IEEE 802.11 amendment TGa, and/or other capabilities, etc.). In one manner of classification, wireless communication devices having legacy and newer/updated capabilities may inter-operate with one another, operate within a common region, and/or communicate via a common access point (AP). Coordination of such wireless communication devices (e.g., legacy and newer/updated) provides for their respective operation on a same set of clusters in accordance with various operational modes including: (1) time dividing medium access between the wireless communication devices of various capabilities, (2) assigning primary cluster(s) for a first capability set and assigning non-primary cluster(s) for a second capability set, etc.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the location of a physiological midline are disclosed. A first technique evaluates the response to stimulation of spinal electrodes at peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on a relationship between responses to its stimulation observed on different sides of the body. A second technique evaluates the response of spinal electrodes to stimulation of peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on the different responses that it observes to stimulation on different sides of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system that generates and wirelessly transmits a sufficient amount of energy to power one or more implanted devices, including a heart pump, while maintaining the system's efficiency, safety, and overall convenience of use. The disclosure further relates one or more methods of operation for the improved system.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for securely transferring data from a secured site to a medical device. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for securely uploading data from a medical device to a secured site. In some embodiments described herein, data can be downloaded from a secured site to a key and after severing communication with the secured site, key can be coupled to a device and download the data to the device, in some embodiments, a public and private key pair may be used to securely download data to a device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling a wireless power transmitting device. Information is received about a position of an electronic device from another wireless power transmitting device. Power is transmitted to the electronic device using the information about the position of the electronic device received from the other wireless power transmitting device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for creating an application-aware snapshot of a storage volume. A network association module is configured to determine an owner for a storage volume. A requester module is configured to request a snapshot operation for a storage volume. A snapshot operation may be initiated from a storage appliance. A provider module is configured to create a snapshot of data of a storage volume in a storage appliance in response to a determined owner quiescing activity for the storage volume.

Abstract: Via a user interface of an electronic device, virtual representations of an implantable pulse generator (IPG), an external pulse generator (EPG), and an implantable lead are displayed. A detection is made that the EPG has been selected. In response to the selection of the EPG, a first workflow is made automatically available. The first workflow is associated with using a Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation (PNE) needle to investigate an optimum location for implanting the implantable lead. A detection is made that the implantable lead has been coupled to the IPG or the EPG. In response to the coupling of the implantable lead to the IPG or the EPG, a second workflow is made automatically available. The second workflow is associated with evaluating a patient physiological response at least in part by using the implantable lead to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.

Abstract: The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing neuromodulation are provided. One such system can include an implantable pulse generator. The implantable pulse generator can include a circuit board having a microcontroller that generates signals that are input into an ASIC. The ASIC serves as pulse generator that allows electrical pulses to be outputted into leads. The implantable pulse generator is capable of receiving and/or generating signals either via a wireless communication (e.g., a wireless remote control), a touching force (e.g., pressure from a finger), a motion sensor or any combination of the above.

Abstract: Systems and method may be used for interfacing with a patient. Systems may include a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with a processor. The processor may be configured to receive sense signals from electrodes and to determine the reliability of the received signal. A test tone signal comprising a test tone frequency may be applied, and the magnitude of the test tone frequency may be analyzed in the received signal. If it is determined that the magnitude of the test tone frequency is below a threshold, the system may take action, such as lowering the gain on an amplifier. Stimulation signals may be applied to the patient at a stimulation frequency simultaneously with one or both of receiving sense signals and providing the test tone signal.

Abstract: An alert system for providing the capability for a care giver or technologist in a medical procedure room such as the magnet room of an MRI installation to send an alert signal to personnel outside the magnet room. The system includes an alert device in the procedure room with an alert switch, and a wireless signal transmitter for generating encoded alert signals upon activation of the alert switch. An alert control system in the control room of the installation includes a signal receiver, a memory for storing pre-recorded messages, an audio transducer and a controller, the controller responsive to alert signals received from the alert device to generate alert signals including generating pre-recorded messages from the audio transducer.

Abstract: Devices for controlling spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain, and associated systems and methods, including controllers for automated parameter selection are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes receiving a first input corresponding to a location of a signal delivery device implanted in a patient, establishing a positional relationship between the signal delivery device and an anatomical feature of the patient, receiving a second input corresponding to a medical indication of the patient, and, based at least in part on the positional relationship and the indication, automatically identifying a signal delivery parameter in accordance with which a pulsed electrical signal is delivered to the patient via the signal delivery device.

Abstract: The disclosure features wireless power transmitters that include a power source, a first coil connected to the power source, a second coil connected in series to the first coil, and a third coil positioned in proximity to the second coil, where during operation of the wireless power transmitters, the power source applies a driving voltage to the first and second coils, the first coil generates a first magnetic field that transfers power to a receiver resonator, the second coil generates a second magnetic field that induces a voltage across the third coil, and the induced voltage across the third coil is applied to a component of the wireless power transmitters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical stimulation device (1) having a stimulator (2), containing a generator (3) for generating electrical stimulation pulses having specific stimulation parameters, a voltage supply (4) for supplying the generator (3) with electrical energy and a stimulator housing (13), and having at least two needle electrodes (5) for piercing the surface of the skin of an area to be stimulated, which needle electrodes (5) are connected to the stimulator (2) via a line (7), wherein the stimulator (2) can be releasably connected to a fastening element (14) for fastening the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin. In order to fasten the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin of a patient in an easier and better manner, the fastening element (14) has a clip (15) for releasably receiving the stimulator housing (13) and a support element (16) for supporting and fastening the stimulator (2) to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, reduce how often an IMD accepts false messages. Such a method can include receiving a message and measuring a message interval indicative of a length of time between when the message was received and when a preceding message was received. The method can also include determining, based on the measured message interval, whether the message was received within the message window, and determining whether to reject the message based on results thereof. The method can also include adjusting a temporal position of the message window based on the measured message interval. The method can further include determining a quality measure indicative of a quality of the message and/or a quality of a channel over which the message was received, and determining whether to reject the message based on the quality measure.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation may be delivered to a patient's heart using a plurality of cardiac electrodes. Each electrode combination may be evaluated based on one or more first parameters and one or more second parameters. In many cases, the one or more first parameters are supportive of cardiac function consistent with a prescribed therapy and the one or more second parameters are not supportive of cardiac function consistent with the prescribed therapy. The electrode combination selected to deliver a cardiac pacing therapy may be more associated with the one or more first parameters supportive of cardiac function consistent with the prescribed therapy and less associated with the one or more second parameters inconsistent with cardiac function.

Abstract: Certain implementations have a main body case having a contact face of a biological information measurement device on its surface, and a first non-contact charging portion composed of a charging coil disposed opposite the contact face with the biological information measurement device inside the main body case. In addition, some may have a controller that is connected to the first non-contact charging portion, and a display section that is connected to the controller. Upon completion of the charging of the biological information measurement device via the first non-contact charging portion, the controller connected to the display section may display on the display section that the biological information measurement device will be incapable of measurement for a specific length of time.

Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's hypoglossal nerve, applying an electric signal through the electrode to the hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue at least until the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences are reduced from an initial level to a treatment level, and reducing the application of the electric signal while the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences remain generally at or below the treatment level.

Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.

Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a grip sensor for quantifying pain experienced by a patient during spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The grip sensor includes an electronics enclosure, an annular outer shell substantially surrounding the electronics enclosure and sized to be held by the patient, a pressure sensor embedded in the outer shell and communicatively coupled to the electronics enclosure, the pressure sensor configured to measure a grip strength of the patient as SCS is applied to the patient, and a plurality of galvanic skin response sensors communicatively coupled to the electronics enclosure and configured to measure an electrical impedance of the skin of the patient as SCS is applied to the patient.