| abstract |
An implantable microstimulator (10) configured to be implanted for tissue stimulation employs a self-contained power source (16) and a bi-directional RF telemetry link (48) for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator (10) from at least two external devices (39,40). Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link (38) allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices (39). The RF bidirectional telemetry link (48) allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The invention concerns a method for controlling an implantable medical device (10), the device having telemetry circuitry to receive both a first type of telemetry and to receive a second type of telemetry, the method comprising: nlistening for the first and second telemetry types; nmonitoring a voltage of a power source (16) within the implantable medical device; nand nif the voltage falls below a first threshold, discontinuing listening for the first ntelemetry type while continuing listening for the second telemetry type. |