Recharging space for medical devices

Abstract

An example system includes processing circuitry configured to receive information for a treatment procedure of an implantable medical device. The information of the treatment procedure includes treatment parameter values and a treatment schedule defining treatments delivered by the implantable medical device. The processing circuit is configured to determine a recharging interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the treatment parameter value of the treatment procedure and the treatment schedule. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, for the treatment procedure, a suggested recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible suggested recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an indication of the suggested recharging interval value for the treatment procedure for output to a user.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 625,808, filed on Jan. 26, 2024, and entitled “RECHARGE INTERVAL FOR MEDICAL DEVICE”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices, and more particularly to rechargeable implantable medical devices. BACKGROUND

[0003] Medical devices can be external or implantable and can be used to monitor patient signals (such as cardiac activity, bioimpedance) and deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a patient via various tissue sites to treat a variety of symptoms or disorders such as chronic pain, tremors, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, obesity or gastroparesis, and other disorders. In some examples, the medical device can include a rechargeable power source or can be powered directly by transmitting energy through tissue. SUMMARY

[0004] Generally, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and techniques for determining and outputting a recommended recharge interval (and / or recommended recharge frequency) for a rechargeable implantable medical device (IMD) for display to a user. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and techniques for determining a recommended recharge interval value that can facilitate a regular charging schedule and / or charging habit and enable a user (e.g., a patient) to more easily remember when to recharge the IMD. The recommended recharge interval can coincide with time intervals that would normally appear on a patient's schedule and / or be otherwise more easily memorable to the user.

[0005] In the examples described herein, a system is configured to determine one or more recommended recharge interval values for one or more treatment procedures based on information about the power source of the IMD. The recommended recharge interval values can be values that are related to the battery depletion rate of the IMD and are also easily memorable to a user (e.g., a patient, clinician, caregiver, etc.), and that coincide with time intervals that would normally appear on a user's schedule or be otherwise more easily adhered to. Specifically, these recommended recharge interval values can be beneficial for IMDs that require relatively infrequent recharging over about days, weeks, months, years, or longer.

[0006] For example, instead of non-integer and / or irregular charging intervals (e.g., 16.5 days, 34.5 days, 7 weeks), the systems described herein can be configured to determine and generate integer values and / or regular charging intervals (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, every full moon, every four full moons, and / or the like), which can facilitate reducing charging sessions skipped or missed due to a user forgetting to charge due to irregular and relatively long charging intervals. In some examples, the recommended recharge intervals described in this disclosure can be shorter and / or more frequent than intervals required by other means (e.g., because the power source of the IMD does not actually need to be recharged), however, the recommended recharge intervals discussed herein can still result in more effective therapy, shorter programming times (e.g., because determination and presentation of the recommended recharge intervals occur automatically by the system), reduced human error, and reduced mental burden on the patient, clinician, and / or other caregiver. Additionally, due to more consistent charging habits that can result from implementing the techniques of this disclosure, the power source of the IMD can have an increased lifespan. Finally, increased compliance related to recharging can reduce patient risks associated with IMD battery depletion and treatment loss, which can have serious consequences for some neuromodulation therapies.

[0007] In the examples described herein, the system uses information from therapy programming (e.g., therapy parameters and / or therapy schedules) and IMD information (e.g., information about the power source of the IMD or information about the delivered therapy) to determine one or more recommended recharge intervals. In some examples, the system can receive information to determine one or more recharge interval values that indicate a period of time after which the power source of the IMD will deplete charge and / or drop below a predetermined level. The recommended recharge intervals determined by the system can be different from but based on the determined recharge intervals. For example, the system can determine a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of possible predefined possible recharge interval values. In some examples, the system rounds the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value to one of the plurality of possible recommended recharge interval values. In some examples, the predefined possible recommended recharge interval values correspond to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge intervals. In some examples, a bin correlates a range of possible values of the determined recharge intervals with a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values (e.g., for a given therapy schedule and / or a given set of therapy parameters).

[0008] In some examples, the system determines multiple recommended recharge interval values, such as for different therapy schedules that a patient can use throughout a therapy. In some examples, the system is configured to update the recommended recharge intervals, for example, based on updated therapy parameters, transitions between therapy schedules, and / or based on records of actual delivered therapy.

[0009] In some examples, a recommended recharge interval value and / or a determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value may be generated for output to a user, such as on a user interface. For example, the user interface of a programmer, an external charging device, and / or another device may be configured to display the recommended recharge interval value. The system may be configured to generate a prompt or other message related to recharging based on the recommended recharge interval value, such as a prompt to recharge.

[0010] In one example, a system includes a processing circuit configured to receive information for a therapy program for an implantable medical device. The information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining the therapy delivered by the implantable medical device. The processing circuit is configured to determine a recharge interval value for the power supply of the implantable medical device based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program. The processing circuit is configured to determine a recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. The processing circuit is configured to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program for output to a user.

[0011] In another example, a method includes receiving, by a processing circuit, information for a therapy program for an implantable medical device. The information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining the therapy delivered by the implantable medical device. The method includes determining, by the processing circuit and based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program, a recharge interval value for the power supply of the implantable medical device. The method includes determining, by the processing circuit and for the therapy program, a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. The method includes generating, by the processing circuit and for the therapy program, an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for output to a user.

[0012] In another example, a system includes processing circuitry configured to receive information for a therapy program for an implantable medical device. The information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining the therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program. The processing circuitry is configured to compare the determined recharge interval value with a range of possible values of recharge interval values determined for each of a plurality of intervals, wherein each of the plurality of intervals correlates the range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value with a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values. The processing circuitry is configured to select, based on the comparison, a recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program for output to a user, wherein the output includes a prompt on a user interface of a computing device indicating the recommended recharge interval value.

[0013] In another example, a computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, control processing circuitry to receive information for a therapy program for an implantable medical device. The information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining the therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, control processing circuitry to determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, control processing circuitry to determine a recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, control processing circuitry to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program for output to a user.

[0014] Details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the following figures and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary medical device system that includes an implantable medical device near the tibial nerve implanted in a patient's leg, and the implantable medical device can be a leadless nerve stimulation device.

[0016] Figure 2 shows Figure 1A block diagram of exemplary components of an implantable medical device.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary external charging device.

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary programmer.

[0019] Figure 5 is a table showing exemplary recommended recharging intervals based on determined (eg, calculated) recharging intervals.

[0020] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 6C 、 Figure 6D 、 Figure 6E 、 Figure 6F and Figure 6G is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary user interface related to a suggested recharging interval according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example technique for determining and generating recharging information.

[0022] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example technique for determining and generating recharging information.

[0023] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example technique for determining and generating recharging information.

[0024] Like reference characters represent like elements throughout the specification and drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for determining and generating a recommended recharge interval for a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) for output to a user. Some medical device systems generate information regarding when a user should recharge the power source of the IMD. In some medical device systems programmed according to a known (e.g., predetermined) schedule (i.e., treatment schedule) that defines treatment delivery instances, some medical device systems can generate a recharge interval and / or recharge frequency based on the treatment schedule to ensure that the power source of the IMD has sufficient energy to deliver treatment according to the treatment schedule. These systems can calculate the recharge interval based on physical characteristics of the power source (e.g., power capacity) and predicted usage that results in power consumption. In some examples, such as examples with infrequent low-power treatments (e.g., such as in an example where stimulation is delivered to the tibial nerve for incontinence treatment), the recharge interval can include a relatively long duration between charging sessions, meaning that only relatively infrequent charging is required. However, the recommended recharge intervals generated by some medical device systems are typically non-integer and / or irregular charging intervals (e.g., 16.5 days, 34.5 days, 7 weeks), which can be difficult for a user (e.g., a patient and / or caregiver who has the IMD implanted) to remember and can also impose a mental burden when the user plans to recharge. For example, the user may need to remember to keep checking the battery charge status during these long intervals, but when many days, many weeks, and / or many months have passed, the user may forget to check the battery status or recharge the IMD. These non-integer and / or irregular charging intervals (which can be difficult to remember) can lead to skipped recharge sessions and / or skipped treatment sessions because the power source of the medical device is not charged according to the recommended recharge interval. This can in turn result in less effective treatment.

[0026] As described herein, a system can be configured to determine one or more recommended recharge interval values for one or more therapy procedures based on information about the power source of an IMD and based on predicted future usage according to one or more therapy schedules. The recommended recharge interval values can be values that are easier for a user (e.g., patient, clinician, caregiver, etc.) to remember and can be consistent with time intervals that would normally appear on the user's schedule. For example, the systems described herein can be configured to determine and generate recommended recharge interval values that include integer values and / or regular recharge intervals (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, every full moon, and / or the like). These recommended recharge interval values that include integer values and / or regular recharge interval values can enable a user (e.g., patient) to more easily remember when to recharge, particularly as compared to non-integer and / or irregular recharge intervals. These recommended recharge intervals determined by the systems described herein can promote more regular recharging and / or more regular charging habits. These recommended recharge intervals can promote a reduction in charging sessions that are skipped or missed due to a user forgetting to charge due to an irregular charging schedule. In some examples, the recommended recharge intervals described in the present disclosure can be shorter and / or more frequent than intervals required by other means (e.g., because the power source of the IMD does not actually need to be recharged). By determining more regular and / or easier-to-remember recommended recharge intervals, the techniques of the present disclosure can promote more effective therapy, shorten programming time (e.g., because the determination and presentation of the recommended recharge intervals are performed automatically by the medical device system), reduce human error, and relieve the mental burden on patients, clinicians, and / or other caregivers. Additionally, due to the more consistent charging habits that can result from implementing the techniques of the present disclosure, the power source of the IMD can have an increased lifespan.

[0027] In the examples described herein, the IMD includes a rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery) and is configured to deliver therapy according to one or more therapy schedules. In some examples, one or more components of the system include suitable hardware and / or software configurations for determining charging and / or recharge information about the rechargeable power source (e.g., components for measuring or estimating the energy level and / or energy consumption of the rechargeable power source). Information about the power source can be used to determine recommended charging intervals according to the techniques described herein.

[0028] In the examples described herein, the system uses information from therapy programming (e.g., therapy parameters and / or therapy schedules) and IMD information including the power source of the IMD to determine one or more recommended recharge intervals. In some examples, the system may receive information to determine one or more determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval values, which may indicate the period of time when the power source of the IMD depletes its charge and / or drops below a predetermined level. The recommended recharge intervals determined by the system may be different from but based on the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge intervals. For example, the system may determine a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of possible predefined recharge interval values associated with the recharge interval value. In some examples, the system rounds the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value to one of a plurality of possible recommended recharge interval values. In some examples, the predefined possible recharge interval values are based on a plurality of intervals defined according to the possible values of the recharge interval value, such that the system selects the interval corresponding to the recharge interval value for a given therapy program (e.g., for a given therapy schedule and / or a given set of therapy parameters). In this way, the intervals can be examples of different ranges of recharge interval values that can correspond to different respective predefined possible recharge interval values.

[0029] In some examples, the system determines a plurality of recommended recharge interval values, such as for different therapy schedules. In some examples, the system is configured to update the recommended recharge intervals, for example, based on updated therapy parameters, transitions between therapy schedules, and / or based on records of the actually delivered therapy.

[0030] In some examples, recommended recharge interval values may be generated for output to a user, for example, on a user interface. For example, the user interface of a programmer or another device may be configured to display the recommended recharge interval values. The system may be configured to generate a prompt or other message related to recharge based on the recommended recharge interval values, such as a prompt to recharge.

[0031] Although this disclosure mainly discusses time intervals (e.g., interval values) that can represent a length of time or a time period (e.g., 1 week), it should be understood that frequencies (e.g., frequency values) representing repeating events (e.g., every day, every week, once a week, weekly, etc.) are contemplated to be used in addition to or instead of intervals, such as in any of the examples discussed herein where the system is configured to determine, use, and / or display such values in the context of recharging the power source of the IMD.

[0032] Additionally, although the devices, systems, and techniques described herein are primarily described in the context of a rechargeable power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery) for an IMD that is configured to provide tibial nerve stimulation, the techniques described herein are applicable to other devices configured for other types of therapy. For example, the techniques of the present disclosure are applicable to: other types of devices configured for invasive or non-invasive neuromodulation for pain relief, muscle activation, and / or other therapeutic benefits such as but not limited to deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), cardiac stimulation, pacing, defibrillation, or other cardiac therapies, peripheral nerve stimulation or therapy, drug delivery (e.g., via a drug pump), circulatory support (e.g., mechanical circulatory support), or any other device that includes a power source (e.g., a medical device). Additionally, the techniques of the present disclosure are not limited to rechargeable power sources, but are also applicable to other types of power sources (e.g., non-rechargeable power sources, primary battery cells, etc.), such as in instances where the power source needs to be replaced or otherwise would cause the device to operate unexpectedly.

[0033] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary system including an implantable medical device and an external charging device for charging a rechargeable power source. Figure 1 Includes system 100, which includes an implantable medical device (IMD) 10, an external computing device 108, a programmer 104 (which can be a patient programmer or a clinician programmer), and a server 112. In other examples, the techniques of the present disclosure can be implemented in other battery-powered devices (e.g., an implantable drug pump).

[0034] The external computing device 108 includes one or more charging coils, such as an external primary coil 26 or an internal primary coil 28. The external computing device 108 can be used to program or adjust the settings of the IMD 10 and can also recharge the electrical energy storage device (such as a battery) of the IMD 10. The external computing device 108 can also communicate with the server 112. In other examples, an external device (e.g., the programmer 104) separate from the external computing device 108 can communicate with the IMD 10 to adjust therapy and / or sensing parameters, download recorded data, or perform other functions.

[0035] The server 112 can be one or more servers in a local network or in a cloud computing environment. The server 112 can be configured to communicate wirelessly via a network access point ( Figure 1 not shown in) with the programmer 104, the external computing device 108, and / or the IMD 10, and can be co-located with the external computing device 108 and / or the programmer 104 or can be located elsewhere, such as in a cloud computing data center.

[0036] Figure 1 An example is a lateral view of a patient's leg, showing a leadless nerve stimulation IMD 10 adjacent to the tibial nerve 102 near the ankle. The IMD 10 can be implanted through the patient's skin and subcutaneous fat layer via a small incision 101 (e.g., about one to three centimeters (cm)) above the tibial nerve on the medial side of the patient's ankle. Although the incision 101 is shown as being generally horizontal to the length of the tibial nerve, other incisions or implantation techniques can be used according to the physician's preference. Figure 1 An example describes a nerve stimulation implantable medical device for tibial nerve stimulation. In other examples, the techniques of the present disclosure can be applied to other devices, such as implantable nerve stimulation systems used in spinal cord stimulation therapy and deep brain stimulation, and applied to other types of medical devices without limitation.

[0037] The IMD 10 can be positioned adjacent to the area defined by the flexor digitorum longus and soleus muscles, in which the tibial nerve 102 is contained and implanted adjacent to and near the fascia layer. One or more electrodes of the IMD 10 can face the tibial nerve 102. Although not shown in Figure 1 , the IMD 10 can also be connected to one or more leads including one or more electrodes (not shown in Figure 1 ).

[0038] The IMD 10 can be composed of any polymer, metal, or composite material sufficient to house the components of the IMD 10. In some examples, the IMD 10 can be constructed to have a biocompatible housing, such as titanium or stainless steel, or a polymer material (such as silicone or polyurethane), and is surgically implanted at a site near the patient's tibial nerve. In other examples, the IMD 10 is implanted near the pelvis, abdomen, or buttocks. The housing of the IMD 10 can be configured to provide an airtight seal for components such as a rechargeable power source. Additionally, the housing of the IMD 10 can be selected from materials that facilitate receiving energy to charge the rechargeable power source.

[0039] Optional testing of the nerve stimulation IMD 10 can be performed to determine whether the device 10 is properly positioned near the tibial nerve 102 to elicit a desired response from the applied electrical stimulation. In one example, the IMD 10 is controlled by a programmer 104 or an external computing device 108 to deliver a test stimulation, and one or more indicative responses are monitored, such as simulated toe flexion from the tibial motor neurons controlling the abductor hallucis or flexor digitorum brevis muscles or a tingling sensation in the heel or sole other than the medial arch. If such testing does not elicit an appropriate motor or sensory response, the clinician or other user can reposition the IMD 10 and retest.

[0040] Once a clinician or other user has determined that the IMD 10 is properly positioned to provide an appropriate patient response to the delivered stimulation therapy, the housing of the device can be fixed in place if desired. Fixing the IMD 10 can be optional because the natural shape of the area where the IMD 10 is implanted and the shape of the IMD 10 itself can have good compatibility with the surrounding tissue, thus preventing the IMD 10 from shifting or rolling after implantation. In some examples, the leadless nerve stimulation IMD 10 can also include one or more suture points to help fix the IMD 10 to the fascia or other parts of the patient. In some examples, such as at the distal end of the housing of the IMD 10, suture anchors can be included.

[0041] During operation, an electrical stimulation signal can be transmitted through the fascia layer between one or more electrodes. This electrical signal can be used to stimulate the tibial nerve 102, which can be used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and / or urge incontinence, fecal incontinence, pain, or other symptoms.

[0042] In some examples, disease, age, and injury can impair a patient's physiological function. In one example, bladder dysfunction such as overactive bladder, urinary urgency, or urinary incontinence is a problem that can afflict people of all ages, genders, and races. Various muscles, nerves, organs, and ducts within the pelvic floor work together to collect, store, and release urine. A variety of disorders can impair urethral performance and result in overactive bladder, urinary urgency, or urinary incontinence that interfere with normal physiological function. The system 100 can help alleviate some symptoms in some patients.

[0043] Urinary incontinence can include urge incontinence and stress incontinence. In some examples, urge incontinence can be caused by a disorder of the peripheral or central nervous system that controls the bladder's micturition reflex. Some patients may also have a neurological disorder that impedes the normal triggering and operation of the bladder and sphincter muscles or a neurological disorder that results in overactive bladder activity or urge incontinence. In some cases, urinary incontinence can be attributed to abnormal sphincter function in the internal or external urethral sphincter.

[0044] One type of treatment for bladder dysfunction includes delivering electrical stimulation to a target tissue site within a patient's body to cause a therapeutic effect during the delivery of the electrical stimulation. For example, delivering electrical stimulation from the IMD 10 to a target treatment site (e.g., delivering stimulation to modulate the tissue site of the tibial nerve, spinal nerve (e.g., sacral nerve), pudendal nerve, dorsal genital nerve, inferior rectal nerve, perineal nerve, or a branch of any of the foregoing nerves) can provide a therapeutic effect for bladder dysfunction, such as a desired reduction in the frequency of bladder contractions. In some cases, electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve can modulate afferent nerve activity to restore micturition function.

[0045] Bladder dysfunction generally refers to conditions where the function of the bladder or urethra is abnormal and can include, for example, overactive bladder, urgency, or urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a patient condition that can include symptoms such as urgency, with or without urinary incontinence. Urgency is a sudden, irresistible desire to void, and is often (although not always) associated with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence refers to the condition of involuntary loss of urine and can include urge incontinence, stress incontinence, or a combination of stress and urge incontinence, which may be referred to as mixed incontinence. As used in this disclosure, the term "urinary incontinence" includes disorders where voiding occurs at an unwanted time, such as stress or urge incontinence. Other bladder dysfunctions can include disorders such as non-obstructive urinary retention.

[0046] In some examples, the techniques described in this disclosure relate to delivering a nerve stimulation therapy in a non-continuous manner, which can include an on-cycle and an off-cycle. For example, the IMD can deliver a nerve stimulation therapy for a specified period of time, followed by a specified period of time when the IMD does not deliver nerve stimulation (e.g., inhibits the delivery of nerve stimulation). The period during which stimulation is delivered (the on-cycle) can include an on-time period and an off-time period (e.g., the duty cycle of the pulses or a burst of pulses), where there is a short inter-pulse duration when no pulses are being delivered. In some examples, the IMD 10 can switch between different operating modes with different power consumptions for delivering and not delivering stimulation in order to conserve power when stimulation is not to be delivered. In some examples, the continuous off period can be relatively long, such as about a few days or even weeks at a time.

[0047] The rechargeable power source of the IMD 10 can include one or more capacitors, batteries, or other components (e.g., chemical or electrical energy storage devices). Exemplary batteries can include lithium-based batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, or other materials. The rechargeable power source can be replenished, refilled, or otherwise capable of increasing the amount of stored energy after the energy has been depleted. The IMD 10 can include a secondary coil 16, where the energy received from the secondary coil 16 can be regulated and / or transformed by a charging circuit. Then, when the power source is completely depleted or only partially depleted, the charging circuit can send an electrical signal for charging the rechargeable power source.

[0048] The external computing device 108 can be used to charge (e.g., recharge) a rechargeable power source within the IMD 10 implanted in a patient. The external computing device 108 can be a handheld device, a portable device, or a fixed charging system. The external computing device 108 may also be referred to in this disclosure as the charging device 108 or the external charging device 108. The external computing device 108 can include components necessary to charge the IMD 10 through the patient's tissue. The external computing device 108 can include an internal primary coil 28 and an external primary coil 26. In other examples, the external computing device can include only the internal primary coil 28 and omit the use of the external primary coil 26, or include only the external primary coil 26 and omit the use of the internal primary coil 28. The external computing device 108 can include a housing to enclose operating components such as a processor, a memory, a user interface, a telemetry module, a power source, and a charging circuit configured to transfer energy to the secondary coil 16 via the external primary coil 26 and / or the internal primary coil 28. Although a user can use the user interface of the external computing device 108 to control the recharge process, the external computing device 108 can alternatively be controlled by another device, such as the computing device of the programmer 104, the server 112, such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or other similar computing device. The second external computing device of the server 112 can include a computing device having a touchscreen user interface. In other examples, the external computing device 108 can be integrated with an external programmer (such as the patient programmer 104 carried by the patient).

[0049] The external computing device 108 and the IMD 10 can utilize any wireless power transfer technology capable of recharging the power source of the IMD 10 when the IMD 10 is implanted in a patient. In some examples, the system 100 can utilize inductive coupling between the internal primary coil 28 and / or the external primary coil 26 of the external computing device 108 and the secondary coil (e.g., secondary coil 16) of the IMD 10. In inductive coupling, the internal primary coil 28 is placed near the implanted IMD 10 such that the internal primary coil 28 is aligned with the secondary coil 16 of the IMD 10. The external computing device 108 can then generate a current in the internal primary coil 28 based on a selected power level for charging the rechargeable power source of the IMD 10. When the internal primary coil 28 or the external primary coil 26 is aligned with the secondary coil 16, the current in the internal primary coil 28 or the external primary coil 26 can magnetically induce a current in the secondary coil 16 within the IMD 10. Since the secondary coil 16 is associated with the rechargeable power source and is electrically coupled to the rechargeable power source, the induced current can be used to increase the voltage or charge level of the rechargeable power source. Although inductive coupling is generally described here, any type of wireless energy transfer can be used to transfer energy between the external computing device 108 and the IMD 10.

[0050] The external primary coil 26 and / or the internal primary coil 28 may include windings (e.g., coils) ( Figure 1 not shown). The coil may be formed of a wire helically wound in a plane (e.g., a disk-shaped coil). In some examples, such a single-layer or even multi-layer wire helix may be considered a flexible coil capable of deforming to conform to a non-planar skin surface. The coil may include a wire for electrically coupling the flexible coil to a power source and a charging module configured to generate a current within the coil. The internal primary coil 28 may be located outside the housing of the external computing device 108 such that the internal primary coil 28 may be placed on the patient's skin proximal to the IMD 10. In some examples, the internal primary coil 28 may be disposed on the outer side of the housing or even within the housing.

[0051] The external primary coil 26 and / or the internal primary coil 28 of the system 100 may include a heat dissipation device ( Figure 1 not shown). In an example of the system 100, the external computing device 108 is a power transmission unit and the IMD 10 is a power receiving unit. The IMD 10 may be in a flipped or non-flipped position.

[0052] As described above, the external computing device 108 may also be referred to as the charging device 108. As discussed in connection with Figure 3 further discussion, the charging device 108 may include a user interface to receive control inputs from a user (such as a patient, a healthcare professional, or other caregiver). The user interface of the charging device 108 may also provide information to the user. For example, the charging device 108 may include controls ( Figure 1 not shown) configured to receive user input and a set of indicator lights. In some examples, the indicator lights may be configured to illuminate the controls. The indicator lights may also be configured to output information about the operating state of the external computing device 108 (such as a communication state and a wireless power transfer state).

[0053] As discussed in connection with Figure 3 further discussion, the charging device 108 includes processing circuitry configured to perform one or more processes related to the charging device 108. In some examples, the processing circuitry determines whether the IMD 10 and the charging device 108 have established a communication link, for example, via the communication circuitry. In response to the processing circuitry determining that the charging device 108 and the IMD 10 have not established a communication link, the processing circuitry may cause a notification to be generated. The charging device 108 may still wirelessly transfer power to the IMD 10, but the notification may indicate that the charging device 108 is operating in an open-loop charging mode.

[0054] The processing circuitry of the charging device 108 can further determine whether the IMD 10 is receiving wireless power. In response to determining that the IMD 10 has good power coupling (such as receiving a radio power level above a power threshold), the processing circuitry can cause a notification to be generated.

[0055] The processing circuitry of the system 100 (e.g., the processing circuitry of the charging device 108, the processing circuitry of the server 112, and / or the processing circuitry of the IMD 10) can determine (e.g., calculate, receive, look up, etc.) any of the values described herein.

[0056] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary component of a Figure 1 medical device. The implantable medical device (IMD) 210 is an example of the IMD 10 described above with respect to Figure 1 The example shown in Figure 2 shows that the IMD housing 19 of the IMD 210 encloses a temperature sensor 39, a secondary coil 16, a processing circuitry 30, a therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34, a recharge circuitry 38, a memory 32, a telemetry circuitry 36, a power supply 18, a switch 33, a coulomb counter 35, a status control circuitry 31, a timer 41, and in some examples, one or more sensors 37 (such as an accelerometer). In other examples, the IMD 210 can include more or fewer components. For example, in some examples, the IMD 210 may not include the temperature sensor 39 or the sensor 37. Generally speaking, the IMD 210 can include any suitable hardware arrangement, either alone or in combination with software and / or firmware, for performing the various techniques described herein attributed to the IMD 210 and the processing circuitry 30 and any equivalents thereof.

[0057] The processing circuitry 30 of the IMD 210 may include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combination of such components. The IMD 210 may include a memory 32, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, including executable instructions for causing the processing circuitry 30 to perform the actions attributed to the circuitry. Additionally, although the processing circuitry 30, therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34, recharging circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36, temperature sensor 39, status control circuitry 31, coulomb counter 35, switch 33, and timer 41 are described as separate modules, in some examples, some combination of the processing circuitry 30, therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34, recharging circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36, temperature sensor 39, status control circuitry 31, coulomb counter 35, switch 33, and timer 41 are functionally integrated. In some examples, the processing circuitry 30, therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34, recharging circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36, and temperature sensor 39, status control circuitry 31, coulomb counter 35, switch 33, and timer 41 correspond to separate hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units. In the present disclosure, for simplicity, the therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34 may be referred to as the therapy generation circuitry 34.

[0058] The memory 32 may store therapy programs or other instructions specifying therapy parameter values for a therapy provided by the therapy generation circuitry 34 and the IMD 210. In some examples, the memory 32 stores one or more therapy schedules and / or data related to transitions between therapy schedules. In some examples, the memory 32 may also store temperature data from the temperature sensor 39, instructions for recharging the rechargeable power source 18, thresholds, instructions for communication between the IMD 210 and an external computing device, or any other instructions required to perform tasks attributed to the IMD 210. The memory 32 may be configured to store instructions for communicating with and / or controlling one or more of the temperature sensors of the temperature sensor 39. In various examples, the memory 32 stores information related to determining the temperature of the housing 19 of the IMD 210 and / or the outer surface of the housing 19 based on the temperature sensed by one or more temperature sensors (such as the temperature sensor 39) located within the IMD 210.

[0059] In some examples, the memory 32 stores programming settings, such as electrical stimulation therapy output amplitude, pulse width, and other therapy parameters for one or more therapy programs and / or therapy schedules. The memory 32 can determine whether a sensed bioelectrical signal is valid, such as an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) or other signal in response to an output electrical stimulation therapy event. The memory 32 can store programming instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 30, cause the processing circuitry 30 to cause the therapy generation circuitry 34 to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a target nerve of a patient.

[0060] In some examples, the memory 32 stores data related to the power supply 18. In some examples, the memory 32 stores data for one or more instances of therapy delivery, the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., an estimated remaining charge level or a measured remaining charge level), predicted future use, and / or consumption of the power supply 18.

[0061] The therapy generation and sensing circuitry 34 can generate and deliver electrical stimulation under the control of the processing circuitry 30. In some examples, the processing circuitry 30 controls the therapy generation circuitry 34 by accessing the memory 32 to selectively access at least one of the stimulation programs and load it into the therapy generation circuitry 34. For example, in operation, the processing circuitry 30 can access the memory 32 to load one of the stimulation programs into the therapy generation circuitry 34. In such examples, the relevant stimulation parameters can include voltage amplitude, current amplitude, pulse rate, pulse width, duty cycle, or a combination of electrodes 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D (collectively referred to as "electrodes 17") that the therapy generation circuitry 34 can use to deliver the electrical stimulation signal and sense the bio-signal. In other examples, the IMD 210 can have more or fewer than the four electrodes shown in the example of Figure 2 In some examples, the electrodes 17 can be part of the housing of the IMD 210 or attached to the housing (e.g., leadless electrodes). In other examples, one or more of the electrodes 17 can be part of a lead implanted in or attached to a patient to sense the bio-signal and / or deliver electrical stimulation, as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0062] In some examples, one or more of the electrodes 17 connected to the therapy generation circuitry 34 can be connected to one or more sensing electrodes (e.g., attached to the housing of the IMD 210). In some examples, the electrodes 17 can be configured to detect an evoked motor response caused by an electrical stimulation therapy event, or other bioelectrical signals, such as ECAP, impedance, or other suitable signals.

[0063] IMD 210 also includes components that receive power to recharge the rechargeable power source 18 when the rechargeable power source 18 has been at least partially depleted. As Figure 2 shown, the IMD 210 includes a secondary coil 16 and a recharge circuit 38 coupled to the rechargeable power source 18. The recharge circuit 38 can be configured to charge the rechargeable power source 18 at a selected power level determined by the processing circuit 30 or an external charging device (such as the external computing device 108 described above with respect to Figure 1 . The recharge circuit 38 can include any of a variety of charging and / or control circuits configured to process or convert the current induced in the secondary coil 16 into a charging current to charge the power source 18.

[0064] The secondary coil 16 can include a wire coil or other device capable of inductively coupling with a primary coil disposed external to the patient. Although the secondary coil 16 is shown in Figure 2 as a simple loop, the secondary coil 16 can include multiple turns of conductive wire. The secondary coil 16 can include a wire winding configured such that a current can be induced from the magnetic field within the secondary coil 16. The induced current can then be used to recharge the rechargeable power source 18.

[0065] The recharge circuit 38 can include one or more circuits that process, filter, convert, and / or transform the electrical signal induced in the secondary coil into an electrical signal capable of recharging the rechargeable power source 18. For example, in AC induction, the recharge circuit 38 can include a half-wave rectifier circuit and / or a full-wave rectifier circuit, which are configured to convert the induced AC from the induction into DC for the rechargeable power source 18. The full-wave rectifier circuit can be more efficient in converting the induced energy for the rechargeable power source 18. However, the half-wave rectifier circuit can be used to store energy in the rechargeable power source 18 at a slower rate. In some examples, the recharge circuit 38 can include both a full-wave rectifier circuit and a half-wave rectifier circuit, such that the recharge circuit 38 can switch between each circuit to control the charging rate of the rechargeable power source 18 and the temperature of the IMD 210.

[0066] The rechargeable power source 18 may include one or more capacitors, batteries, and / or other energy storage devices. The rechargeable power source 18 delivers operating power to the components of the IMD 210. In some examples, the rechargeable power source 18 may include a power generation circuit to generate the operating power. The rechargeable power source 18 may be configured to operate through a number of discharge and recharge cycles. The rechargeable power source 18 may also be configured to provide operating power to the IMD 210 during the recharge process. In some examples, the rechargeable power source 18 may be constructed of materials that reduce the heat generated during charging. In other examples, the IMD 210 may be constructed of certain materials and / or using certain structures that may help dissipate the heat generated at the rechargeable power source 18, the recharge circuit 38, and / or the secondary coil 16 over a larger surface area of the housing of the IMD 210. In some examples, the power source 18 includes a non-rechargeable power source.

[0067] Although the rechargeable power source 18, the recharge circuit 38, and the secondary coil 16 are shown as being contained within the housing of the IMD 210, in other examples, at least one of these components may be disposed outside the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the secondary coil 16 may be disposed outside the housing of the IMD 210 to facilitate better coupling between the secondary coil 16 and a primary coil of an external charging device. In other examples, the power source 18 may be a main power battery unit, and the IMD 210 may not include the recharge circuit 38 and the secondary coil 16.

[0068] The processing circuit 30 may also use the telemetry circuit 36 to control the exchange of information with an external computing device. The telemetry circuit 36 may be configured for wireless communication using a radio frequency (RF) protocol such as Bluetooth (including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) or a similar RF protocol and using an inductive communication protocol. The telemetry circuit 36 may include one or more antennas configured to communicate with an external charging device (e.g., Figure 1 the external computing device 108). The processing circuit 30 may transmit operating information and receive therapy programs or therapy parameter adjustments via the telemetry circuit 36. Moreover, in some examples, the IMD 210 may communicate with other implant devices such as stimulators, control devices, or sensors via the telemetry circuit 36. Additionally, the telemetry circuit 36 may be configured to control the exchange of information related to sensed and / or determined temperature data (e.g., the temperature sensed by using the temperature sensor 39 and / or the temperature determined based on the temperature sensed by using a temperature sensor). In some examples, the telemetry circuit 36 may communicate using inductive communication, and in other examples, the telemetry circuit 36 may communicate using an RF frequency that is separated from the frequency used for inductive charging.

[0069] In some examples, the processing circuitry 30 may transmit additional information related to the operation of the rechargeable power source 18 to an external charging device via the control of the telemetry circuitry 36. For example, the processing circuitry 30 may control the telemetry circuitry 36 to transmit an indication that the rechargeable power source 18 is fully charged, that the rechargeable power source 18 is fully discharged, the amount of charging current output, for example, by the recharge circuit 38 to the power source 18, or any other charging state of the rechargeable power source 18. In some examples, the processing circuitry 30 may use the telemetry circuitry 36 to transmit instructions to the external charging device, including instructions for further control of the charging session, such as instructions to reduce the power level or terminate the charging session based on the determined temperature of the IMD housing 19.

[0070] The processing circuitry 30 may also transmit information to the external charging device that indicates any problems or errors with the rechargeable power source 18 that may prevent the rechargeable power source 18 from providing operating power to the components of the IMD 210. In various examples, the processing circuitry 30 may receive instructions (including formulas and / or constant values used in the formulas) for algorithms via the telemetry circuitry 36 that may be used to determine the temperature of the housing 19 of the IMD 210 and / or the outer surface of the housing 19 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 39 located within the IMD 210 during and after a recharge session performed on the rechargeable power source 18.

[0071] The IMD 210 also includes components for determining the state of the power source 18. The state of the power source 18 may be used to determine the recharge interval of the power source 18. For example, in an example where the power source 18 includes a battery, the IMD 210 may include components for determining (e.g., measuring, estimating, receiving, etc.) information related to the battery state, battery level, and / or other battery information (e.g., the amount of current drawn from the battery, the amount of charge remaining in the battery, etc.). The components of the IMD 210 for determining information related to the battery state include a coulomb counter 35, a switch 33, a timer 41, and a state control circuit 31. The coulomb counter 35, the switch 33, the timer 41, and the state control circuit 31 may be used alone and / or in combination with other components of the IMD 210, including the processing circuitry 30.

[0072] In some examples, the IMD 210 is configured to transition between different operational states. For example, the processing circuitry 30 and / or the state control circuitry 31 is configured to cause the IMD 210 to transition between different operational states in which different components of the IMD 210 are powered on and operational. In a first device state (e.g., a therapy state or an operational state) and / or during a first time period, the IMD 210 may be configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy. Specifically, in the first device state, the IMD 210 may actually be delivering therapy, or the components of the IMD 210 required to deliver therapy are receiving power but not actually delivering therapy (e.g., a device “standby” state). In a second device state, therapy is paused or otherwise not scheduled, and the IMD 210 may disconnect or partially disconnect one or more components from the power source 18 or otherwise be in a state of consuming less power (e.g., a deep sleep state, a reduced power state, etc.). The processing circuitry 30 and / or the state control circuitry 31 may also be configured to determine whether the IMD 210 is in a given operational state. For example, the processing circuitry 30 and / or the state control circuitry 31 is configured to perform certain functions based on whether the IMD 210 is in a particular operational state (e.g., the first device state or the second device state).

[0073] In some examples, the IMD 210 uses a combination of one or more methods or components to determine the state of the power source 18 of the IMD 210 during different operational states. Using multiple methods for determining the state of the power source 18 can optimize power loss from the power source 18 while still maintaining a reliable determination of the state of the power source 18.

[0074] In some examples, the coulomb counter 35 is configured to measure the current consumption of the power source 18 (e.g., a battery) from the IMD 210. The coulomb counter 35 may be configured to measure the current consumption during at least a first time period when the IMD is in a first device state (e.g., when the IMD is delivering an electrical stimulation therapy via the electrode 17 or at least “powered on” and configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy, such as the “standby” state described above). In some examples, the coulomb counter 35 measures the current consumption directly from the power source 18 (e.g., a battery) of the IMD 210 during the first time period. The coulomb counter 35 may output a real-time current measurement, and the processing circuit 30 uses this real-time current measurement to calculate the cumulative current used during this time period, which may be a part of or equal to the first time period. In other examples, the coulomb counter 35 may output the average current and / or the cumulative current over a time period to the processing circuit 30 to determine the current consumption during the first time period. Because the coulomb counter 35 directly measures the current consumption from the power source 18 (e.g., a battery), the measured current may be more accurate compared to other methods of determining current consumption (e.g., methods involving indirect measurement and / or estimation of current consumption). The processing circuit 30 may be configured to receive the measured current consumption or one or more values indicating the measured current consumption from the coulomb counter 35. In this way, the processing circuit 30 is configured to determine the recharge interval based on directly measuring the battery current (alone or in combination with past or predicted current consumption from the power source 18).

[0075] As another example, the IMD 210 may additionally or alternatively use a more energy-efficient method to estimate the battery state during a second time period in which the IMD 210 is in a second device state (e.g., deep sleep state). In some examples, the high-power circuits or components of the IMD 210 may be disconnected from the power source during the second device state, which may include one or more of a deep sleep state or a reduced power state. For example, the state control circuit 31 may be configured to disconnect the coulomb counter 35 from the power source 18 (e.g., the battery) via a switch 33 (e.g., a circuit switch). In some examples, the state control circuit 31 may disconnect the coulomb counter 35 from the power source 18 by opening the switch 33. In this way, the IMD 210 may be able to conserve power during the second device state because certain electronic components (including the coulomb counter 35) are disconnected from the power source 18. However, disconnecting the coulomb counter 35 from the power source 18 also prohibits the coulomb counter 35 from directly measuring the current consumption during the second device state (e.g., deep sleep state). In some examples, the coulomb counter 35 may be connected to measure the current consumption from the power source 18 during at least a portion of the second device state (e.g., deep sleep state). The processing circuit 30 may control the state control circuit 31 to operate the switch 33, or in other examples, the processing circuit 30 may directly control the switch 33.

[0076] In some examples, one or more components of the IMD 210 (e.g., processing circuitry 30, alone or in combination with other components) may be configured to estimate the current consumption of power source 18 (e.g., a battery) from the IMD 210 during a second time period during a second device state. As discussed above, the second time period may include when the coulomb counter 35 is disconnected and not available to measure the current consumption from power source 18. For example, in cases where the coulomb counter 35 does not measure the current consumption from power source 18, one or more techniques may be used to estimate the current consumption from power source 18. In some examples, the processing circuitry 30, alone or in combination with other components, is configured to determine (e.g., calculate) an estimated current consumption based at least on information indicative of a representative current consumption and information indicative of an IMD 210 event. The information indicative of a representative current consumption and the information indicative of an IMD 210 event may enable the IMD 210 to estimate (e.g., via calculation) the current consumption from power source 18 (e.g., a battery) during a second device state (e.g., a deep sleep state). For example, the information indicative of a representative current consumption includes the amount of current consumed per unit time (e.g., amperes per hour) such that the processing circuitry 30 determines the current consumption during the second device state (e.g., a deep sleep state) based on the amount of time spent in the second device state and this expected or estimated current consumption or other indication of battery usage. In some examples, the processing circuitry 30 accesses the information indicative of a representative current consumption from the memory 32, the programmer 104, the server 112, or another suitable component. The processing circuitry 30 may be configured to receive the information indicative of an IMD 210 event from the timer 41. To determine the estimated current consumption during the second device state, the processing circuitry 30 may be configured to access a look-up table, where the look-up table correlates at least the information indicative of an IMD 210 event with the information indicative of a representative current consumption from power source 18.

[0077] In some examples, timer 41 is configured to provide information indicative of IMD 210 events, which may facilitate and / or enable determination of an estimated current drain during a second device state (e.g., a deep sleep state). Timer 41 may be powered on and operable at least during the second device state (e.g., the deep sleep state), but may also remain operational during the first device state (e.g., when IMD 210 is configured to deliver therapy). In some examples, timer 41 records the duration that IMD 210 is in the second device state (e.g., the deep sleep state). Additionally or alternatively, timer 41 records when IMD 210 transitions between the first device state (e.g., when IMD 210 is configured to deliver therapy) and the second device state (e.g., the deep sleep state), and vice versa. For example, timer 41 records one or more timestamps of at least one of IMD 210 entering or exiting the second device state. In this manner, timer 41 can provide a timestamp to a processor, such as processing circuit 30, of when IMD 210 transitions between a first device state (e.g., when IMD 210 is configured to deliver therapy) and a second device state (e.g., a deep sleep state), which can enable processing circuit 30 to determine (e.g., calculate) a duration of time spent in the first device state or the second device state.

[0078] Despite Figure 2 In the example of FIG, timer 41 provides information indicative of an IMD 210 event, but another suitable component may provide information indicative of an IMD 210 event. For example, an external device of IMD 210 (e.g., Figure 1 External computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112 (e.g., external computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112) may record information indicating events of IMD 210. For example, external computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112 records the duration that IMD 210 is in the second device state (e.g., deep sleep state). Figure 1 External computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112) may be configured to send information indicative of an IMD 210 event to IMD 210.

[0079] In addition to or in lieu of the above-described methods of determining current drain from power source 18 and / or the status of power source 18 , IMD 210 may be configured, via processing circuitry 30 , to measure the voltage of power source 18 (e.g., a battery) as part of determining battery status or battery usage.

[0080] The IMD 210 can be configured via the processing circuitry 30 to determine the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., the battery state in an example where the power supply 18 includes at least a battery). In some examples, the determination of the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., the battery state) can be based on the measured and estimated drain currents of the IMD's battery over different corresponding time periods. However, in other examples, only the estimated drain current or only the measured drain current can be used to determine the state of the power supply 18. The IMD 210 can be configured via the processing circuitry 30 to generate information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., the battery state in an example where the power supply 18 includes at least a battery) for output. The information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., the battery state) can include an indication of at least one of the following: the amount of remaining charge (e.g., percentage), the time before recharge, the recharge interval, the date of charge depletion, the expected date of battery depletion, the expected date of battery recharge. In some examples, the IMD 210 can be configured via the processing circuitry 30 to generate information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 at a predetermined event (e.g., the battery percentage threshold of remaining charge, such as 20%, 10%, etc.) for output. The information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 can be automatically updated on a periodic basis, after one or more events (e.g., the start or end of a recharge session, a therapy session, etc.), or when the IMD 210 is interrogated by an external device (e.g., the programmer 104, the external computing device 108, or the server 112).

[0081] Figure 3 For Figure 1 block diagram of an example of an external computing device. Figure 3 The external charging device 208 in is an example of the external computing device 108 described above with respect to Figure 1 In some examples, the external charging device 208 can be described as a handheld device, and in other examples, the external charging device 208 can be a larger or non-portable device. Additionally, in other examples, the external charging device 208 can be included as part of an external programmer or include the functionality of an external programmer. As Figure 3 shown in the example of, the external charging device 208 includes a housing 24 connected to a charging head 226. The housing 24 encapsulates components such as a main processing circuitry 50, a memory 52, a user interface 54, a telemetry circuitry 56, controls 62, one or more sets of indicator lights 64, an audio output circuitry 70, a haptic output circuitry 72, and a power supply 60. The charging head 226 can include a charging circuitry 58, a temperature sensor 59, and an external primary coil 48. The charging head 226 and / or the external primary coil 48 can be an example of the external primary coil 26 as Figure 1 shown. The housing 24 is electrically coupled to the charging head 226 via a cable. The housing 24 can also include a charging circuitry 68 and an internal primary coil 228, which is the internal primary coil described above with respect toFigure 1 An example of the described internal primary coil 28.

[0082] In some examples, a separate charging head 226 can facilitate positioning the external primary coil 48 on the secondary coil 16 of the IMD 10 (as Figure 1 shown) or the IMD 210 (as Figure 2 shown). In some examples, the charging circuit 68 and / or the internal primary coil 228 can be integrated within the housing 24. In other examples, the external charging device 208 may not include the charging head 226. Throughout this disclosure, the memory 52 can store instructions that, when executed by the main processing circuit 50, cause the main processing circuit 50 and the external charging device 208 to provide the functionality attributable to the external charging device 208 and / or any equivalents thereof. The external primary coil 48 and the internal primary coil 228 can also be referred to as antennas. In some examples, the external charging device 208 can include a secondary processing circuit 40 that can control the telemetry circuit 56 and perform other functions. Some of the other functions can include error checking of the operation of the main processing circuit 50.

[0083] The external charging device 208 can also include one or more temperature sensors (shown as temperature sensor 59) within the charging head 226, similar to Figure 2 the temperature sensor 39. As Figure 3 shown, the temperature sensor 59 can be disposed within the charging head 226. In other examples, one or more of the temperature sensors of the temperature sensor 59 can be disposed within the housing 24. For example, the charging head 226 can include one or more temperature sensors that are positioned and configured to sense the temperature of the surface of the external primary coil 48 and / or the housing of the charging head 226. In some examples, the external charging device 208 may not include the temperature sensor 59.

[0084] Generally, the external charging device 208 includes any suitable hardware arrangement that performs, alone or in combination with software and / or firmware, the techniques attributed to the external charging device 208 and the main processing circuitry 50, user interface 54, telemetry circuitry 56, and charging circuitry 68 of the external charging device 208 and / or any equivalents thereof. In various examples, the external charging device 208 can include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combination of such components. In various examples, the external charging device 208 can also include a memory 52, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, the memory including executable instructions for causing one or more processors to perform the actions attributed to them. Additionally, although the main processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 68, and temperature sensor 59 are described as separate modules, in some examples, the main processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 68, and / or temperature sensor 59 are functionally integrated. In some examples, the main processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 68, and / or temperature sensor 59 correspond to separate hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units.

[0085] Throughout this disclosure, the memory 52 can store instructions that, when executed by the main processing circuitry 50, cause the main processing circuitry 50 and the external charging device 208 to provide the functionality attributed to the external charging device 208 and / or any equivalents thereof. For example, the memory 52 can include instructions that cause the main processing circuitry 50 to control the power level for charging the IMD 210 in response to the determined temperature of the housing / exterior surface of the IMD 210 as transmitted from the IMD 210, or instructions for any other functionality. The memory 52 can include a record of selected power levels, sensed temperatures, determined temperatures, or any other data related to charging the rechargeable power source 18, as described above with respect to Figure 2 that. The memory 52 can store instructions that, when executed by the main processing circuitry 50, can control the operation of the indicator light 64, as described above with respect to Figure 1 that. The main processing circuitry 50 can determine, for example, one or more operating states of the external charging device 208 and selectively control the indicator light 64 based on the operating state.

[0086] When requested, the main processing circuitry 50 can transfer any data stored in the memory 52 to another computing device for viewing or further processing, such as transferring to Figure 1The server 112 depicted in

[0087] The user interface 54 can include buttons (such as the control 62) or a keyboard, lights (such as the indicator light 64), a speaker for voice commands, a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), or a cathode ray tube (CRT). In some examples, the display can be a touchscreen. The control 62 can be implemented as any type of component that can receive user input and provide an indication of the user input to the main processing circuitry 50. The control 62 can be a knob, a switch, a button, or other suitable structure. As discussed in this disclosure, the main processing circuitry 50 can present and receive information related to the charging and / or status of the rechargeable power source 18 (e.g., a battery) of the IMD 210 via the user interface 54. For example, the user interface 54 can indicate when charging occurs, the quality of alignment between the internal primary coil 228 or the external primary coil 48 and the secondary coil 16 of the IMD 210, the selected power level, the current charge level of the rechargeable power source 18, the duration of the current recharge session, the expected remaining time of the recharge session, the sensed temperature, or any other information. In some examples, the main processing circuitry 50 can receive some of the information displayed on the user interface 54 from the IMD 210. In some examples, the user interface 54 can provide an indication of the status of the power source 18 of the IMD 210 to the user. For example, the user interface 54 can provide information indicating the status of the power source 18 (e.g., the battery status), which includes an indication of at least one of the following: the amount of remaining charge (e.g., percentage), the time before recharge, the recharge interval, the expected date of battery depletion, or the expected date of battery recharge.

[0088] The user interface 54 can also receive user input via the user interface 54. The input can be in the form of, for example, pressing a button on a keypad or selecting an icon from a touchscreen. The input can change programmed settings, start or stop treatment, request to start or stop a recharge session, the desired charge level, or one or more statistics related to charging the rechargeable power source 18 (e.g., cumulative heat dose). In this way, the user interface 54 can allow the user to view information related to the operation of the IMD 210. For example, the control 62 can provide input to the main processing circuitry 50 to cause the main processing circuitry 50 to start or stop the delivery of wireless power to a power receiving device (e.g., the IMD 10 or IMD 210 described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0089] The charging circuit 58 may include one or more circuits that generate an electrical signal and current within the external primary coil 48. In some examples, the charging circuit 58 may generate an alternating current with a specified amplitude and frequency. In other examples, the charging circuit 58 may generate a direct current. In any case, the charging circuit 58 can be capable of generating an electrical signal and a subsequent magnetic field to transfer various levels of power to the IMD 210. In this way, the charging circuit 58 can be configured to charge the rechargeable power source 18 of the IMD 210 at a selected power level.

[0090] The power source 60 may deliver operating power to components of the external charging device 208. The power source 60 may also deliver operating power to drive the external primary coil 48 during the charging process. The power source 60 may include a battery and a power generation circuit for generating operating power. In some examples, the battery of the power source 60 may be rechargeable to allow for long-term portable operation. In other examples, the power source 60 may draw power from a wired voltage source (such as a consumer or commercial power outlet).

[0091] Under the control of the main processing circuit 50, the telemetry circuit 56 supports wireless communication between the IMD 210 and the external charging device 208. The telemetry circuit 56 may also be configured to communicate with another computing device via wireless communication technology or directly communicate with another computing device through a wired connection. In some examples, the telemetry circuit 56 may be substantially similar to the telemetry circuit 36 of the IMD 210 described herein, providing wireless communication via RF or near-field induction media. In some examples, the telemetry circuit 56 includes an antenna 57, which may take various forms, such as an internal antenna or an external antenna. Although the telemetry circuit 56 and the telemetry circuit 36 may each include a dedicated antenna for communication between these devices, the telemetry circuit 56 and the telemetry circuit 36 may instead or additionally be configured to utilize inductive coupling from the internal primary coil 228 and / or the external primary coil 48 to transfer data.

[0092] Examples of local wireless communication technologies that can be used to facilitate communication between the external charging device 208 and the IMD 210 include radio frequency and / or inductive communication according to any of a variety of standards or proprietary telemetry protocols or according to other telemetry protocols such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11x or Bluetooth specifications. In this way, other external devices can be capable of communicating with the external charging device 208 without establishing a secure wireless connection.

[0093] In operation, the main processing circuit 50 and / or the secondary processing circuit 40 may control one or more sets of indicator lights 64 to provide the user with information about communication, charging efficiency, the treatment status of the IMD, or other applicable information. For example, the main processing circuit 50 may determine whether a communication circuit (such as the telemetry circuit 56) has established a connection with a power receiving device (Figure 1 and Figure 2 a communication link of the IMD 10 or IMD 210 depicted in Figure 2 . The main processing circuit 50 may also determine whether a power receiving device (e.g., IMD 10 or IMD 210) is receiving wireless power, e.g., via charging circuit 68 and internal primary coil 228, or charging circuit 58 and external primary coil 48.

[0094] The main processing circuit 50 may use any one or more system metrics to determine the power transfer of the IMD 210. In some examples, the IMD 210 may send a signal indicating the amount of current output by the recharge circuit of the IMD 210. In other examples, the main processing circuit 50 may use any of several techniques including thermal calculations, temperature measurements, metal detection, and / or other suitable determinations to calculate other system metrics such as the alignment of the internal primary coil 228 with the secondary coil 16 of the IMD 210. The main processing circuit 50 may compare any of the calculated power transfer, power efficiency, alignment, IMD 210 current, etc. to a threshold stored at the memory 52. When above the threshold, the main processing circuit 50 may cause the indicator light 64 to output a signal.

[0095] In some examples, the main processing circuit 50 of the external charging device 208 may be configured to determine the operating state of the IMD 210. In some examples, the main processing circuit 50 of the external charging device 208 is configured to determine whether the IMD 210 is in a first device state (e.g., when the IMD 210 is configured to deliver therapy) and / or a second device state (e.g., deep sleep state). As an alternative or supplement to the processing circuit 30 of the IMD 210 as described above, the main processing circuit 50 of the external charging device 208 may determine the operating state of the IMD 210. Additionally, the main processing circuit 50 of the external charging device 208 may be configured to perform any one of the functions related to determining the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 and additionally or alternatively determining the state of the power supply 60 of the external charging device 208.

[0096] In some examples, the main processing circuit 50 may control the haptic output circuit 72 to provide a haptic sensation above the patient's perception level. For example, the haptic output circuit may vibrate or provide some similar haptic sensation. In some examples, the main processing circuit 50 may control the haptic output circuit 72 to vibrate at a constant level for a specified duration, may output a vibration pattern, or may output some similar haptic feedback for the patient. In some examples, the haptic feedback may indicate poor coupling, and the haptic feedback may fade as the coupling improves (e.g., the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a first threshold). In this way, the patient may receive feedback without having to view the user interface 54 of the external charging device 208 or the user interface of some other device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.). As discussed above, the main processing circuit 50 may be configured to provide similar notifications or outputs related to determining the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210. For example, the main processing circuit 50 may control the haptic output circuit 72 to vibrate in a specific pattern to indicate to and / or alert the patient of the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210.

[0097] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary programmer. The programmer 204 may be a device for inputting patient-related information, receiving information from the IMD 210, and updating the IMD 210. In some examples, such as in the example where the programmer 204 is a patient programmer, the programmer 204 may be a wearable communication device, where a treatment request input is integrated into a key fob or a wristwatch, a handheld computing device, a smart phone, a computer workstation, or a networked computing device. The programmer 204 may be a bring-your-own-device related to the implantable device provided by the patient or by a healthcare provider.

[0098] In some examples, such as in the example where the programmer 204 is a physician / clinician programmer, the programmer 204 is a tablet computing device pre-loaded with specific applications to interface with the IMD 210. A doctor or clinician may interact with the programmer 204 to program the IMD 210. The physician or clinician may use the programmer 204 to program the IMD 210 (e.g., program treatment parameters, such as for one or more treatment schedules), and to view information regarding the use of the IMD 210.

[0099] The programmer 204 generally includes a processing circuit 82, a memory 84, a user interface 86, a communication circuit 88, and a power supply 90. The processing circuit 82 can be any programmable device that accepts digital data as input, is configured to process the input according to instructions or algorithms, and provides results as output. In one example, the processing circuit 82 can be a central processing unit (CPU) configured to execute instructions of a computer program. Thus, the processing circuit 82 is configured to perform at least basic arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations. In one or more examples, the processing circuit 82 corresponds to a single hardware unit, such as a microprocessor, ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or other hardware unit. In other examples, the processing circuit 82 can correspond to multiple separate hardware units, such as a microprocessor, ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or other hardware unit.

[0100] The memory 84 can include volatile or non-volatile memory required by the processing circuit 82 to not only provide space for executing instructions or algorithms but also provide space for storing the instructions themselves. In one or more examples, the volatile memory can include, for example, RAM, DRAM, or static random access memory (SRAM). In one or more examples, the non-volatile memory can include, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM, hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, or optical disk storage devices. The foregoing listing in no way limits the types of memory that can be used.

[0101] The user interface 86 can include buttons or a keypad, lights, a speaker for voice commands, a rotatable knob, a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), or a cathode ray tube (CRT). In some examples, the display can be a touch screen. The processing circuit 82 can present and receive information related to electrical stimulation and resulting treatment effects via the user interface 86. For example, the processing circuit 82 can receive patient input via the user interface 86. The input can be in the form of, for example, pressing a button on the keypad or selecting an icon from the touch screen. The processing circuit 82 can also present information related to the delivery of electrical stimulation to the patient or caregiver to the patient in the form of an alert via the user interface 86. In some examples, the user interface 86 is configured to provide the status of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210. For example, the user interface 86 can provide information indicating the status of the power supply 18 (e.g., battery status), which includes an indication of at least one of the following: the amount of remaining charge (e.g., percentage), the time before recharge, the recharge interval, the expected date of battery depletion (e.g., including month, day, and year), the expected date of battery recharge (e.g., including month, day, and year), and / or the recommended recharge interval according to the techniques of the present disclosure.

[0102] The communication circuit 88 is configured to communicate with the IMD 210 and optionally the server 112 ( Figure 1) Interface connection. Under the control of the processing circuit 82, the communication circuit 88 supports wireless communication between the IMD 210 and optionally the server 112 and the programmer 204. The communication circuit 88 may also be configured to communicate with another computing device via wireless communication technology or directly communicate with another computing device through a wired connection. The communication circuit 88 may provide wireless communication via RF or near-field induction media. In some examples, the communication circuit 88 may include an antenna, which may take various forms, such as an internal antenna or an external antenna.

[0103] Examples of local wireless communication technologies that can be used to facilitate communication between the programmer 204 and another computing device include RF communication according to the 802.11 or Bluetooth specification sets, and infrared communication according to, for example, the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard or other standards or proprietary telemetry protocols. In this way, other external devices may be able to communicate with the programmer 204 without establishing a secure wireless connection.

[0104] The power supply 90 delivers operating power to the components of the programmer 204. The power supply 90 may include a battery and a power generation circuit for generating operating power. In some examples, the battery may be rechargeable, for example, by an external power source.

[0105] The programmer 204 allows a user (e.g., a patient, a caregiver, a clinician, a physician) to program one or more treatment schedules and treatment parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, pulse width, and / or etc.) according to one or more treatment programs. The treatment schedule may include the frequency and duration of stimulation treatment (e.g., electrical stimulation treatment) based on certain time intervals (e.g., time of day, number of days between treatment sessions, specific date and / or day of the week of a treatment session, total duration and / or number of treatment sessions, etc.). The programmer 204 may communicate with the IMD 210 to update the functionality of the IMD 210. In this way, the programmer is configured, for example, via the processing circuit 82, to control the IMD 210 to deliver electrical stimulation treatment, including delivering treatment to one or more of the sacral nerve or the tibial nerve according to one or more treatment programs for incontinence treatment. In some examples, the programmer 204 is configured to communicate with an external computing device 208, which in turn may communicate with the IMD 210 to program and / or control the IMD 210.

[0106] In some examples, the programmer 204 is configured to perform one or more functions related to determining the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 (e.g., battery state), as described above. For example, the programmer 204 may be configured via the processing circuitry 82 to estimate the state of the power supply 18 over one or more time periods and / or one or more device states of the IMD 210. In some examples, the programmer 204 is configured to track and / or estimate the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., battery state) even when not connected (e.g., physically and / or communicatively) to the IMD 210. The programmer 204 may provide notifications related to the expected state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210. The IMD 21 ten may provide updated information related to the state of the power supply 18 to the programmer 204.

[0107] In accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure, the programmer 204 is configured via the processing circuitry 82 to: determine a recharge interval (e.g., recharge interval value) for the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 and determine a recommended recharge interval (e.g., recommended recharge interval value) for the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 based on the recharge interval. For example, the programmer 204 receives, via the communication circuitry 88, information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 to determine the recharge interval. The recharge interval may be based on the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., instantaneous state or current state), historical usage of the power supply 18, and / or predicted future usage according to one or more treatment schedules.

[0108] As discussed in connection with the previous examples, the information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 may include an indication of at least one of the following: the amount of remaining charge (e.g., percentage), the time before recharge, the date of charge depletion, the expected date of battery depletion, the expected date of battery recharge, or the actual recharge interval value itself.

[0109] The programmer 204 may utilize the information indicative of the state of the power supply 18 via the processing circuitry 82 to perform one or more calculations, manipulations, or other operations to determine the recharge interval, which may include multiple recharge intervals for multiple different treatment schedules. Ultimately, the programmer 204 determines, via the processing circuitry 82, a recommended recharge interval, which may be the same as or different from the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value. The programmer 204 may generate the recommended recharge interval for presentation to the user, such as via the user interface 86, and the recommended recharge interval may be a value that is easy for the user to remember and may be consistent with a time interval that would normally appear on the patient's schedule or is otherwise easier for the user to remember.

[0110] Generally, the programmer 204 may be configured via the communication circuitry 88 to receive information from the IMD 210 and / or an external computing device 208 to determine a calculated recharge interval and / or a recommended recharge interval. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 receives information for at least one therapy program for the IMD 210. Information for each therapy program may include, but is not limited to, information about therapy parameters and / or information about one or more therapy schedules that define the therapy delivered by the IMD 210. As discussed in connection with the previous examples, the therapy parameters may include one or more of the following: amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width, and other suitable parameters. Therapy parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width, and other suitable parameters may cause the recharge interval to be longer or shorter depending on the amount of energy used from the power source 18 of the IMD 210. For example, the recharge interval may vary between a few days (e.g., one day, two days, three days, etc.) to many months (e.g., 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 36 months, or more), depending on how the therapy program parameters are configured. The therapy schedule may include the frequency and duration of a stimulation therapy using one or more sets of stimulation parameters and based on certain time intervals (e.g., time of day, days between therapy sessions, specific date and / or day of the week of a therapy session, total duration and / or number of therapy sessions, etc.).

[0111] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to determine information for each therapy program based on historical data for a given patient. For example, the processing circuitry 82 determines therapy program information based on one or more instances of therapy actually delivered to the patient (e.g., where the therapy actually delivered to the patient may be the same or different than the therapy program). In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 receives information on one or more instances of therapy actually delivered to the patient from one or more sensors of the IMD 210 (e.g., one or more of the sensors 37) to determine therapy program information (e.g., as part of a closed-loop therapy system). For example, the processing circuitry 82 determines therapy parameters based on physiological sensing via one or more sensors 37.

[0112] In some examples, the information received from the IMD 210 (e.g., information about a therapy program) additionally or alternatively includes therapy dose information. The therapy dose information may include information about the historical delivery and / or predicted future delivery of therapy by the IMD 210 to the patient. The therapy dose information may define therapy delivered relative to time, such as for a given instance of therapy delivery within a therapy schedule. For example, the therapy dose information may indicate one or more of the following: continuous stimulation, cyclic stimulation, or other configurations of therapy related to the amount of therapy (e.g., stimulation) over time. The processing circuitry 82 may use the dose information instead of or in combination with the information of the therapy schedule to determine recharge information (e.g., recharge interval value and / or recommended recharge interval). For example, some systems (e.g., some DBS, SCS systems) may be configured to deliver therapy according to the therapy dose information (e.g., continuous therapy, cyclic stimulation, etc.) rather than according to a predefined therapy schedule. Such systems (e.g., DBS, SCS systems, etc.) may be configured to use the therapy dose information to determine recharge information (e.g., recharge interval value and / or recommended recharge interval). In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to determine the therapy dose information based on historical data for a given patient. For example, the processing circuitry 82 determines the therapy dose information based on one or more instances of therapy actually delivered to the patient. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 receives information from one or more sensors of the IMD 210 (e.g., one or more of the sensors 37) on one or more instances of therapy actually delivered to the patient to determine the dose information.

[0113] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 receives information about a plurality of therapy programs such as a first therapy program (e.g., the first therapy program may include a first set of therapy parameters and / or a first therapy schedule, such as an induction schedule) and a second therapy program (e.g., the second therapy program may include a second set of therapy parameters and / or a second therapy schedule, such as a maintenance schedule). However, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to receive information for any number of therapy programs, sets of therapy parameters, and / or therapy schedules. In some examples, as discussed with respect to other examples, the processing circuitry receives information about the state of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 (including one or more of the current state, past states from previous times, and / or inferred future states). A set of stimulation parameters generally defines the stimulation signals delivered to the patient (e.g., a continuous signal or a set of pulses). A therapy program is generally defined by the set of stimulation parameters, and different therapy programs may differ in the value of at least one of the stimulation parameters in the set (e.g., at least one of amplitude, pulse width, frequency, duty cycle, etc. may be different between different programs).

[0114] In some examples, each of the plurality of therapy programs has unique therapy parameters and / or a unique schedule. For example, a first therapy program may include a first set of therapy parameters and a first schedule (e.g., the first schedule may include an induction schedule), and a second therapy program may include a second set of therapy parameters and a second schedule (e.g., the second schedule may include a maintenance schedule). In some examples, the first set of therapy parameters is different from the second set of therapy parameters. In some, the first set of therapy parameters is the same as the second set of therapy parameters (e.g., the first set of therapy parameters and the second set of therapy parameters are the same, but are delivered according to different therapy schedules such as a first therapy schedule and a second therapy schedule).

[0115] In some examples, once the programmer 204 has received information indicating therapy parameters and at least one therapy schedule (and / or therapy dose information), the programmer 204 is configured, via the processing circuitry 82 for example, to determine a recharge interval value for the power source of the implantable medical device (e.g., power source 18 of the IMD 210) based on the therapy parameters and the therapy schedule (referred to herein, for purposes of this disclosure, as the "determined" or "calculated" recharge interval). In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 determines a recharge interval value for each of the plurality of therapy programs (e.g., in an instance including at least an induction schedule, a maintenance schedule, and / or more additional schedules). The determined recharge interval value may include the time before the power source 18 of the IMD 210 needs to be recharged for a given therapy schedule. In some examples, the determined recharge interval value indicates the period of time during which the power source 18 of the IMD 210 depletes to and / or below a threshold level. In some examples, the determined recharge interval value indicates the period of time during which the power source 18 of the IMD 210 depletes charge and / or energy such that it is insufficient to perform the operating functions of the IMD 210. For example, the recharge interval value may be expressed as a number of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, or another suitable period of time before the power source 18 of the IMD 210 needs to be recharged. The recharge interval determined for the first therapy schedule (e.g., the induction schedule) may be different from the second therapy schedule (e.g., the maintenance schedule) because the instances of therapy delivery are more or less frequent, include a greater amount of therapy delivered, and / or otherwise require a different amount of energy from the power source 18 of the IMD 210 (e.g., because more or fewer sensing, feedback, interrogation, and / or other functions of the IMD 210 are performed during the first therapy schedule as opposed to the second therapy schedule).

[0116] In some examples, once the programmer 204 has determined, via the processing circuitry 82 for example, the calculated recharge interval for each of one or more treatment schedules, the programmer 204 determines a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values via the processing circuitry 82 for example. The predefined possible recommended recharge interval values may be pre-programmed and stored in the memory 84 for access by the processing circuitry 82 for example. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 determines (e.g., calculates) the recommended recharge interval value from one of the plurality of predefined recommended recharge interval values. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 determines the recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to a respective range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. In some examples, the predefined recommended recharge interval values correspond to intervals defined according to the possible values of the determined recharge interval value. In some examples, each of the plurality of intervals correlates a range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value with one of the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values. Generally speaking, the processing circuitry 82 determines the recommended recharge interval by determining the interval in which the calculated recharge interval lies and selects the recommended recharge interval corresponding to that particular interval. Each of the plurality of intervals is defined according to the possible values of the recharge interval value and corresponds to a particular recommended recharge interval value. In this way, the processing circuitry 82 determines the recommended recharge interval value based on the calculated recharge interval value and the plurality of intervals. In other words, the processing circuitry 82 provides the calculated recharge interval value to a model or algorithm that defines the intervals, and the output of that model or algorithm is the recommended recharge interval for each of one or more treatment schedules. In effect, the processing circuitry 82 rounds the calculated recharge interval value to a predefined recommended recharge interval value associated with a particular interval.

[0117] In some examples, each interval defines at least one of an upper bound value and a lower bound value, and some intervals define both an upper bound value and a lower bound value. In some examples, the upper bound value is the maximum recharge interval value. In some examples, the lower bound value is the minimum recharge interval value. In some examples, each of the plurality of intervals defines a range between the lower bound value and the upper bound value such that a determined recharge interval value within that range corresponds to the recommended recharge interval associated with a particular one of the plurality of intervals.

[0118] To determine the recommended recharge interval, the processing circuit 82 may perform one or more operations using the determined recharge interval value, as it relates to the range and / or interval of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. In some examples, the processing circuit 82 compares the determined recharge interval value with the range of possible values of the recharge interval value determined for each of a plurality of intervals. In some examples, based on this comparison, the processing circuit 82 selects the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval having the range of the determined recharge interval value in which the determined recharge interval lies. In this way, the processing circuit 82 can be configured to select a specific interval corresponding to the determined recharge interval value, for example, by determining the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies.

[0119] In some examples, the recommended recharge interval value associated with each range and / or interval in the range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value is lower than the lower bound value for at least some of the plurality of intervals. For example, the recommended recharge interval value may include a buffer (e.g., a safety buffer) from the lower bound value of each interval, such that the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to a particular interval is lower than the determined lower bound recharge interval value for the particular interval. In some examples, the buffer may be a percentage of the lower bound value. In some examples, the recommended recharge interval value for a particular interval is at least 20% lower than the determined lower bound recharge value for the particular interval. In some examples, the buffer is the same for all intervals. In some examples, the buffer is different for each interval. For example, the buffer for an interval associated with a lower recommended recharge interval (e.g., less than 1 month) may be greater than the buffer for an interval associated with a higher recommended recharge interval (e.g., greater than 1 month). In some examples, when the buffer value is calculated as a percentage of the lower bound value, the buffer value is capped at a particular time (e.g., a buffer cap such as 2 months, which may apply to intervals with larger recharge intervals). In some examples, the buffer value is proportional to the recommended recharge interval for a given interval, such that intervals associated with higher recommended recharge interval values include a larger buffer between the interval lower bound value and the recommended recharge interval value. In some examples, the buffer is a static value across all intervals (e.g., a set number of minutes, hours, days, etc.) rather than a percentage below the lower bound of any given interval.

[0120] The processing circuitry 82 may be configured to determine the recharge interval value and / or recommend a recharge interval value in a different manner in addition to or instead of the techniques described above. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 uses historical data (e.g., records of actual therapy delivery instances) and / or predicted future instances of therapy delivery to determine the recommended recharge interval value. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 may determine the recommended recharge interval value based on a model (e.g., an empirically trained model), where the inputs to the model include recharge interval values and the outputs include one or more recommended recharge interval values. Additional inputs may include therapy programming parameters (e.g., therapy schedules and / or therapy parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width), patient-specific factors (e.g., age, gender, disease state, recharge interval preference), and / or device-specific information (e.g., device model, device configuration, device characterization, etc.). The model may include one or more of a machine learning model and an artificial intelligence model.

[0121] Once processing circuitry 82 has determined a recommended recharge interval value (e.g., based on the determined recharge interval), the programmer 204 can generate a recommended recharge regimen for output to the user. For example, the recommended regimen can include an indication of the recommended recharge interval value. Generally speaking, the recommended regimen includes an indication of when the user needs to recharge the power supply 18 of the IMD 210, which indication can include an indication of the next recharge and other future recharges. In some examples, the recommended recharge regimen (e.g., the indication of the recommended recharge interval value) can include one or more of the following: an interval value (e.g., a time period, such as 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, etc.), a frequency value (e.g., daily, every 3 weeks, every 6 months, annually, every Monday and Tuesday, etc.), a date (e.g., such as a date on a calendar, e.g., October 24, 2023), or another suitable indication of recharge information. Other examples of intervals for the recommended recharge regimen can correspond to the phases of celestial bodies (e.g., every full moon, every four full moons, and / or etc.), relevant milestones of the patient or another person (e.g., birthday, anniversary, and / or etc.), and / or other dates and / or time periods of interest (holidays, seasons, and / or etc.). Such recommended recharge regimens described herein can facilitate fewer missed recharge sessions and reduce the likelihood of complete energy depletion of the power supply 18. Such recommended recharge regimens described herein can facilitate alleviating the mental burden on the patient (e.g., by alleviating the mental burden of having to remember to initiate a recharge session). In some examples, the interval (e.g., the recommended recharge interval) can be automatically generated based on user profile information (e.g., user-specific information, which can include birthday, etc.) and presented to the user for selection, and / or manually customized by the user via the user interface. In this way, the system can generate a user interface that enables the user to select different recharge intervals (e.g., one or more recommended recharge intervals), as described herein.

[0122] In some examples, the indication of the recommended recharge interval additionally or alternatively includes other indications, such as a countdown to the next recharge, a calendar indicating one or more past or future recharges, or related information. Generally speaking, although the present disclosure is mainly discussed in the context of determining and generating a recommended recharge interval value, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to use similar techniques as described herein to generate any of the recharge information (e.g., regimen, frequency, date, reminder, etc.) described herein. For example, any instance of a recharge interval and / or a recommended recharge interval (including the recommended recharge value) can be understood to be interchangeable with any of the recharge information (e.g., regimen, frequency, date, reminder, etc.) described herein.

[0123] In some examples, the programmer 204 generates an indication of a recommended recharge interval on a user interface 86 of the programmer 204, for example via processing circuitry 82. In some examples, the programmer 204 generates an indication of a recommended recharge interval, for example via processing circuitry 82, for presentation on another device (such as an external charging device 208, a mobile computing device such as a phone or watch, and / or the like), such as via communication through communication circuitry 88. In some examples, the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes a visual display on a screen (e.g., as discussed with respect to Figures 6A to 6G ). In some examples, the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes a prompt (such as a pop-up window, a notification, etc.) on the user interface 86 and / or another suitable user interface, indicating the recommended recharge interval. In some examples, the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes an audible notification such as via text-to-speech or another suitable audible notification (phone call, beep, ring, etc.). In some examples, the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes a tactile notification (e.g., via the programmer 204, the external charging device 208, and / or the IMD 210), which may be a vibration- or stimulus-based notification. Other suitable notifications are envisioned, including but not limited to text messages, emails, push notifications, or other suitable notifications to one or more devices.

[0124] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 of the programmer 204 is configured to generate an indication of a recommended recharge interval for output via the external charging device 208. In some examples, the external charging device 208 is configured to (e.g., via telemetry circuitry 56 and / or main processing circuitry 50) receive an indication of a recommended recharge interval from the programmer 204, for example. The external charging device 208 may be configured to generate an indication of a recommended recharge via the main processing circuitry 50 and for output, such as via a user interface 54.

[0125] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to generate multiple indications of recommended recharge interval values for output to a user, such as for each treatment session of at least one treatment program and / or for each treatment schedule of a plurality of treatment schedules. For example, as associated with at least Figure 6EAs discussed, the indication of the recommended recharge interval can include a first indication of a recommended recharge interval value for a first therapy program (e.g., the first therapy program can include an induction schedule) and a second indication of a recommended recharge interval value for a second therapy program (e.g., the second therapy program can include a maintenance schedule). In some examples, the first recommended recharge interval value is different from the second recommended recharge interval value such that the processing circuitry 82 generates different indications of the recommended recharge interval value for each of the first and second therapy programs. However, in some examples, the first recommended recharge interval value and the second recommended recharge interval value are equal and the processing circuitry 82 generates only one indication of the recommended recharge interval.

[0126] In examples where the processing circuitry 82 generates multiple indications of the recommended recharge interval (e.g., at least a first recommended recharge interval value and a second recommended recharge interval value) for different therapy schedules, the processing circuitry 82 can also generate an indication of the transition between each of the multiple therapy schedules for output. Although any number of therapy schedules are possible, the transition is described in connection with the first and second therapy schedules. As at least Figure 6E shown and as discussed with respect to at least Figure 6E the indication of the transition between the first and second therapy schedules can include one or more of the following: the date when the transition will occur (e.g., month, day, and year), a countdown before the transition will occur (e.g., an amount of time, including amounts of seconds, hours, minutes, days, weeks, months, etc.), or another suitable indicator of the transition between the first and second therapy schedules. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to generate an indication of the transition between each of the multiple therapy schedules. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication between the current therapy schedule and the next therapy schedule, e.g., even if more therapy schedules are programmed to occur after the next therapy schedule.

[0127] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to determine and generate other information related to the status of the IMD 210 (including the status of the power source 18) for output, as discussed in the previous examples. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication of the remaining amount or time of the power source 18 of the IMD 210 or the remaining amount of charge for output. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to determine and generate an indication of the amount of time before the power source 18 drops below a threshold energy level for output (e.g., even if the amount of time is not related to the current energy level of the power source 18). For example, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to determine and generate an indication of the amount of time when the power source will be last fully charged on the current therapy schedule and / or future therapy schedules for output.

[0128] In some examples, processing circuitry 82 generates one or more cues related to the state of power source 18 of IMD 210 for output to a user. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 generates a cue for recharging for output to a user. In some examples, in a case where processing circuitry 82 receives an indication that power source 18 has low energy (e.g., energy below a certain predefined threshold) such that power source 18 needs to be recharged immediately, processing circuitry 82 may generate a cue to recharge immediately (e.g., today).

[0129] In some examples, processing circuitry 82 generates a cue for recharging based on a recommended recharge interval. For example, in a case where the recommended recharge interval is weekly, processing circuitry 82 may generate one or more cues to recharge at regular weekly intervals (which regular weekly intervals may be selected by processing circuitry 82 or by a user). Processing circuitry 82 may be configured to generate user-facing cues via external charging device 208 (e.g., via user interface 54 of external charging device 208).

[0130] In some examples, external charging device 208 is configured to perform one or more actions, generate information, and / or store information based on (e.g., in response to) a recommended recharge interval. For example, main processing circuitry 50 of external charging device 208 may receive information on a recommended recharge interval (e.g., from programmer 204) and perform one or more actions, generate information, and / or store information based on (e.g., in response to) the information on the recommended recharge interval. In some examples, main processing circuitry 50 of external charging device 208 determines whether to generate a cue or notification to a user (e.g., a patient) based on the information on the recommended recharge interval. For example, main processing circuitry 50 may determine whether the next recommended recharge session is within a predefined time period (e.g., less than 1 day) and generate a cue for the user to recharge IMD 210. In some examples, main processing circuitry 50 of external charging device 208 automatically displays (e.g., via user interface 54) a cue to recharge IMD 210. In some examples, main processing circuitry 50 of external charging device 208 may switch external charging device 208 from a standby mode to a charging mode for recharging IMD 210 based on a recommended recharge interval (e.g., when a recharge session expires). For example, main processing circuitry 50 of external charging device 208 may cause external charging device 208 to automatically (e.g., without user input) initiate recharging of power source 18 of IMD 210. Such functionality of external charging device 208 may reduce a patient's dependence on programmer 204 and / or other devices (e.g., a mobile phone) for reminders and / or cues for recharging power source 18 of IMD 210, which may facilitate reducing missed recharge sessions.

[0131] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to receive user input and determine a recommended recharge interval based on the user input. The user input can include one or more of the following: user preferences regarding recharge (e.g., patient preferences), information about the user's lifestyle (e.g., sleep schedule, schedule of visits to a physician or other caregiver, etc.), and / or interaction patterns with the IMD 210, programmer 204, and / or external computing device 208. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to receive user input information (e.g., user preferences, user lifestyle information, interaction patterns) and determine a recommended recharge interval based on the user input information and treatment parameters and / or treatment schedules for each treatment program. For example, in some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to receive user input of information about a scheduled clinic visit, such that the processing circuitry 82 determines a recommended recharge interval to coincide with when the patient will be at the clinic for recharge of the IMD 210 at the clinic.

[0132] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to receive an input of user preferences and determine a recommended recharge interval based on the user preferences. For example, if the user has a preference to recharge at a particular recurring time and / or date that coincides with the recommended recharge interval (e.g., by date on a calendar and / or by another interval, such as lunar phase), then the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to provide a prompt for recharge that is consistent with the user preference. (For example, if the recommended recharge interval is weekly and the user prefers to recharge on a particular day of the week, such as Sunday, then the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive an input of the user preference to recharge every Sunday and generate a prompt for recharge accordingly.) User preferences can include a preference to recharge on a particular day of the week, a particular week of the month, a particular month of the year, a particular time of day, and / or any combination of such preferences. User preferences can include a preference to avoid recharge on certain days and / or during certain times (e.g., such as on weekends, during a planned vacation, and / or etc.), and / or a prompt for recharge. Other examples of user preferences can include a preference to recharge when a celestial body is in a particular phase (e.g., every full moon, every four full moons, and / or etc.), a preference to recharge at a particular relevant milestone (e.g., birthday, anniversary, holiday, and / or etc.), and / or any combination of such preferences. The prompt for recharge can be configured to be delivered without limitation according to any of the notification modalities described previously, including a pop-up window on a display, an audible notification such as via text-to-speech or another suitable audible notification (phone call, beep, ring, etc.), a visual notification on a display, a text message, an email, a push notification, or other suitable notification to one or more devices.

[0133] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to receive user input to override or change a system-generated recommended recharge interval. For example, in a case where a system-defined (e.g., determined by the processing circuitry 82) recommended recharge interval is determined, the processing circuitry 82 can receive an input of a user-defined recharge interval and generate information for output based on the user-defined recharge interval. Considering that some users (e.g., patients, clinicians) may have preferences for relatively short or relatively long recharge intervals, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive an input of such preferences, such as for determining a generated recommended recharge interval to present to the user. Thus, in some examples, the user-defined recharge interval value is different from multiple predefined possible recommended recharge interval values. As an illustrative example, the processing circuitry 82 can determine a system-defined recommended recharge interval of two weeks, but the user (e.g., patient, clinician, etc.) prefers a recharge interval of one week (and thus more frequent than might otherwise be required). In this example, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive an input of this preference for a one-week recharge interval and update the output of the recommended recharge interval and / or the prompt for the recharge interval accordingly. In this way, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication of the user-defined recharge interval value for output based on the input of the user-defined recharge interval. This functionality can increase the likelihood that the patient remembers to recharge, especially in instances of long recommended recharge intervals (e.g., six months or more). In some examples, in a case where the user-defined recharge interval is longer than the system-defined recommended recharge interval, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to generate a warning and / or disallow an input of a user-defined recharge interval that is higher than (e.g., lower in frequency than) the recommended recharge interval. In this way, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive an input of user preferences (e.g., patient preferences, clinician preferences, etc.) and determine one or more recommended recharge interval values based on the user preferences. In some examples, the user-defined recharge interval (e.g., programmed by a user, such as a clinician) is coordinated with a scheduled clinic visit, e.g., for recharging at the clinic.

[0134] In some examples, processing circuitry 82 is configured to update (e.g., automatically and / or in response to user input) information related to the state of power source 18 of IMD 210 and / or a recommended recharge interval. In some examples, programmer 204 can communicate with IMD 210 and / or an external computing device 208, such as via communication circuitry 88, to receive updated information. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 updates the determined recharge interval value by at least communicating with IMD 210 (e.g., which can include querying IMD 210). In some examples, processing circuitry 82 receives updated information (e.g., updated therapy parameters, information on therapy actually delivered to a patient, etc.) for a therapy program (e.g., from IMD 210, an external charging device 208, and / or from another device). In some examples, programmer 204 is prompted to automatically communicate with IMD 210 and / or an external computing device 208 at predefined time points (e.g., to ensure an accurate recharge interval value). In some examples, programmer 204 is configured to receive user input that prompts programmer 204 to communicate with IMD 210 and / or an external computing device 208. Processing circuitry 82 can be configured to update information related to the state of power source 18 and / or a recommended recharge interval based on communication with IMD 210 and / or an external computing device 208. Processing circuitry 82 can be configured to update the determined recharge interval value based on updated information for a therapy program.

[0135] In an example where the processing circuitry 82 is configured to update information related to the state of the power source 18 of the IMD 210 and / or a recommended recharge interval, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to update the information based on one or more trigger events. For example, the trigger events may include a detected change in a therapy program, a change in a therapy schedule, a change in therapy parameters, a change in the therapy actually delivered to the user, and / or a deviation from a predicted therapy delivery. The processing circuitry 82 may be configured to detect such trigger events, including instances of actual therapy delivery not in accordance with a therapy schedule (e.g., this may result in more or fewer instances of therapy delivery compared to a predefined therapy schedule). The processing circuitry 82 may be configured to detect a trigger event that includes an instance where the therapy actually delivered to a patient is different from that specified by a therapy program (e.g., an instance such as the user ending a therapy delivery session faster than the length defined by the therapy delivery program). The processing circuitry 82 may be configured to detect a trigger event that includes an instance where the therapy actually delivered over a period of time is different from a therapy schedule (e.g., an instance of a skipped session). Thus, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to adjust and / or update the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval and / or recommended recharge interval based on one or more trigger events, including changes to therapy programming and / or instances of actual therapy delivery. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 is configured to generate a prompt or notification for output to the user if and / or when information such as a recommended recharge interval value is updated and / or changed. In this way, the most accurate recommended recharge interval and / or system information can always be presented to the user, and the user can know when the information changes.

[0136] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to generate a default recommended recharge interval value. For example, before receiving information about therapy programming and / or one or more therapy schedules, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to generate a default recommended recharge interval value (e.g., 6 months) for display, which may be a value that prevents the power source 18 from dropping below a threshold level without delivering therapy. However, when receiving information about therapy programming, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to update the default recommended recharge interval value to one or more different recommended recharge interval values according to the techniques described above.

[0137] Figure 5 Table 500 includes a plurality of intervals (e.g., interval 1, interval 2, interval 3, interval 4, interval 5, interval 6, interval 7, interval 8), where each interval is defined according to a determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value (e.g., expressed as the number “X” days) and corresponds to a recommended recharge interval. Figure 5 The intervals and corresponding recommended recharge interval values are shown in conjunction with Figure 4An example of how the processing circuit 82 of the described programmer 204 determines a recommended recharge interval based on a determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval value. The recommended recharge interval value is a relatively simple (e.g., non - negative integer, integer, etc.) time period that is easier for the user to remember and can correspond to time periods that typically appear on the user's schedule. The recommended recharge interval values shown in Table 500 include 1 day corresponding to interval 2 (e.g., referred to as daily or every day as a frequency), 1 week corresponding to interval 3 (e.g., otherwise referred to as weekly as a frequency), 2 weeks corresponding to interval 4 (e.g., otherwise referred to as every two weeks as a frequency), 1 month corresponding to interval 5 (e.g., otherwise referred to as monthly as a frequency), 3 months corresponding to interval 6 (e.g., otherwise referred to as quarterly as a frequency), 6 months corresponding to interval 7 (e.g., otherwise referred to as semi - annually as a frequency), and 12 months corresponding to interval 8 (e.g., otherwise referred to as annually or yearly as a frequency).

[0138] In some examples, one or more intervals (e.g., interval 1 as shown in the example of Figure 5 may not be associated with a recommended recharge interval, such as in an example where the calculated recharge interval is below a specified time period (e.g., 1 day). In this example, a calculated recharge interval below the specified time period may indicate a system error or programming error. Additionally, when the calculated recharge interval is below the specified time period, such that the recommended recharge interval would be too short (e.g., too frequent), the processing circuit 82 may be configured to generate a prompt for the user (e.g., clinician) to change the programming. In some examples, when the calculated recharge interval is below the specified time period, the processing circuit 82 may be configured to initiate an integrity test, such as to redetermine the recharge interval value.

[0139] In Table 500, the number of intervals (e.g., amounts), the calculated recharge interval ranges associated with each interval, and the recommended recharge intervals associated with each interval are merely illustrative examples, and any suitable number of intervals (e.g., one interval, two intervals, three intervals, four intervals, five intervals, six intervals, seven intervals, eight intervals, nine intervals, ten intervals, fifteen intervals, twenty intervals, fifty intervals, etc.), calculated recharge interval ranges, and recommended recharge interval values associated with each interval can be selected (e.g., programmed, changed, updated) and used as necessary. The recommended recharge interval values can include any suitable values, including recommended recharge interval values of a few minutes (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes), up to one hour or more (e.g., 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, etc.), up to one day or more (e.g., every day, every 5 days, etc.), up to one week or more (e.g., 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc.), up to one or more months (e.g., 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, etc.), up to one year or more (e.g., 1 year, 2 years, etc.). In some examples, the number of intervals (e.g., amounts), the calculated recharge interval ranges associated with each interval, and the recommended recharge interval values associated with each interval are the same for different treatment schedules and treatment procedures. In some examples, the number of intervals (e.g., amounts), the calculated recharge interval ranges associated with each interval, and the recommended recharge interval values associated with each interval are different for different treatment schedules (e.g., different between a first treatment schedule and a second treatment schedule) and / or for different treatment procedures (e.g., different between a first treatment procedure and a second treatment procedure). For example, a first treatment procedure that may include a first treatment schedule may be associated with a first set of intervals, and a second treatment procedure that may include a second treatment schedule different from the first treatment schedule may be associated with a second set of intervals. In this example, the number of intervals in the first set of intervals may be different from the number of intervals in the second set of intervals.

[0140] In some examples, at least some of the multiple corresponding ranges and / or intervals include upper bound values and / or lower bound values. For example, in Figure 5 the example of, Interval 1 includes only an upper bound value, thereby indicating that any determined recharge interval value less than a particular upper bound is associated with Interval 1. As another example, Interval 8 includes only a lower bound value, thereby indicating that any determined recharge interval value greater than or equal to a particular upper bound is associated with Interval 8. However, each of Intervals 2 through 7 includes both an upper bound value and a lower bound value.

[0141] In the example of Table 500, intervals 2 through 7 are defined such that a calculated recharge interval value that is greater than or equal to a lower bound interval value and less than an upper bound interval value falls within (e.g., is associated with) the corresponding interval. Additionally, the lower bound value and the upper bound value are defined as discrete values such that the intervals do not overlap. However, the intervals can be defined in other ways without limitation. For example, an interval can be defined such that a recharge interval value that is greater than a lower bound interval value and less than or equal to an upper bound interval value falls within the corresponding interval. As another example, the upper bound value and the lower bound value can overlap with other intervals, such that a recharge interval value can fall within more than one interval. In these instances, processing circuitry 82 can prompt a user to select a preferred recommended recharge interval value from among multiple valid recommended recharge interval values.

[0142] Additionally, any one of the intervals such as intervals 2 through 7 can be defined differently between different treatment programs (e.g., between different treatment schedules). For example, the upper bound value and the lower bound value can be different between different treatment programs. In some examples, a first set of intervals associated with a first treatment schedule includes a first set of upper bound values and lower bound values for each of the intervals in the first set of intervals, and a second set of intervals associated with a second treatment schedule includes a second set of upper bound values and lower bound values for each of the intervals in the second set of intervals. In some examples, the first set of upper bound values and lower bound values includes values that are different from the second set of upper bound values and lower bound values. In some examples, the first set of upper bound values and lower bound values includes at least some of the same values as the second set of upper bound values and lower bound values.

[0143] In some examples, the number of intervals and the upper bound value and / or the lower bound value are dynamic (e.g., are configured to be selected, changed, and / or updated at one or more time intervals). For example, a user (e.g., a clinician, a patient, a caregiver, etc.) can program the number of intervals, and / or program the upper bound value and / or the lower bound value. Processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive an input from the user for one or more of the number of intervals selected, the upper bound value, and / or the lower bound value. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 can be configured to automatically determine (e.g., select, update, etc.) one or more of the number of intervals, the upper bound value, and / or the lower bound value. In other examples, the number of intervals, the upper bound value, and / or the lower bound value are predetermined and static such that they cannot be changed. In some examples, a user can program the recommended recharge intervals associated with some or all of the intervals.

[0144] In some examples, the number of intervals, upper and / or lower bound values, and the recommended recharge intervals associated with each interval can be adjusted for different types of therapy, different patient conditions, different patient factors, or for other suitable reasons. For example, the number of intervals, upper and / or lower bound values, and the recommended recharge intervals associated with each interval can correspond to the type of therapy (e.g., tibial stimulation, sacral nerve modulation, SCS, DBS for incontinence therapy) or patient condition (e.g., urinary incontinence). For example, some more frequent types of stimulation therapy may require more frequent recharging, on the order of hours or days, and the intervals and recommended recharge interval values can be adjusted accordingly. In some examples, the number of intervals, upper and / or lower bound values, and the recommended recharge intervals associated with each interval correspond to one or more patient factors, such as patient age, disease state, patient gender, or another suitable patient factor. In some examples, the recommended recharge intervals, intervals, or other values (e.g., by a user, such as a clinician) are programmed. For example, the recommended recharge intervals, intervals, or other values are programmed to coincide with a scheduled clinic visit, such as for recharging at the clinic.

[0145] As discussed, the foregoing technique of using intervals to determine the recommended recharge interval value can enable the processing circuitry 82 (e.g., Figure 4 the processing circuitry 82 of the programmer 204) to select an appropriate recommended recharge interval from a plurality of predetermined recharge intervals. Although described primarily in the context of the processing circuitry 82 of the programmer 204, another suitable device can additionally or alternatively be configured to determine (e.g., calculate) the recharge interval and determine the recommended recharge interval. For example, the processing circuitry of another suitable device, such as Figure 3 the main processing circuitry 50 of the external computing device 208, the processing circuitry 30 of the IMD 210, and / or a remote (e.g., cloud-based) processing circuitry (such as the server 112) can be configured to determine (e.g., calculate) the recharge interval and determine the recommended recharge interval in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. Once the processing circuitry 82 has determined the recommended recharge interval, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval for output to the user. Although intervals are described as one example of determining the recommended recharge interval value for subsequent recharging, other types of ranges or equations that define such ranges can be used in other examples.

[0146] Figures 6A to 6GShows various screens from an exemplary user interface according to the technology of the present disclosure and demonstrates the functionality prescribed for various components regarding outputting information to a user as discussed regarding the previous examples. However, the following examples are merely illustrative examples, and the accompanying drawings and corresponding descriptions presented herein are one way among several ways of presenting information to a user. The features discussed herein can be presented in any arrangement or combination without limitation.

[0147] Figure 6A is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary user interface 600 related to a rechargeable battery according to the present disclosure. The user interface 600 may include a screen 602 having various boxes or regions that display relevant information related to a device such as IMD 10 or IMD 210. The user interface 600 can be an example of: the user interface 54 of an external charging device 208 as Figure 3 shown, the user interface 86 of a programmer 204 (which can be a patient programmer or a clinician programmer) as Figure 4 shown, or another suitable device (including a mobile computing device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer). The user interface 600 can provide information to a user about the power supply of the device and will be discussed in connection with the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 from Figure 2 . Although the user interface 600 can have static boxes to display information related to the power supply 18, one or more pop-up windows or pop-up boxes, labels, or other types of alerts can be envisioned. In some examples, the pop-up box includes a dynamic box or widget that covers at least a portion of the screen (e.g., screen 602).

[0148] In Figure 6A 's example, the user interface 600 provides information related to the status of the power supply to a user (who can be a patient, a clinician, or another suitable user). For example, the screen 602 includes a box 640 (e.g., a widget) that displays information related to the status of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210. The box 640 can include an indication of the status of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210, including various graphical, graphical, color, numerical, or pictorial indications of the status of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210. For example, the box 640 includes a power status indication 642 (represented as a numerical percentage of the remaining charge). The power status indication 642 can include one or more indications of the status of the power supply 18, such as the expected date of the expected consumption of the power supply 18 (e.g., below a predefined level) (e.g., including month, day, and / or year). In this way, the processing circuit 82 is configured to generate an indication of the remaining amount or time or the amount of remaining charge of the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 for output.

[0149] In Figure 6AIn the example of, user interface 600 provides the user with information related to charging (e.g., recharging) power source 18. In some examples, box 640 includes the date and / or interval when the next recharge is expected (e.g., when power source 18 of IMD 210 needs to be recharged). The presented date and / or interval of the next expected recharge may be based on the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval and / or recommended recharge interval. In this way, processing circuitry 82 is configured to generate information related to the state of power source 18 of IMD 210 and / or information related to the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval and / or recommended recharge interval for output.

[0150] In some examples, screen 602 includes box 630, which may provide an indication of when the user and / or the device last "refreshed" or "updated" the determination of power source 18 (e.g., battery state). In this way, although IMD 210 may automatically update the indication of the state of power source 18 and / or information regarding the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval and / or recommended recharge interval, user interface 600 enables the user to "refresh" or "update" such determinations. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 is configured to repeatedly determine the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval and / or recommended recharge interval, such as to account for changes in the performance of power source 18 over the course of the life cycle of power source 18.

[0151] In some examples, processing circuitry 82 generates one or more notifications related to power source 18 for presentation on screen 602, such as periodic notifications or prompts to have the user recharge power source 18 of IMD 210. For example, in response to power source 18 dropping below a predefined threshold, screen 602 may include one or more prompts or reminders to recharge power source 18 of IMD 210. As discussed with respect to the previous examples, processing circuitry 82 may be configured to generate a prompt to charge based on one or more recommended recharge intervals. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 may generate a periodic notification or a prompt to recharge prior to the expiration of the recommended recharge interval (e.g., weekly before the recommended recharge interval).

[0152] In some examples, box 640 includes one or more options (e.g., buttons, toggle keys, or another suitable mechanism) for a user to access information related to power source 18. For example, box 640 includes button 644 to prompt a calculation of an estimated recharge interval (which may be the time before recharge or the expected date of battery recharge, as discussed in connection with the previous examples) according to the techniques described in the present disclosure and / or a determination of one or more suggested recharge interval values. In some examples, upon receiving a user input to button 644, processing circuitry 82 may determine one or more determined recharge interval values and / or suggested recharge intervals, but may also generate one or more intermediate pop-up windows or screens for the user to confirm such determinations and / or present further information to the user.

[0153] Figure 6B is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary user interface such as Figure 6A user interface 600, which includes a pop-up box 650 generated by processing circuitry 82 due to receiving a user input selecting button 644 in the example of Figure 6A In the example of Figure 6B the pop-up box 650 includes information presented to the user and button 652. As shown, the pop-up box 650 may indicate to the user that the stimulation will be "on" (e.g., activated) during the determination (e.g., calculation) of the determined recharge interval and / or suggested recharge interval and other information related to such determination (e.g., determining a specific charge level of power source 18 based on IMD 210 and / or based on the current treatment program, which includes current treatment settings and / or treatment schedule). Button 652 may prompt the user to confirm that the determination (e.g., calculation) of the determined recharge interval and / or suggested recharge interval will be initiated. In some examples, box 650 is not displayed, and processing circuitry 82 immediately initiates the determination of the recharge interval and / or suggested recharge interval in response to receiving a user input selecting button 644 in the example of Figure 6A In some examples, the pop-up box 650 includes a cancel button 654 that enables the user to close the pop-up box 650, which may terminate (or not initiate) the determination of the recharge interval value and / or suggested recharge interval value. For example, in response to receiving a user input to button 654, processing circuitry 82 may be configured to return to Figure 6A screen 602 of

[0154] Figure 6C is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary portion of a user interface such as Figure 6A user interface 600, which includes due to receiving a selection of button 644 in the example of Figure 6A and / or in the example of Figure 6BThe pop-up box 660 generated by the processing circuit 82 based on the user input selecting the button 652 in the example of Figure 6C As shown in the example of

[0155] Figure 6D is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary part of a user interface (such as the Figure 6A user interface 600 of Figure 6A which includes a pop-up box 670A generated by the processing circuit 82 due to the user input selecting the button 644 in the example of Figure 6B and / or selecting the button 652 in the example of Figure 6C and may appear after the pop-up box 660 of

[0156] In the example of Figure 6D the user interface 600 provides information related to the status of the power supply 18 and / or information related to recharging the power supply 18 to a user (the user may be a patient, a clinician, or another suitable user). For example, the example of FIG. 6 shows a pop-up box 670A that includes an indication of a recommended recharge interval 674A (shown as "3 months" under the heading "Recommended Recharge Interval") and an indication of battery life 676A, and the indication of battery life may include a determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval (shown as "5 months" under the heading "Estimated Full Implant Battery Life"). As described herein, the indication of battery life 676A may indicate the period of time before the power supply 18 is completely depleted and / or the period of time when the power supply 18 drops below a threshold level (e.g., an operating level). In this way, the processing circuit 82 is configured to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval 674A (and / or recommended recharge frequency) for output to the user. Although Figure 6D the example of

[0157] As discussed above, although the present disclosure is primarily discussed in terms of time intervals (e.g., interval values) that can represent a length of time or a time period (e.g., 1 week), it should be understood that frequencies (e.g., frequency values) representing repeating events (e.g., every day, every week, once a week, weekly, etc.) are contemplated for use in addition to or in place of intervals, such as in any of the examples discussed herein where the system is configured to determine, use, and / or display such values in the context of recharging the power supply of the IMD. For example, in the Figure 6D example, the user interface 600 may display a frequency value (instead of an interval value) for recharging, an indication of battery life, or other applicable values.

[0158] The manner in which the processing circuitry 82 generates and displays an indication of the recommended recharge interval 674A and / or an indication of the determined recharge interval 676A may be based on one or more of the number of therapy programs (e.g., more than one therapy program, including more than one therapy schedule) and the state of the power supply 18 (e.g., the level of the power supply 18 and / or whether the power supply 18 needs to be recharged, such as before a transition between therapy schedules). In the Figure 6D example of the pop-up box 670A, the processing circuitry 82 generates a single value for the indication of the recommended recharge interval 674A, which may be applicable in examples where the therapy programming includes only one therapy schedule or the recommended recharge interval is equal for more than one therapy schedule. Similarly, in cases where the therapy programming includes only one therapy schedule or the recharge interval is equal for more than one therapy schedule, the processing circuitry 82 generates a single value for the indication of the recharge interval 676A.

[0159] In some examples, the pop-up box 670A includes a button 672 that clears the pop-up box 670A, which may cause the user interface 600 to display (e.g., return to) the screen 602 as Figure 6A shown. For example, in response to receiving user input selecting the button 672, the processing circuitry 82 may be configured to return to the Figure 6A screen 602.

[0160] Figure 6E 、 Figure 6F and Figure 6G respectively show pop-up boxes 670B, 670C, and 670D, which may be Figure 6DAlternative examples of the pop-up box 670A. Depending on the number of treatment programs (e.g., more than one treatment program, including more than one treatment schedule) and / or the status of the power supply 18 (e.g., the level of the power supply 18 and / or whether the power supply 18 needs to be charged, such as before a transition between treatment schedules), pop-up boxes 670B, 670C, and 670D may be generated instead of the pop-up box 670A. In an example including more than one treatment schedule, the processing circuit 82 may be configured to display one or more messages related to the transition between treatment schedules, including (but not limited to) the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule, a prompt to charge on the date of the transition between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule, or other messages related to the transition. Although two treatment schedules are described for illustrative purposes, any number of treatment schedules is possible (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty, or more treatment schedules). Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figure 6G , the processing circuit 82 may generate additional messages for display to prompt the user to charge immediately (e.g., "today"), such as when the power supply 18 is not above a predefined charging threshold (e.g., 90%). In addition to or instead of the pop-up box 670A, the processing circuit 82 may be configured to generate any one of the pop-up boxes 670B, 670C, and 670D for presentation.

[0161] Showing the pop-up box 670B Figure 6EInformation is shown in an example that includes at least a first treatment schedule (e.g., an induction schedule) and a second treatment schedule (e.g., a maintenance schedule), where the recommended recharge interval and the determined recharge interval for the first treatment schedule are different from the recommended recharge interval and the determined recharge interval for the second treatment schedule. Thus, the pop-up box 670B includes an indication of the recommended recharge interval 674B and an indication of the battery life 676B. The indication of the recommended recharge interval includes two different recommended recharge interval values (shown as "every 2 weeks until October 24, 2023, then every 12 months" under the heading "Recommended Recharge Interval"). The indication of the battery life may include one or more determined (e.g., calculated) recharge intervals. For example, the indication of the battery life 676B includes two different determined recharge interval values (shown as "1 month - current schedule" and "16 months - maintenance schedule" under the heading "Estimated Fully Implanted Battery Life"). In this way, the processing circuit 82 is configured to generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval 674B and / or an indication of the determined recharge interval 676B for output to the user, where the indication of the recommended recharge interval and / or the indication of the determined recharge interval includes multiple recommended recharge interval values and / or multiple determined recharge interval values based on corresponding to multiple different treatment schedules (e.g., in the Figure 6E example, the first treatment schedule such as the "current schedule" and the second treatment schedule such as the "maintenance schedule").

[0162] The pop-up box 670B also includes the transition date ("October 24, 2023") between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule. In this way, the processing circuit 82 is configured to output an indication of the transition between the first treatment procedure and the second treatment procedure. In some examples, the processing circuit 82 is configured to determine the current date and compare the current date with the transition date. In this case, the processing circuit may alternatively display the pop-up box 670A in the Figure 6D example. For example, in the case where the transition date between the first treatment procedure and the second treatment procedure (e.g., which may include the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule) has passed, the processing circuit may not display the transition date and / or may only display information related to the second treatment procedure.

[0163] Showing the pop-up box 670C Figure 6F is a variant of the pop-up box 670B from Figure 6E in the Figure 6FIn [the situation], the power source 18 does not need to be recharged before the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule (e.g., the power source 18 is charged to above a predefined threshold and does not need to be charged before the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule). For example, if during the first treatment schedule the current date is sufficiently close to the transition date such that the power source 18 does not need to be recharged, the processing circuit 82 does not generate a recommended recharge interval associated with the first treatment schedule for display. Instead, the processing circuit 82 only generates a recommended recharge interval value for the second treatment schedule for display. Accordingly, the pop-up box 670C includes an indication of the recommended recharge interval 674C, and the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes one recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the second treatment schedule (shown as "Recharge on October 24, 2023, then every 12 months" under the caption "Recommended Recharge Interval"). The pop-up box 670C also includes an indication of the battery life 676C, and the indication of the battery life may include one or more determined (e.g., calculated) recharge intervals. For example, the indication of the battery life 676C includes two different determined recharge interval values (shown as "3 months - current schedule" and "16 months - maintenance schedule" under the caption "Estimated Fully Implanted Battery Life").

[0164] showing the pop-up box 670D Figure 6G is from Figure 6E the pop-up box 670B and / or Figure 6F the pop-up box 670C. In Figure 6G the example of [the situation], the power source 18 needs to be charged before the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule (e.g., because the power source 18 is below a predetermined threshold), but will not need to be recharged again before the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule if it is sufficiently charged. In other words, in Figure 6GIn the example, power source 18 only needs one more recharge session to last until the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule. In this way, the processing circuit 82 can generate a pop-up box 670D for display to indicate when the power source 18 should be recharged before the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule, because the power source 18 is not fully charged or otherwise not charged above a predefined threshold (e.g., not charged above 90% of the total charge capacity). Accordingly, the pop-up box 670D includes an indication of a recommended recharge interval 674D, and the indication of the recommended recharge interval includes a recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the second treatment schedule, as well as a prompt to "recharge today" (shown as "recharge today and on October 24, 2023, then every 6 months" under the heading "recommended recharge interval"). The pop-up box 670D also includes an indication of the battery life 676D, and the indication of the battery life may include one or more determined (e.g., calculated) recharge intervals. For example, the indication of the battery life 676D includes two different determined recharge interval values (shown as "6 months - current schedule" and "10 months - maintenance schedule" under the heading "estimated fully implanted battery life").

[0165] Generally speaking, once the transition between treatment schedules (e.g., the transition date, as described respectively in connection with Figure 6E the pop-up box 670B, Figure 6F the pop-up box 670C, and Figure 6G the pop-up box 670D) has passed, the processing circuit 82 can be configured to update the information related to the transition between treatment schedules. For example, once the transition date between the first treatment schedule and the second treatment schedule has passed, the processing circuit 82 can be configured to generate information as if only one treatment schedule were programmed. Such examples of the information displayed for a single treatment schedule are shown and described in connection with Figure 6D and the pop-up box 670A.

[0166] Respectively in connection with the pop-up boxes, namely Figure 6A the pop-up box 670A, Figure 6E the pop-up box 670B, Figure 6F the pop-up box 670C, and Figure 6G the pop-up box 670D described, the information shown is only illustrative examples and can be displayed in any suitable arrangement or combination. For example, in any example where the power source 18 is below a predefined threshold (e.g., including examples with one treatment schedule or more than one treatment schedule), the processing circuit 82 can be configured to generate a prompt to recharge immediately (e.g., "recharge today"). Accordingly, similar to Figure 6DAn example of the pop-up box 670A may include a recharge reminder (e.g., "Recharge today"), which may be a treatment schedule or an example of equal recommended recharge intervals for more than one treatment schedule.

[0167] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for determining (e.g., calculating) a recharge interval for the power supply of an IMD and generating a recommended recharge interval based on the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval. Regarding the components of the IMD 210 as discussed in connection with Figure 2 and the components of the external computing device 208 as discussed in connection with Figure 3 and the components of the programmer 204 as discussed in connection with Figure 4 exemplary techniques have been discussed, but this exemplary technique can be used with any of the devices of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 7 the IMD 10, the external computing device 108, the programmer 104, and / or the server 112). Although the steps described herein are described as being performed by the processing circuit 82 of the programmer 204, these steps can also be performed by another device alone or in combination with the programmer 204. For example, one or more of the main processing circuit 50 of the external computing device 208, the processing circuit 30 of the IMD 210, and / or a remote (e.g., cloud-based) processing circuit such as the server 112 can be configured to perform any of the steps discussed in connection with Figure 1 Figure 7

[0168] In Figure 7 the example, the processing circuit 82 receives information (702) for at least one treatment program of the IMD 210. As discussed in connection with the previous example, the information for each treatment program includes treatment parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width) and a treatment schedule that defines the treatment delivered by the IMD 210 (e.g., a predetermined schedule that defines instances of treatment delivery). The processing circuit 82 can receive information from the IMD 210, such as by querying the IMD 210 or communicating with the IMD.

[0169] Processing circuitry 82 then determines a recharge interval value (704) for power source 18 of IMD 210 for each therapy program based on the therapy parameters and the therapy schedule. The determined recharge interval value may indicate a period of time after which the power source 18 of IMD 210 will deplete its charge and / or drop below a predetermined level. The determined recharge interval may be based on the state of power source 18 (e.g., an instantaneous state or a current state), as well as future usage predicted according to one or more therapy schedules. IMD 210 and / or processing circuitry 82 includes suitable components for determining recharge information for power source 18. In this manner, processing circuitry 30 determines a suitable recharge interval such that IMD 210 delivers therapies according to the therapy schedule without depleting its charge and / or dropping below a threshold level of charge.

[0170] Processing circuitry 82 then determines a recommended recharge interval value (706) from a plurality of predefined possible recharge interval values for each therapy program based on the determined recharge interval value. For example, processing circuitry 82 determines the recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value. In some examples, processing circuitry 82 determines a recommended recharge value corresponding to one of a plurality of intervals defined according to possible values of the recharge interval value. Each interval correlates a range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value with a recommended recharge interval value. To determine the recommended recharge interval value, processing circuitry 82 compares the determined recharge interval value with the ranges of possible values of the recharge interval value determined for each of the plurality of intervals. Based on this comparison, processing circuitry 82 (e.g., by selection) determines the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies. In effect, processing circuitry 82 rounds the determined recharge interval value to a predetermined recommended recharge interval value associated with a particular interval.

[0171] Once processing circuitry 82 has determined the recommended recharge interval value for each therapy program, processing circuitry 82 then generates an indication of the recommended recharge interval for output to the user (708). For example, as described in connection with Figures 6A to 6GAs discussed, the processing circuitry 82 can generate information regarding a recommended recharge interval for each therapy program for output to the user interface. The indication can include a first indication of a recommended recharge interval for a first therapy program (e.g., the first therapy program can include an induction schedule) and a second indication of a recommended recharge interval for a second therapy program (the second therapy program can include a maintenance schedule). The output can include one or more of the following: a visual display on the screen (e.g., a pop-up box, a notification, etc.) and an audible notification, a tactile notification, or another suitable notification. In some examples, the output includes a prompt on the user interface (e.g., the user interface 86 of the programmer 204) that indicates the recommended recharge interval.

[0172] In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 receives an input of a user-defined recharge interval (the input can include user preferences), and generates an indication of the user-defined recharge interval. For example, in a case where the user has a preference to recharge more frequently than the system-defined recommended recharge interval, the processing circuitry 82 can be configured to receive user input indicating the user preference and generate an indication for output. For example, the processing circuitry 82 can update the output of the system-generated recommended recharge interval and / or the prompt for the recharge interval accordingly based on the user-defined recharge interval.

[0173] In addition to generating an indication of a recommended recharge interval value for each therapy program, the processing circuitry 82 can also generate other information for output to the user. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication of a transition (e.g., a transition date) between one or more therapy schedules. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates a prompt for recharging based on the recommended recharge interval. In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication of a recommended recharge interval for each therapy program (e.g., an indication of a recharge interval for an induction schedule and an indication of a recharge interval for a maintenance schedule). In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 generates an indication of the remaining amount or time of the power source 18 of the IMD 210 or the amount of remaining charge.

[0174] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary technique for determining (e.g., calculating) a recharge interval for a power source of an IMD and generating a recommended recharge interval based on the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval. Regarding the components of the IMD 210 as discussed in conjunction with Figure 2 and the components of the external computing device 208 as discussed in conjunction with Figure 3 and the components of the programmer 204 as discussed in conjunction with Figure 4 exemplary techniques have been discussed, but the exemplary techniques can be associated with the devices of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 8 ), but the exemplary technique can be associated with the devices of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 1for use with any one of the IMD 10, external computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112). Although the steps described herein are described as being performed by the processing circuitry 82 of the programmer 204, these steps may also be performed by another device, either alone or in combination with the programmer 204. For example, one or more of the main processing circuitry 50 of the external computing device 208, the processing circuitry 30 of the IMD 210, and / or a remote (e.g., cloud-based) processing circuitry such as the server 112 may be configured to perform any of the steps discussed with respect to Figure 8 any of the steps discussed herein. Figure 8 may include steps similar to Figure 7 the techniques described herein, except as otherwise described herein.

[0175] In Figure 8 the example of, the processing circuitry 82 receives information (802) for at least one therapy program for the IMD 210. The information for each therapy program includes therapy parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width) and therapy dose information that indicates one or more of historical therapy delivery or predicted future therapy delivery.

[0176] The processing circuitry 82 then determines a recharge interval value for the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 based on the therapy parameters and the therapy dose information for each therapy program (804).

[0177] As discussed in connection with Figure 7 the processing circuitry 82 then determines a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recharge interval values based on the determined recharge interval value for each therapy program (806). Once the processing circuitry 82 has determined the recommended recharge interval value for each therapy program, the processing circuitry 82 then generates an indication of the recommended recharge interval for output to the user (808).

[0178] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary technique for determining (e.g., calculating) a recharge interval for a power supply of an IMD and generating a recommended recharge interval based on the determined (e.g., calculated) recharge interval. Exemplary techniques for Figure 2 the components of the IMD 210 as discussed in connection with Figure 3 the components of the external computing device 208 as discussed in connection with Figure 4 and the components of the programmer 204 as discussed in connection with Figure 9 are discussed, but the exemplary technique may be used with the devices of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 1used with any of the IMD 10, external computing device 108, programmer 104, and / or server 112). Although the steps described herein are described as being performed by the processing circuitry 82 of the programmer 204, these steps may also be performed by another device, either alone or in combination with the programmer 204. For example, one or more of the main processing circuitry 50 of the external computing device 208, the processing circuitry 30 of the IMD 210, and / or a remote (e.g., cloud-based) processing circuitry such as the server 112 may be configured to perform any of the steps discussed with respect to Figure 9 any of the steps discussed. Figure 9 may include steps similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 except as described herein.

[0179] In Figure 9 example, the processing circuitry 82 receives information about a therapy program for the IMD 210 and information about the therapy actually delivered to the patient by the IMD 210 (902). The information for each therapy program includes therapy parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, and / or pulse width). In some examples, the processing circuitry 82 determines the therapy parameters based on physiological sensing via one or more sensors 37 (e.g., as part of a closed-loop therapy system). The information about the therapy actually delivered to the patient by the IMD 210 may include a record of one or more instances of the therapy actually delivered to the patient.

[0180] The processing circuitry 82 then determines a recharge interval value for the power supply 18 of the IMD 210 for each therapy program based on the therapy parameters and the information about the therapy actually delivered to the patient (904).

[0181] As discussed in connection with Figure 7 and Figure 8 the processing circuitry 82 then determines a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recharge interval values for each therapy program based on the determined recharge interval value (906). Once the processing circuitry 82 has determined the recommended recharge interval value for each therapy program, the processing circuitry 82 then generates an indication of the recommended recharge interval for output to the user (908).

[0182] The present disclosure includes the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0183] Example 1: A system includes a processing circuit configured to: receive information for a therapy program for an implantable medical device, where the information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining the therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device; determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program; determine a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values for different respective ranges of possible values corresponding to the determined recharge interval value for the therapy program; and generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the therapy program for output to a user.

[0184] Example 2: The system according to Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of intervals correlates each of the different respective ranges of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value with the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values, and wherein, to determine the recommended recharge interval value, the processing circuit is configured to: compare the determined recharge interval value with the ranges of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value for each of the plurality of intervals; and based on the comparison, select the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values.

[0185] Example 3: The system according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the therapy program includes a first therapy program and a second therapy program, and wherein the indication of the recommended recharge interval value includes a first indication for the first therapy program and a second indication for the second therapy program, the first indication being different from the second indication.

[0186] Example 4: The system according to Example 3, wherein the processing circuit is configured to output an indication of a transition between the first therapy program and the second therapy program.

[0187] Example 5: The system according to any one of Examples 3 and 4, wherein the first therapy program includes a first therapy schedule defining the therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device, and the second therapy program includes a second therapy schedule defining the therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device, the first therapy schedule being different from the second therapy schedule.

[0188] Example 6: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of respective ranges include an upper bound value and a lower bound value, and wherein the recommended recharge interval value associated with each of the at least some ranges is lower than the lower bound value for the at least some ranges of the respective ranges.

[0189] Example 7: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the determined recharge interval value indicates an estimated time period for the power supply of the implantable medical device to be depleted to below a threshold level.

[0190] Example 8: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate an indication of the remaining amount or time of the power supply of the implantable medical device or the amount of remaining charge for output.

[0191] Example 9: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: receive an input of a user-defined recharge interval value different from the plurality of predefined suggested recharge interval values; and generate an indication of the user-defined recharge interval value for output based on the input of the user-defined recharge interval value.

[0192] Example 10: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate a recharge prompt for output to the user based on the suggested recharge interval value.

[0193] Example 11: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: automatically or in response to a user input, receive updated information for the treatment program via communication with the implantable medical device; and update the determined recharge interval value based on the updated information.

[0194] Example 12: The system according to Example 11, wherein in order to update the recharge interval value, the processing circuit is configured to detect a change in the treatment actually delivered to the patient over a period of time using at least the treatment program.

[0195] Example 13: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate a prompt indicating the suggested recharge interval value for output on a user interface of a computing device.

[0196] Example 14: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the implantable medical device to deliver an electrical stimulation treatment.

[0197] Example 15: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the implantable medical device to deliver an electrical stimulation treatment to one or more of the sacral nerve or the tibial nerve according to the treatment program for incontinence treatment.

[0198] Example 16: A method includes: receiving, by a processing circuit, information for a therapy program of an implantable medical device, where the information includes therapy parameter values and a therapy schedule defining a therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device; determining, by the processing circuit and based on the therapy parameter values and the therapy schedule of the therapy program, a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device; determining, by the processing circuit and for the therapy program, a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value; and generating, by the processing circuit and for the therapy program, an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for output to a user.

[0199] Example 17: The method according to Example 16, where each of a plurality of intervals correlates each respective range of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value with the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values, and where determining the recommended recharge interval value includes: comparing, by the processing circuit, the determined recharge interval value with the ranges of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value for each of the plurality of intervals; and selecting, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison, the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values.

[0200] Example 18: The method according to any one of Examples 16 and 17, where the therapy program includes a first therapy program and a second therapy program, and where the indication of the recommended recharge interval value includes a first indication for the first therapy program and a second indication for the second therapy program, the first indication being different from the second indication.

[0201] Example 19: The method according to any one of Examples 18, the method further includes outputting an indication of a transition between the first therapy program and the second therapy program.

[0202] Example 20: The method according to any one of Examples 18 and 19, where the first therapy program includes a first therapy schedule defining a therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device, and the second therapy program includes a second therapy schedule defining a therapy to be delivered by the implantable medical device, the first therapy schedule being different from the second therapy schedule.

[0203] Example 21: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 20, wherein at least some of the plurality of corresponding ranges include an upper bound value and a lower bound value, and wherein the suggested recharge interval value associated with each of the at least some ranges is lower than the lower bound value for the at least some ranges in the corresponding range.

[0204] Example 22: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 21, wherein the determined recharge interval value indicates an estimated time period for the power supply of the implantable medical device to be depleted to below a threshold level.

[0205] Example 23: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 22, wherein the method includes: generating, by the processing circuit, an indication of the remaining amount or time or remaining charge amount of the power supply of the implantable medical device for output.

[0206] Example 24: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 23, wherein the method further includes: receiving, by the processing circuit, an input of a user-defined recharge interval value different from the plurality of predefined possible suggested recharge interval values; and generating, by the processing circuit and for output, an indication of the user-defined recharge interval value based on the input of the user-defined recharge interval value.

[0207] Example 25: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 24, wherein the method further includes: generating, by the processing circuit and for output to a user, a recharge reminder based on the suggested recharge interval value.

[0208] Example 26: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 25, wherein the method further includes: receiving, by the processing circuit and automatically or in response to a user input, updated information for the treatment program via communication with the implantable medical device; and updating, by the processing circuit and based on the updated information, the determined recharge interval value.

[0209] Example 27: The method according to Example 26, wherein updating the recharge interval value includes: detecting, by the processing circuit, a change in the treatment actually delivered to a patient over a period of time using at least the treatment program.

[0210] Example 28: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 27, wherein the method further includes: generating, by the processing circuit, a reminder indicating the suggested recharge interval value on a user interface of a computing device for output.

[0211] Example 29: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 28, wherein the method further comprises: controlling, by the processing circuit, the implantable medical device to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy.

[0212] Example 30: The method according to any one of Examples 16 to 29, wherein the method further comprises: controlling, by the processing circuit, the implantable medical device to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy to one or more of the sacral nerves or the tibial nerves according to the treatment program for incontinence treatment.

[0213] Example 31: A system includes a processing circuit configured to: receive information for a treatment program of an implantable medical device, wherein the information includes treatment parameter values and a treatment schedule defining a treatment delivered by the implantable medical device; determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the treatment parameter values and the treatment schedule of the treatment program; compare the determined recharge interval value with a range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value for each of a plurality of intervals, wherein each of the plurality of intervals correlates the range of possible values of the determined recharge interval value with a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values; and based on the comparison, select a recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values; and generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the treatment program and a prompt indicating the recommended recharge interval value on a user interface of a computing device for output to a user.

[0214] Example 32: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processing circuit to: receive information for a treatment program of an implantable medical device, wherein the information includes treatment parameter values and a treatment schedule defining a treatment delivered by the implantable medical device; determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the treatment parameter values and the treatment schedule of the treatment program; determine a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value for the treatment program; and generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the treatment program for output to a user.

[0215] The techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, aspects of the techniques may be implemented within one or more processors, such as fixed-function processing circuitry and / or programmable processing circuitry, including one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combination of such components. The term “processor” or “processing circuitry” generally may refer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry alone or in combination with other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A control unit including hardware may also perform one or more of the techniques of this disclosure.

[0216] Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented within the same device or in separate devices to support the various operations and functions described in this disclosure. Additionally, any of the described units, modules, or components may be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. Describing different features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules or units must be implemented by separate hardware or software components. Rather, the functions associated with one or more modules or units may be performed by separate hardware or software components, or integrated within common or separate hardware or software components.

Claims

1. A system, the system comprising: processing circuitry configured to: receive information for a treatment program for an implantable medical device, wherein the information includes treatment parameter values and a treatment schedule defining a treatment to be delivered by the implantable medical device, determine a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device based on the treatment parameter values and the treatment schedule of the treatment program, determine a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value for the treatment program, and generate an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for the treatment program for output to a user.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of a plurality of intervals correlates each respective range of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value with the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values, and wherein, to determine the recommended recharge interval value, the processing circuitry is configured to: compare the determined recharge interval value with the ranges of the possible values of the recharge interval values determined for each of the plurality of intervals, and select, based on the comparison, the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the treatment program includes a first treatment program and a second treatment program, and wherein the indication of the recommended recharge interval value includes a first indication for the first treatment program and a second indication for the second treatment program, the first indication being different from the second indication.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to output an indication of a transition between the first treatment program and the second treatment program.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first treatment program includes a first treatment schedule defining a treatment to be delivered by the implantable medical device, and the second treatment program includes a second treatment schedule defining a treatment to be delivered by the implantable medical device, the first treatment schedule being different from the second treatment schedule.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the ranges of the possible values of the determined recharge interval value include an upper bound value and a lower bound value, and wherein the recommended recharge interval value associated with each of the at least some ranges is lower than the lower bound value for at least some of the corresponding ranges.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive an input of a user-defined recharge interval value different from the plurality of predefined recommended possible recharge interval values, and generate an indication of the user-defined recharge interval value for output based on the input of the user-defined recharge interval value.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: automatically or in response to user input, receive updated information for the treatment program via communication with the implantable medical device; and update the determined recharge interval value based on the updated information.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate a prompt indicating the recommended recharge interval value for output on a user interface of a computing device.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the implantable medical device to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to one or more of the sacral nerves or tibial nerves according to the treatment program for incontinence treatment.

11. A method, the method comprising:[[]] receiving, by a processing circuit, information for a treatment program of an implantable medical device, wherein the information includes treatment parameter values and a treatment schedule defining the treatment delivered by the implantable medical device; determining, by the processing circuit and based on the treatment parameter values and the treatment schedule of the treatment program, a recharge interval value for a power source of the implantable medical device; determining, by the processing circuit and for the treatment program, a recommended recharge interval value from a plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values corresponding to different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value; and generating, by the processing circuit and for the treatment program, an indication of the recommended recharge interval value for output to a user.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of intervals correlates each of the different respective ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value with the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values, and wherein determining the recommended recharge interval value comprises:[[]] comparing, by the processing circuit, the determined recharge interval value with the ranges of possible values of the determined recharge interval value for each of the plurality of intervals, and selecting, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison, the recommended recharge interval value corresponding to the interval in which the determined recharge interval value lies from the plurality of predefined possible recommended recharge interval values.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the treatment program includes a first treatment program and a second treatment program, and wherein the indication of the recommended recharge interval value includes a first indication for the first treatment program and a second indication for the second treatment program, the first indication being different from the second indication.

14. The method according to claim 13, the method further comprising:[[]] outputting, by the processing circuit, an indication of a transition between the first treatment program and the second treatment program.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first treatment program includes a first treatment schedule defining the treatment delivered by the implantable medical device, and the second treatment program includes a second treatment schedule defining the treatment delivered by the implantable medical device, the first treatment schedule being different from the second treatment schedule.

16. The method according to claim 11, At least some of the plurality of corresponding ranges include an upper bound value and a lower bound value, and wherein the suggested recharge interval value associated with each of the at least some of the ranges is lower than the lower bound value for the at least some of the corresponding ranges.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the processing circuit, an input of a user-defined recharge interval value different from the plurality of predefined possible suggested recharge interval values, and generating, by the processing circuit, an indication of the user-defined recharge interval value for output based on the input of the user-defined recharge interval value.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: [[ID= ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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