Medical device configuration using immediate-link, short-range communication

Abstract

A system include a medical device configured to: receive, from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

Description

Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1MEDICAL DEVICE CONFIGURATION USING IMMEDIATE-LINK, SHORT-RANGE COMMUNICATION

[0001] This application is a PCT application that claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 708,090, filed October 16, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to medical device communication.BACKGROUND

[0003] Medical devices may be external or implanted, and may be used to sense neural signals (e.g., central and peripheral nerves) and / or deliver electrical stimulation therapy to various tissue sites of a patient to treat a variety of symptoms or conditions such as, for example, one or more of chronic pain, tremor, Parkinson’s disease, other movement disorders, epilepsy, urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, obesity, gastroparesis, sleep apnea, neural control of prosthetic devices, or stimulation to provide peripheral sensation. Some medical devices include rechargeable batteries that are recharged from a charger. Also, some medical devices include telemetry circuitry to communicate with other devices, such as the charger or another device.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure describes example techniques for configuring a medical device to establish a communication link with another device (e.g., programmer) using priority information in a priority signal that is transmitted in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication. A medical device may be configured to communicate with another device, such as a programmer, by establishing a communication link with the other device in accordance with a second communication protocol that uses advertisements. For example, BlueTooth™ or BlueTooth™ Low Energy (BLE) use advertisements to authenticate and establish a communication link.

[0005] Communicating using the second communication protocol may be power expensive, and therefore the medical device may only periodically check if establishing a communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol is needed. In one or more examples, a first device may transmit a priority signal that indicates to the medical device that the medical device should establish a communication link using the second communication protocol or breakDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 existing communication links to reestablish a communication link with some other device. However, in such cases, it may be possible for an unintended device to establish the communication link with the medical device.

[0006] Accordingly, in one or more examples, a first device may be configured to transmit a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short- range communication. The priority signal may include priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication. The medical device may establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, where the second device is one of the one or more devices. Also, the medical device may refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices. In this manner, the medical device may be more likely establish a communication link with an intended device, and may be less likely to establish a communication link with an unintended device.

[0007] In one example, the disclosure describes a system comprising: a medical device configured to: receive, from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

[0008] In one example, the disclosure describes a method comprising: receiving, with a medical device and from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establishing, with the medical device and within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

[0009] In one example, the disclosure describes a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions thereon that when executed cause one or more processors to receive, with a medical device and from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establish, with the medical device and within a period of time, aDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of the techniques of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system including a medical device, a sting device, and a programmer according to one or more techniques of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example environment that includes a plurality of programmers and medical devices.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating example components of the medical device of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example sting device of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of components of external programmer of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Medical devices such as implantable medical devices (IMDs) or external medical devices are configured to communicate with other devices in addition to delivering therapy. The medical devices may be configured to communicate using mainstream wireless communication protocols such as the BlueTooth™ protocol or the BlueTooth™ Low Energy (BLE) protocol, including the BLE 5.4 specification. The BlueTooth or BLE protocol may be considered as examples of a communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication. For instance, in the BlueTooth and BLE protocol, the medical device may perform operations in accordance with an advertisement mode and a connection mode. In the advertising mode (also called broadcast or beacon mode), the medical device broadcasts advertising packets that include relevant information to allow other devices to know the presence of the medical device, as well as to allow connection with the medical device. The term “broadcast” means that the medical device transmits the packets (e.g., data) without the medical device addressing the packets to any specific device. In the connection mode, the medical device and another device engage in a handshake to establish a connection as part of a pairing process or bonding process.Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1

[0018] The term “advertisement-based communication” is used to generically refer to communication protocols in which the medical device may output information indicating the presence of the medical device to establish a communication link with another device. The BlueTooth and BLE protocols are examples of such communication protocols that use advertisement-based communication. However, the example techniques should not be considered limited to BlueTooth and BLE protocols.

[0019] While communication protocols that use advertisement-based communication provide robust, secure communication links that are readily available on many devices, communicating using such communication protocols tends to be power expensive. Therefore, a medical device may be configured to periodically, and generally infrequently, broadcast advertisement packets, rather than continuously broadcast advertisement packets.

[0020] Because the medical device may infrequently broadcast advertisement packets, there can be a delay in establishing a communication link with another device (e.g., a programmer). For instance, in a clinical setting, the clinician may desire to establish a communication link between a clinician programmer and the medical device with the communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication, but needs to wait until one of the infrequent broadcasts of the advertisement packets by the medical device. Moreover, in some cases, the medical device may have already established a communication link with a device (e.g., a patient programmer or patient phone), and it may be desirable to instruct the medical device to disconnect that communication link so that the medical device can establish a communication link with the clinician programmer.

[0021] In one or more examples, the medical devices may be configured to communicate in accordance with a communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication. The term “immediate -link” may refer to the capability of the medical device to always be listening (e.g., be in a ready-state to process data or commands) for communications received in the communication protocol used for immediate -link communication. The reception of a signal in accordance with the communication protocol used for immediate-link communication triggers a response or process by the medical device without requiring the same level of overhead or initial steps needed to establish a communication link in communication protocols used for advertisement-based communication.

[0022] In some cases, the immediate-link communication can be less secure as compared to advertisement-based communication. In one or more examples, the communication protocol used for immediate -link communication may also be used for short-range communication. For example, if the device that is going to communicate with the medical device is going to be using the immediate-link communication, the device should be placed relatively proximate to theDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 medical device (e.g., within 10 centimeters (cm)). Since active steps are taken to ensure that the device is proximate to the medical device and the range of the communication is relatively short- range, there is a low likelihood that an unintended device can transmit to the medical device using the immediate-link, short-range communication.

[0023] In one or more examples, the medical device may receive, from a first device, also called a sting device, signals in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, and the medical device may be able to establish a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device (e.g., a programmer). It may be possible for the sting device and the programmer to be the same device. Communication in accordance with the second communication protocol (e.g., advertisement-based) may be considered as the main communication link. Communications in accordance with the first communication protocol (e.g., immediate-link, short-range) may be considered as out-of-band communication link. For instance, as described above, the medical device may be configured to always listen for signals received in accordance with the first communication protocol, and therefore, the first communication protocol may be suitable to transmit side information to the medical device.

[0024] In some examples, the first device (e.g., sting device) uses this out-of-band communication as a “sting” to the medical device that causes the medical device to disconnect an existing communication link and / or send advertisement packets more frequently. For example, in a clinical setting, the clinician may desire to establish the communication link between the programmer (e.g., second device) and the medical device. To that end, the clinician may place the sting device (e.g., first device) proximate to the medical device, and transmit a signal from the sting device. In response, the medical device may broadcast advertisement packets more frequently. In this case, the amount of time that the programmer needs to wait to receive the advertisement packets is reduced, which in turn reduces the total amount of time it takes for the programmer and the medical device to establish a communication link. Also, if the medical device is already communicating with a device, like patient programmer or patient phone, the signal from the sting device may cause the medical device to disconnect the current communication link so that the medical device can establish a communication link with the programmer.

[0025] One issue may be that when the medical device starts to broadcast advertisement packets, any device that is capable of establishing a communication link with the medical device may attempt to establish a communication link with the medical device, including an unintended device. For instance, in a clinical setting, there may be a plurality of different clinicianDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 programmers. The clinician may use the sting device to transmit a signal in accordance with the first communication protocol that uses immediate-link, short-range communication that causes the medical device to disconnect an existing communication link and / or to broadcast advertisement packets more frequently. However, in this case, rather than establishing a communication link with the intended clinician programmer, the medical device ends up establishing a communication link with an unintended programmer. This may cause additional delay in establishing a communication link with the intended programmer, which negates the benefit of using the sting device.

[0026] Stated another way, a “sting” to break into an existing connection or increase advertisement frequency allows the medical device to connect with whichever device wins the race to connect to the medical device. This may result in a situation where a device or a group of devices (e.g., unintended devices) inappropriately connect to the medical device using the second communication protocol that uses an advertisement-based communication (e.g., BlueTooth or BLE). This unintended communication link can block intended devices from communicating with the medical device even after break-in (e.g., the sting) by winning the reconnecting race. This can become a source of confusion, delay, unpredictability, and frustration in timing and connection, or even a denial -of-service attack preventing legitimate programming over the main communication link.

[0027] In accordance with one or more examples described in this disclosure, the medical device may receive, from a first device (e.g., a sting device), a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication. The priority signal may include priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication. That is, rather than being a generic signal instructing the medical device to disconnect an existing communication link or increase advertisement frequency, the priority signal, in accordance with one or more examples, may include information that indicates devices that should be given priority for communication. For instance, the priority signal may specify the clinician programmer to which the medical device should establish a communication link, so as to avoid establishing a communication link with another device.

[0028] For example, the medical device may be configured to establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device (e.g., the intended programmer). In this example, the second device is one of the one or more devices to which priority should be given for establishing communication. The medical device may be configured to refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one orDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 more devices. That is, if a device that is not given priority attempts to establish a communication link with the medical device, the medical device may refuse establishing such a communication link with the device that is not given priority.

[0029] As described, the second communication protocol is used for advertisement-based communication. In one or more examples, the medical device may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency determined based on the reception of the priority signal. That is, the medical device may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at a first advertisement frequency (e.g., every 60 seconds). However, reception of the priority signal may cause the medical device to broadcast advertisement packets at a second, higher frequency (e.g., every second). In this way, the frequency at which the medical device broadcasts the advertisement packets may be determined based on the reception of the priority signal: normally at the first advertisement frequency, and then at the second advertisement frequency based on reception of priority signal.

[0030] In one or more examples, the medical device may be configured to include information, in the broadcast advertisement packets, for the second device (e.g., intended programmer) usable by the second device for communicating with the medical device in the broadcast advertisement packets. For example, the medical device may derive information from the information transmitted by the first device (e.g., sting device). The derived information that the medical device includes in the broadcast advertisement packets may be used to help the appropriate host (e.g., second device or intended programmer), which is looking to connect to it, but may not yet know identification of the medical device to better identify the medical device or gather information the second device will utilize more urgently. This may allow the second device (e.g., intended programmer) to more automatically or efficiently connect to the medical device such as to gather key initial information from the advertising packet of the medical device that may not be there normally, even before it is connected.

[0031] In this example, to establish the communication link, the medical device may be configured to establish, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with the one of the one or more devices indicated as having priority based on the advertisement packets. That is, the medical device and the second device may use the advertisement packets to establish the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol.

[0032] As another example, in some cases, prior to receiving the priority signal, the medical device may have been configured to establish a first communication link with a third device (e.g., an existing communication link with patient programmer or patient phone). In this example, to establish the second communication link (e.g., link with the second device, which may be theDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 intended programmer), the medical device may be configured to disconnect the first communication link with the third device, and establish the second communication link after disconnecting the first communication link.

[0033] There may be some additional properties of the priority signal or the communications in accordance with the first communication protocol. As one example, the first device (e.g., sting device) may use the first communication protocol only for a downlink connection (e.g., only oneway communication). That is, the medical device may be configured to bypass transmission to the first device in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal. As another example, communicating using the first communication protocol may only be available in short-range, such as when the first device (e.g., sting device) and the medical device are less than 10 cm apart. As yet another example, the medical device may be configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol (e.g., immediate -link, short-range) without advertisement.

[0034] Accordingly, in accordance with techniques described in this disclosure, the first device may transmit the “sting” (e.g., priority signal) using an out-of-band communication link. The “sting” can optionally include additional information identifying the central, programmer, and / or system that should be given priority to connect over the main communication link, and the medical device may refuse connections from other devices for a limited time. In some cases, refusing to establish a communication link during a period may be useful so that the “sting” does not itself become a potential denial of service attack vector or failure mode in which the medical device spends too long waiting to establish a communication link with a device that does not exist.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system including a medical device, a sting device, and a programmer according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. The example of FIG. 1 includes an implantable medical device (IMD) 100, sting device 102, and a programmer 104. For ease of description, the examples are described with respect to IMD 100, but the techniques should not be considered limited to implantable medical devices, and may be applicable to medical devices generally.

[0036] Sting device 102 includes one or more antennas to transmit a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication. The priority signal may include priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication with IMD 100. Programmer 104 may be configured to program the operation of IMD 100. For example, programmer 104 may communicate with IMD 100 to adjust therapy and / or sensing parameters, downloadDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 recorded data, and so on. Programmer 104 may be patient programmer or a clinician programmer.

[0037] The example of FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient’s leg 106 showing IMD 100 near the ankle and adjacent to the tibial nerve 108. IMD 100 is a leadless neurostimulation device in the example of FIG. 1. IMD 100 can be implanted through the patient’s skin and cutaneous fat layer via a small incision (e.g., about one to three centimeters (cm)) above the tibial nerve 108 on a medial aspect of the patient’s ankle. While the incision may be approximately horizontal to the length of the tibial nerve 108, other incisions or implantation techniques could be used according to physician preference. The example of FIG. 1 describes a neurostimulation implantable medical device for tibial nerve stimulation. In other examples, the techniques of this disclosure may apply to other medical devices, such as wearable or implantable neurostimulation system for use in spinal cord stimulation therapy (e.g., pain therapy), deep brain stimulation, pelvic floor stimulation (e.g., sacral nerve stimulation) as well as to other types of implantable or external medical devices without limitation.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 1, IMD 100 may be positioned adjacent to the region defined by flexor digitorum longus and soleus in which tibial nerve 108 is contained and implanted adjacent and proximal to a fascia layer. One or more electrodes of IMD 100 may face toward tibial nerve 108. Though not shown in FIG. 1, IMD 100 may also connect to one or more leads comprising one or more electrodes (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0039] IMD 100 may be constructed of any polymer, metal, or composite material sufficient to house the components of IMD 100. In this example, IMD 100 may be constructed with a biocompatible housing, such as titanium or stainless steel, or a polymeric material such as silicone or polyurethane, and surgically implanted at a site in patient near the tibial nerve 108, in some examples, while in other examples, implanted near the pelvis, abdomen, or buttocks. The housing of IMD 100 may be configured to provide a hermetic seal for components, such as a rechargeable power source. In addition, the housing of IMD 100 may be selected of a material that facilitates receiving energy to charge the rechargeable power source.

[0040] While providing therapy, an electrical stimulation signal may be transmitted between one or more electrodes through the fascia layer. The electrical signal may be used to stimulate tibial nerve 108 which may be useful in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and / or urge incontinence, fecal incontinence, pain, or other symptoms. The example of FIG. 1 may help relieve some symptoms of some disorders.

[0041] One type of therapy for treating bladder dysfunction includes delivery of electrical stimulation to a target tissue site within a patient to cause a therapeutic effect during delivery of the electrical stimulation. For example, delivery of electrical stimulation from IMD 100 to aDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 target therapy site, e.g., a tissue site that delivers stimulation to modulate activity of a tibial nerve, spinal nerve (e.g., a sacral nerve), a pudendal nerve, dorsal genital nerve, an inferior rectal nerve, a perineal nerve, or branches of any of the aforementioned nerves, may provide a therapeutic effect for bladder dysfunction, such as a desired reduction in frequency of bladder contractions. In some cases, electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve may modulate afferent nerve activities to restore urinary function.

[0042] In some examples, the techniques described in this disclosure are directed to delivery of neurostimulation therapy in a non-continuous manner which may include on-cycles and off- cycles. For example, an IMD 100 may deliver neurostimulation therapy for a specified period of time followed by a specified period of time when the IMD 100 does not deliver neurostimulation (e.g., withholds delivery of neurostimulation). A period during which stimulation is delivered (an on-cycle) may include on and off periods (e.g., a duty cycle or bursts of pulses) with short inter-pulse durations of time when pulses are not delivered.

[0043] The power source of IMD 100 may include one or more capacitors, batteries, or other components (e.g., chemical, or electrical energy storage devices). Example batteries may include lithium-based batteries, nickel metal-hydride batteries, or other materials. In some examples, the power source may be a primary cell battery that is replaced when depleted. In other examples, the power source may be rechargeable. The rechargeable power source may be replenished, refdled, or otherwise capable of increasing the amount of energy stored after energy has been depleted.

[0044] Sting device 102 may be a hand-held device, a portable device, or a stationary system. In some examples, in addition to transmitting signals in accordance with a first communication protocol that uses immediate-link, short-range communication, sting device 102 may include components necessary to charge IMD 100 through tissue of the patient. That is, sting device 102 may also be a charger. However, the example techniques are not so limited. In some examples, sting device 102 and programmer 104 may be the same device, and sting device 102 may not provide recharge capabilities.

[0045] IMD 100 may receive energy from a charger, which may be sting device 102 or could be another device. A charging circuit within IMD 100 may condition and / or transform the energy (e.g., rectify the energy). The charging circuit may then convey electrical energy to charge the rechargeable power source of IMD 100 when the power source is fully depleted or only partially depleted.

[0046] Sting device 102 may include a housing to enclose operational components such as a processor, memory, user interface (optional), telemetry circuitry, power source, and a wand (optional) for placing sting device 102 close to IMD 100. Although a user may controlDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 transmission of signals using a user interface of sting device 102, sting device 102 may alternatively be controlled by another device, e.g., an external programmer, a tablet computer, laptop or other similar computing device.

[0047] Programmer 104 may be configured to provide therapy parameters to IMD 100, such as amplitude, frequency, and pulse width of the electrical stimulation signal that IMD 100 delivers. Programmer 104 may also receive information from IMD 100, such as sensed signals, temperature, errors, etc. In general, programmer 104 may provide the interface with which a medical professional interacts to program IMD 100, as well as view information received from IMD 100. Programmer 104 may include a housing to enclose operational components such as a processor, memory, user interface, telemetry circuitry, and power source. Examples of programmer 104 include a tablet computer, laptop, a smartphone, a dedicated handheld device, or other similar computing devices.

[0048] In one or more examples, IMD 100 may be configured to communicate using two or more communication protocols. A first communication protocol may be used for immediate- link, short-range communication, and may be considered as an out-of-band communication link. A second communication protocol may be used for advertisement-based communication, and maybe considered as the main communication link.

[0049] As described above, an immediate -link may refer to the capability of IMD 100 to always be listening (e.g., be in a ready-state to process data or commands) for communications received in the first communication protocol used for immediate-link communication. The reception of a signal in accordance with the first communication protocol used for immediate- link communication triggers a response or process by the medical device without requiring the same level of overhead or initial steps needed to establish a communication link in communication protocols used for advertisement-based communication. That is, IMD 100 may be configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol without advertisement.

[0050] Communications in accordance with the first communication protocol may be considered as low complexity, and requiring minimal communication circuitry overhead. For example, the first communication protocol may be a frequency-shift-keying (FSK) based communication that utilizes a reception coil, as an antenna, to receive communication. In the immediate-link communication, there may be minimal to no back-and-forth of transmitting and receiving encryption and decryption keys, device authentication, etc.

[0051] In some examples, communications in accordance with the first communication protocol may be one-way communication. That is, IMD 100 may be configured to receive signals, but may not necessarily transmit signals. For example, as described in more detail, IMDDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1100 may receive a priority signal in accordance with the first communication protocol. IMD 100 may bypass transmission in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal.

[0052] Therefore, IMD 100 may be considered as being in an “always listening” or “always ready” mode for communication (e.g., signals) received in accordance with the first communication protocol. Always listening or always ready may mean that IMD 100 may be able to immediately process information in a signal received in accordance with the first communication protocol. Accordingly, the first communication protocol may be considered as being used for immediate-link communication.

[0053] Because there is minimal back-and-forth for security, authentication, or generally communicating in accordance with the first communication protocol, it may be possible for multiple devices to transmit to or listen to communications transmitted in accordance with the first communication protocol. To minimize security risks and ensure that IMD 100 is receiving communications in accordance with the first communication protocol from the intended device, the first communication protocol may be used for short-range communication. That is, the circuitry used for transmitting signals in accordance with the first communication protocol may have limited power so that after a relatively short distance the signal cannot be separated from noise. As an example, the first communication protocol may be suitable for communication if the two devices are separated by less than 10 cm.

[0054] In some examples, the first communication protocol may be standard nonconforming. For example, the first communication protocol may be a proprietary communication protocol that is specifically designed and used for short-range communication. As one example, the short-range communication may be a very low power H-field communication techniques that run constantly with very low power consumption and limited range in a variety of implantable medical devices.

[0055] Unlike the first communication protocol, the second communication protocol may be used for advertisement-based communication. The advertisement-based communication may be far more complex and standards conforming as compared to the immediate-link, short-range communication. Examples of the advertisement-based communication (e.g., second communication protocol) are the BlueTooth and BLE protocols. Additional examples include Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) band telemetry which may be higher power, greater distance telemetry schemes, but may be proprietary and / or at different points in the frequency spectrum, as compared to BlueTooth or BLE protocols.

[0056] For example, in advertisement-based communication, IMD 100 may broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency, and a device that is going to establish aDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 communication link with IMD 100 may use the advertisement packets for establishing the communication link. The advertisement packets may indicate to other devices that IMD 100 is available for establishing a communication link.

[0057] IMD 100 may be configured to communicate using the first communication protocol (e.g., out-of-band communication link) or the second communication protocol (e.g., main communication link) for various purposes. As one example, if side information or immediate commands are needed to be transmitted to IMD 100, including wake-up commands, etc., communications in accordance with the first communication protocol may be preferred. If therapy-based communication, such as transmission of therapy parameters to IMD 100 or reception of patient information from IMD 100, is needed, then the second communication protocol may be preferred.

[0058] In some examples, sting device 102 may be configured to transmit a priority signal that causes IMD 100 to perform certain tasks. As one example, sting device 102 may transmit the priority signal to IMD 100 that causes IMD 100 to broadcast advertisement packets at a higher advertisement frequency than the advertisement frequency at which IMD 100 would otherwise transmit the advertisement packets. For instance, the patient may visit a clinician’s office, the clinician may desire to use programmer 104 to communicate with IMD 100 using the second communication protocol. To ensure that IMD 100 establishes a communication link with programmer 104 in a short period of time, the clinician may use sting device 102 to transmit the priority signal in accordance with the first communication protocol that causes IMD 100 to broadcast advertisement packets at a higher advertisement frequency. This reduces the amount of time it takes programmer 104 and IMD 100 to establish a communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol.

[0059] As another example, if sting device 102 is considered as a first device, and programmer 104 is considered as a second device, when the patient visits the clinician’s office, it is possible that IMD 100 has an existing communication link with a third device (e.g., patient programmer or patient phone). In this example, the clinician may use sting device 102 to transmit the priority signal in accordance with the first communication protocol that causes IMD 100 to disconnect the communication link with the third device, so that IMD 100 can establish a communication link with programmer 104.

[0060] However, whenever IMD 100 starts broadcasting advertisement packets, there can be race between devices that have the capability to establish a communication link with IMD 100 to establish such a communication link. In such cases, it may be possible that the intended device (e.g., programmer 104) loses the race, and an unintended device monopolizes the ability of IMD 100 to communicate. This may lead to undesired delays and frustration.Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1

[0061] This disclosure describes example techniques that leverage the priority signal that sting device 102 may transmit to include additional information that steers IMD 100 to establish a communication link with the intended device. For instance, in accordance with one or more examples, IMD 100 may receive, from sting device 102, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication. The priority signal may include priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication. As an example, prior to transmitting the priority signal, the clinician may input information into sting device 102 that identifies with which device IMD 100 is to establish a communication link. Sting device 102 may then include such information as part of the priority information. As another example, in cases where sting device 102 and programmer 104 are the same device, sting device 102 may transmit identification information of programmer 104. This identification information may be the priority information that sting device 102 transmits are part of the priority signal. As yet another example, sting device 102 and programmer 104 may be separate devices, but bonded together. In this example, sting device 102 may already have information about programmer 104 which may be the priority information that sting device 102 includes in the priority signal.

[0062] IMD 100 may establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with programmer 104. Programmer 104 may be one of the one or more devices identified as part of the priority information. In some examples, IMD 100 may be configured to refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices (e.g., devices that are not identified as part of the priority information).

[0063] The period of time within which IMD 100 may establish the communication link or refuse establishing a communication link may be set to some programmed level or may be set to be indefinite. In some examples, the period of time within which IMD 100 may establish the communication link or refuse establishing a communication link may be set to be a reasonable time it would take to establish a communication link. This way the priority signal that sting device 102 transmits may not be used as a way to impact communication. For instance, if the priority information is incorrect (e.g., inadvertently or as part of a malicious attack), IMD 100 may keep waiting to establish a communication link with a device that may not exist. By setting a reasonable period within which IMD 100 is to establish the communication link, IMD 100 may not remain idle waiting to establish the communication link for too long when priority information is incorrect.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example environment that includes a plurality of programmers and medical devices. FIG. 2 illustrates an example environment thatDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 includes a plurality of clinician programmers, such as in a clinician office. In the example of FIG. 2, a patient may also be implanted with a plurality of IMDs.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 2, patient 200A may be located in room 208A, patient 200B may be located in room 208B, and patient 200C may be located in room 208C. As also illustrated, programmer 204A is in room 208A, programmer 204B is in room 208B, and programmer 204C is in room 208C. Programmers 204A, 204B, and 204C may be similar to programmer 104 of FIG. 1.

[0066] Patient 200A is implanted with IMD 202A and IMD 202B. IMD 202A and IMD 202B may be similar to IMD 100 or have different types of IMDs (e.g., spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators, cardiac devices, etc.). IMD 202A and IMD 202B may be different types of IMDs (e.g., one is a spinal cord stimulator and other is a cardiac device). Patient 200A having a plurality of IMDs is illustrated as an example, and should not be considered as a requirement. The example techniques apply to scenarios where patient 200A has one IMD.

[0067] The clinician may desire for IMD 202A to establish a communication link with programmer 204A in accordance a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication. To that end, the clinician may place sting device 206, which is similar to sting device 102, near IMD 202A (e.g., within 10 cm). This way, only IMD 202A receives signals from sting device 206.

[0068] Sting device 206 may transmit a priority signal, and in response IMD 202A may disconnect any existing communication links or may broadcast advertisement packets more frequently. In some cases, programmers 204A, 204B, and 204C may each receive the advertisement packets, and may each attempt to establish a communication link with IMD 202A. If programmer 204B is able to establish a communication link with IMD 202A before programmer 204A, IMD 202A may begin to communicate with programmer 204B, which is the unintended device.

[0069] Accordingly, in one or more examples, the priority signal that IMD 202A receives from sting device 206 may include priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication. For example, sting device 206 may include priority information such as identification information of programmer 204A. IMD 202A may then give priority to programmer 204A for establishing a communication link.

[0070] That is, IMD 202A may establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with programmer 204A. Also, IMD 202A may refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices. For example, if IMD 202A receives a request to establish a communication link with programmer 204B or 204C,Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 since programmer 204B or 204C were not identified in the priority information, IMD 202A may refuse establishing a communication link with programmer 204B or 204C.

[0071] In the example of FIG. 2, IMD 202A may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at a first advertisement frequency. However, after receiving the priority signal, IMD 202A may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at a second frequency.Accordingly, IMD 202A may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal. IMD 202A may establish, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with programmer 204A based on the advertisement packets.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating example components of the medical device of FIG. 1. Medical device 300 is an example of IMD 100 described above in relation to FIG. 1, or any of IMDs 202A or 202B described above in relation to FIG. 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, medical device 300 includes coil 301, power source 302, processing circuitry 304, telemetry circuitry 306, temperature sensor 308, one or more sensor(s) 310 (e.g., accelerometer), memory 312, and therapy and sensing circuitry 314 coupled to one or more electrodes 316A- 316D. In other examples, medical device 300 may include a greater or a fewer number of components, e.g., in some examples, medical device 300 may not include sensors 310. In general, medical device 300 may comprise any suitable arrangement of hardware, alone or in combination with software and / or firmware, to perform the various techniques described herein attributed to medical device 300 and processing circuitry 304, and any equivalents thereof.

[0073] Processing circuitry 304 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 combinations of such components. Medical device 300 may include computer readable storage media, such as memory 312, which may be implemented as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, comprising executable instructions for causing the processing circuitry 304 to perform the actions attributed to this circuitry. Moreover, although processing circuitry 304, therapy and sensing circuitry 314, recharge circuitry 303, telemetry circuitry 306, and temperature sensor 308 are described as separate circuits, in some examples, some combination of processing circuitry 304, therapy and sensing circuitry 314, recharge circuitry 303, telemetry circuitry 306, and temperature sensor 308 are functionally integrated. In some examples, processing circuitry 304, therapy and sensing circuitryDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1314, recharge circuitry 303, telemetry circuitry 306, and temperature sensor 308 correspond to individual hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units. In this disclosure, therapy and sensing circuitry 314 may be referred to as therapy circuitry 314, for simplicity, such as in examples where there is no sensing.

[0074] Memory 312 may store therapy programs or other instructions that specify therapy parameter values for the therapy provided by therapy circuitry 314 and medical device 300. In some examples, memory 312 may also store temperature data from temperature sensor 308, instructions for recharging rechargeable power source 302, thresholds, instructions for communication between medical device 300 and programmer 104 or sting device 102, or any other instructions required to perform tasks attributed to medical device 300. In various examples, memory 312 stores information related to determining the temperature of the housing of medical device 300 and / or exterior surface(s) of the housing of medical device 300 based on temperatures sensed by one or more temperature sensors, such as temperature sensor 308.

[0075] In some examples, memory 312 may store programming settings such as electrical stimulation therapy output magnitude, pulse width, and so on. Memory 312 may store programming instructions that when executed by processing circuitry 304 cause processing circuitry 304 to perform example techniques described in this disclosure.

[0076] Therapy and sensing circuitry 314 may generate and deliver electrical stimulation under the control of processing circuitry 304. In some examples, processing circuitry 304 controls therapy circuitry 314 by accessing memory 312 to selectively access and load at least one of the stimulation programs to therapy circuitry 314. For example, in operation, processing circuitry 304 may access memory 312 to load one of the stimulation programs to therapy circuitry 314. In such examples, relevant stimulation parameters may include a voltage amplitude, a current amplitude, a pulse rate, a pulse width, a duty cycle, or the combination of electrodes 316A, 316B, 316C, and 316D (collectively “electrodes 316”) that therapy circuitry 314 may use to deliver the electrical stimulation signal as well as sense biological signals. In other examples, medical device 300 may have more or fewer electrodes than the four shown in the example of FIG. 3. In some examples electrodes 316 may be part of or attached to a housing of medical device 300, e.g., a leadless electrode. In other examples, one or more of electrodes 316 may be part of a lead implanted in or attached to a patient to sense biological signals and / or deliver electrical stimulation.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 3, medical device 300 also includes components to receive power to recharge rechargeable power source 302 when rechargeable power source 302 has been at least partially depleted. As shown in FIG. 3, medical device 300 includes coil 301 and recharge circuitry 303 coupled to rechargeable power source 302. Recharge circuitry 303 may beDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 configured to charge rechargeable power source 302 with the selected power level determined by either processing circuitry 304 or an external charging device. Recharge circuitry 303 may include any of a variety of charging and / or control circuitry configured to process or convert current induced in coil 301 into charging current to charge power source 302.

[0078] Coil 301 may include a coil of wire or other device capable of inductive coupling with a primary coil disposed external to medical device 300. Although coil 301 is illustrated as a simple loop of in FIG. 3, coil 301 may include multiple turns of conductive wire. Coil 301 may include a winding of wire configured such that an electrical current can be induced within coil 301 from a magnetic field. The induced electrical current may then be used to recharge rechargeable power source 302.

[0079] Recharge circuitry 303 may include one or more circuits that process, filter, convert and / or transform the electrical signal induced in coil 301 to an electrical signal capable of recharging rechargeable power source 302. For example, in alternating current induction, recharge circuitry 303 may include a half-wave rectifier circuit and / or a full -wave rectifier circuit configured to convert alternating current from the induction to a direct current for rechargeable power source 302. The full-wave rectifier circuit may be more efficient at converting the induced energy for rechargeable power source 302. However, a half-wave rectifier circuit may be used to store energy in rechargeable power source 302 at a slower rate. In some examples, recharge circuitry 303 may include both a full-wave rectifier circuit and a half-wave rectifier circuit such that recharge circuitry 303 may switch between each circuit to control the charging rate of rechargeable power source 302 and temperature of medical device 300.

[0080] Power source 302 may include one or more capacitors, batteries, and / or other energy storage devices. Power source 302 may deliver operating power to the components of medical device 300. In some examples, rechargeable power source 302 may include a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. Power source 302 may be configured to operate through many discharge and recharge cycles. Power source 302 may also be configured to provide operational power to medical device 300 during the recharge process. In some examples, rechargeable power source 302 may be constructed with materials to reduce the amount of heat generated during charging. In other examples, medical device 300 may be constructed of materials and / or using structures that may help dissipate generated heat at rechargeable power source 302, recharge circuitry 303, and / or secondary coil 301 over a larger surface area of the housing of medical device 300.

[0081] Although power source 302, recharge circuitry 303, and coil 301 are shown as contained within the housing of medical device 300, in alternative implementations, at least one of these components may be disposed outside of the housing. For example, in someDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 implementations, coil 301 may be disposed outside of the housing of medical device 300 to facilitate better coupling between coil 301 and the coil of a charger.

[0082] Processing circuitry 304 may also control the exchange of information with sting device 102 and programmer 104 using telemetry circuitry 306. Telemetry circuitry 306 may be configured for wireless communication using radio frequency protocols, such as BlueTooth™, BLE, or similar RF protocols, as well as using inductive communication protocols. That is, telemetry circuitry 306 may be configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, which may be an inductive communication protocol. Telemetry circuitry 306 may be configured to communicate in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication, which may be BlueTooth or BLE.

[0083] Telemetry circuitry 306 may include one or more antennas configured to communicate with sting device 102 or programmer 104, for example. Processing circuitry 304 may transmit operational information and receive therapy programs or therapy parameter adjustments via telemetry circuitry 306. Telemetry circuitry 306 may be configured to control the exchange of information related to sensed and / or determined temperature data, for example temperatures sensed by and / or determined from temperatures sensed using temperature sensor 308. Telemetry circuitry 306 may also be configured to receive the priority signal that includes priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication. Telemetry circuitry 306 may then establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, where the second device is one of the one or more devices that are to be given higher priority.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example sting device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates sting device 400, which is an example of sting device 102. In some examples, sting device 400 may be described as a hand-held device, and in other examples, sting device 400 may be a larger or a non-portable device. In some examples, sting device 400 includes two separate components. For instance, although not shown, sting device 400 may include a wand that allows sting device 400 to be placed proximate (e.g., less than 10 cm) apart from a medical device.

[0085] Housing 402 encloses components such as a processing circuitry 408, memory 410, user interface 412, telemetry circuitry 414, and power source 418. As described above, sting device 400 may include a wand that facilitates positioning over the medical device. In some examples, sting device 400 may also provide charging functionality, and the wand may be used to provide communication in accordance with the first communication protocol and to provideDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 recharge energy. For example, the coil in the wand may function as an antenna and used to deliver power to coil 301 of medical device 300.

[0086] In general, sting device 400 comprises any suitable arrangement of hardware, alone or in combination with software and / or firmware, to perform the techniques ascribed to sting device 400, and processing circuitry 408, user interface 412, and telemetry circuitry 414 of sting device 400, and / or any equivalents thereof. In various examples, sting device 400 may 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 combinations of such components. Sting device 400 also, in various examples, may include a memory 410, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, comprising executable instructions for causing the one or more processors to perform the actions attributed to them. Moreover, although processing circuitry 408 and telemetry circuitry 414 are described as separate modules, in some examples, processing circuitry 408 and telemetry circuitry 414, are functionally integrated. In some examples, processing circuitry 408 and telemetry circuitry 414 correspond to individual hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units.

[0087] Memory 410 may store instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 408, cause processing circuitry 408 and sting device 400 to provide the functionality ascribed to sting device 400 throughout this disclosure, and / or any equivalents thereof. For example, memory 410 may include the priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication.

[0088] User interface 412 may include buttons, a keypad, lights, such as indicator lights, a speaker for voice commands, a display, such as a liquid crystal (LCD), or light-emitting diode (LED). User interface 412, and the capabilities or complexity of user interface 412 may be different in different examples of sting device 400, and in some examples, may not be present. In some examples, the clinician may utilize user interface 412 to cause sting device 400 to transmit a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate -link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information stored I memory 410 indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication.

[0089] Power source 418 may deliver operating power to the components of sting device 400. Power source 418 may include a battery and a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. In some examples, a battery of power source 418 may be rechargeable to allow extended portable operation. In other examples, power source 418 may draw power from a wired voltage source such as a consumer or commercial power outlet.

[0090] Telemetry circuitry 414 supports wireless communication between medical device 300 and sting device 400 under the control of processing circuitry 408 or processing circuitryDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1304. Telemetry circuitry 414 may also be configured to communicate with another computing device via wireless communication techniques, or direct communication through a wired connection. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 414 may be substantially similar to telemetry circuitry 306 of medical device 300 described herein, providing wireless communication via an RF or proximal inductive medium. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 414 may include an antenna, which may take on a variety of forms, such as an internal or external antenna. Although telemetry circuitry 414 and 306 may each include dedicated antennas for communications between these devices, telemetry circuitry 414 and 306 may instead, or additionally, be configured to utilize inductive coupling from coils 301 and or the coil used for recharge to transfer data, in examples where sting device 400 doubles as a charger.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of components of external programmer of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates programmer 500, which is an example of programmer 104 of FIG. 1 or example of programmers 204A, 204B, and 204C of FIG. 2. Although programmer 500 may generally be described as a hand-held device, programmer 500 may be a larger portable device or a more stationary device. As illustrated in FIG. 5, programmer 500 may include processing circuitry 502, storage device 504, user interface 506, telemetry circuitry 508, and power source 510. Storage device 504 may store instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 502, cause processing circuitry 502 and programmer 500 to provide the functionality ascribed to programmer 500 throughout this disclosure. Each of these components, circuitry, or modules, may include electrical circuitry that is configured to perform some, or all of the functionality described herein.

[0092] In general, programmer 500 includes any suitable arrangement of hardware, alone or in combination with software and / or firmware, to perform the techniques attributed to external programmer 500, and processing circuitry 502, user interface 506, and telemetry circuitry 508 of programmer 500. In various examples, programmer 500 may 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 combinations of such components. Programmer 500 also, in various examples, may include a storage device 504, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, including executable instructions for causing the one or more processors to perform the actions attributed to them. Moreover, although processing circuitry 502 and telemetry circuitry 508 are described as separate modules, in some examples, processing circuitry 502 and telemetry circuitry 508 are functionally integrated. In some examples, processing circuitry 502 and telemetry circuitry 508 correspond to individual hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units.Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1

[0093] Storage device 504 (e.g., a storage device) may store instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 502, cause processing circuitry 502 and programmer 500 to provide the functionality ascribed to programmer 500 throughout this disclosure. Storage device 504 may include a plurality of programs, where each program includes a parameter set that defines stimulation pulses, such as control pulses and / or informed pulses. Storage device 504 may also store data received from a medical device (e.g., medical device 300).

[0094] User interface 506 may include a button or keypad, lights, a speaker for voice commands, a display, such as a liquid crystal (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), or organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In some examples the display includes a touch screen. User interface 506 may be configured to display any information related to the delivery of electrical stimulation, identified patient behaviors, sensed patient parameter values, patient behavior criteria, or any other such information. User interface 506 may also receive user input via user interface 506. The input may be, for example, in the form of pressing a button on a keypad or selecting an icon from a touch screen. The input may request starting or stopping electrical stimulation, or request some other change to the delivery of electrical stimulation.

[0095] Telemetry circuitry 508 may support wireless communication between the medical device 300 and programmer 500 under the control of processing circuitry 502. Telemetry circuitry 508 may also be configured to communicate with another computing device via wireless communication techniques, or direct communication through a wired connection. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 508 provides wireless communication via an RF or proximal inductive medium. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 508 includes an antenna, which may take on a variety of forms, such as an internal or external antenna. Examples of local wireless communication techniques that may be employed to facilitate communication between programmer 500 and medical device 300 include RF communication according to the 802. 11 or BlueTooth™ specification sets or other standard or proprietary telemetry protocols.

[0096] For example, telemetry circuitry 508 may support establishing a communication link with medical device 300 in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication. Telemetry circuitry 508 may receive the advertisement packets from medical device 300, and use the advertisement packets to establish the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol.

[0097] In some examples, selection of stimulation parameters for stimulation programs are transmitted to the medical device 300 for delivery to a patient. In other examples, the therapy may include medication, activities, or other instructions that a patient should perform themselves or a caregiver perform for the patient. In some examples, programmer 500 provides visual, audible, and / or tactile notifications that indicate there are new instructions. Programmer 500Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 requires receiving user input acknowledging that the instructions have been completed in some examples.

[0098] Power source 510 is configured to deliver operating power to the components of external programmer 500. Power source 510 may include a battery and a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. In some examples, the battery is rechargeable to allow extended operation. Recharging may be accomplished by electrically coupling power source 510 to a cradle or plug that is connected to an alternating current (AC) outlet. In addition, recharging may be accomplished through proximal inductive interaction between an external charger and an inductive charging coil within programmer 500. In other examples, traditional batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries) may be used. In addition, programmer 500 may be directly coupled to an alternating current outlet to operate.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operation. For ease of description, the example techniques are described with respect to medical device 300 of FIG. 3, sting device 400 of FIG. 4, and programmer 500 of FIG. 5. However, reference is also made to FIG. 2 to assist with understanding.

[0100] Medical device 300 may receive, from a first device (e.g., sting device 400), a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication (600). For example, medical device 300 may be configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol without advertisement. The priority information may include identification information for the second device (e.g., programmer 500).

[0101] In some examples, the medical device 300 is configured to bypass transmission to the first device (e.g., sting device 400) in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal. In some examples, the short-range communication includes communication when the first device (e.g., sting device 400) and the medical device 300 are less than 10 centimeters (cm) apart.

[0102] Medical device 300 may be configured to establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device (e.g., programmer 500), where the second device is one of the one or more devices (602). As one example, the medical device 300 may be configured to broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal. To establish the communication link, the medical device 300 may be configured to establish, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used forDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 advertisement-based communication with the second device (e.g., programmer 500) based on the advertisement packets.

[0103] In one or more examples, medical device 300 may be configured to include information, in the broadcast advertisement packets, for the second device (e.g., programmer 500) usable by the second device for communicating with medical device 300 in the broadcast advertisement packets. For example, the medical device 300 may derive information from the information transmitted by the first device (e.g., sting device 400). The derived information that the medical device 300 includes the broadcast advertisement packets may be used to help the appropriate host (e.g., programmer 500), which is looking to connect to it, but may not yet know identification of the medical device 300 to better identify the medical device 300 or gather information the second device (e.g., programmer 500) will utilize more urgently. This may allow the second device (e.g., programmer 500) to more automatically or efficiently connect to the medical device 300 such as to gather key initial information from the advertising packet of the medical device 300 that may not be there normally, even before programmer 500 is connected with medical device 300.

[0104] In some examples, the communication link may be considered a second communication link. In such examples, prior to receiving the priority signal, the medical device 300 may be configured to establish a first communication link with a third device (e.g., patient phone or patient programmer). To establish the second communication link, the medical device 300 may be configured to disconnect the first communication link with the third device, and establish the second communication link after disconnecting the first communication link.

[0105] Medical device 300 may be configured to refuse, during the period of time, establish a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices (604). For example, medical device 300 may refuse to establish a communication link with all devices expect programmer 500. In this example, only programmer 500 may have included as a device that is given priority for communication.

[0106] In one or more examples, the first device and the second device may be the same device. For instance, programmer 500 and sting device 400 may be combined into one device. In some examples, the second device (e.g., programmer 500) is a clinician programmer, and the medical device 300 and the clinician programmer 500 are located in an environment that includes a plurality of clinician programmers. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 2, IMD 202A and IMD 202B are in an environment that includes a plurality of clinician programmers, such as programmers 204A, 204B, and 204C. In some examples, the medical device 300 is a first medical device implanted in a patient, and the patient is implanted with at least a second medicalDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 device. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 2, patient 200A is implanted with IMD 202A and IMD 202B.

[0107] The following clauses are a non-limiting list of examples in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

[0108] Clause 1: A system comprising: a medical device configured to: receive, from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate- link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

[0109] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the medical device is configured to broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal, and wherein to establish the communication link, the medical device is configured to establish, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with the second device based on the advertisement packets.

[0110] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the medical device is configured to include information, in the broadcast advertisement packets, usable by the second device for communicating with the medical device.[oni] Clause 4. The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the medical device is configured to refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices.

[0112] Clause 5. The system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the first device is the same as the second device.

[0113] Clause 6. The system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the communication link is a second communication link, wherein prior to receiving the priority signal, the medical device is configured to establish a first communication link with a third device, and wherein to establish the second communication link, the medical device is configured to: disconnect the first communication link with the third device; and establish the second communication link after disconnecting the first communication link.

[0114] Clause 7. The system of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the medical device is configured to bypass transmission to the first device in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal.Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1

[0115] Clause 8. The system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the short-range communication comprises communication when the first device and the medical device are less than 10 centimeters (cm) apart.

[0116] Clause 9. The system of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the second device is a clinician programmer, and wherein the medical device and the clinician programmer are located in an environment that includes a plurality of clinician programmers.

[0117] Clause 10. The system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the medical device is a first medical device implanted in a patient, and wherein the patient is implanted with at least a second medical device.

[0118] Clause 11. The system of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the medical device is configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol without advertisement.

[0119] Clause 12. A method comprising: receiving, with a medical device and from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate- link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establishing, with the medical device and within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

[0120] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising broadcasting advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal, and wherein establishing the communication link comprises establishing, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with the second device based on the advertisement packets.

[0121] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, further comprising including, with the medical device, information, in the broadcast advertisement packets, usable by the second device for communicating with the medical device.

[0122] Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 12-14, further comprising refusing, with the medical device and during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices.

[0123] Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 12-15, wherein the first device is the same as the second device.

[0124] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 12-16, wherein the communication link is a second communication link, the method further comprising, prior to receiving the priority signal,Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 establishing a first communication link with a third device, and establishing the second communication link comprises: disconnecting the first communication link with the third device; and establishing the second communication link after disconnecting the first communication link.

[0125] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 12-17, further comprising bypassing transmission to the first device in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal.

[0126] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 12-18, wherein the short-range communication comprises communication when the first device and the medical device are less than 10 centimeters (cm) apart.

[0127] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 12-19, wherein the second device is a clinician programmer, and wherein the medical device and the clinician programmer are located in an environment that includes a plurality of clinician programmers.

[0128] Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 12-20, wherein the medical device is a first medical device implanted in a patient, and wherein the patient is implanted with at least a second medical device.

[0129] Clause 22. The method of any of clauses 12-21, further comprising receiving signals in accordance with the first communication protocol without advertisement.

[0130] Clause 23. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that when executed cause one or more processors to perform the method of any of clauses 12-22.

[0131] Clause 24. A system comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 12-22.

[0132] The techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the described techniques may be implemented within one or more processors, 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 combinations of such components. The term “processor” or “processing circuitry” may generally refer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combination with other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A control unit comprising hardware may also perform one or more of the techniques of this disclosure.

[0133] Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented within the same device or within separate devices to support the various operations and functions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of the described units, modules or components may be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. Depiction of different features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarilyDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 imply that such modules or units must be realized by separate hardware or software components. Rather, functionality 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.

[0134] The techniques described in this disclosure may also be embodied or encoded in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium, containing instructions. Instructions embedded or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium may cause a programmable processor, or other processor, to perform the method, e.g., when the instructions are executed. Computer readable storage media may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer readable media.

[0135] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: a medical device configured to: receive, from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establish, within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the medical device is configured to broadcast advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal, and wherein to establish the communication link, the medical device is configured to establish, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with the second device based on the advertisement packets.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the medical device is configured to include information, in the broadcast advertisement packets, usable by the second device for communicating with the medical device.

4. The system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the medical device is configured to refuse, during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices.

5. The system of any of claims 1-4, wherein the first device is the same as the second device.

6. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the communication link is a second communication link, wherein prior to receiving the priority signal, the medical device is configured to establish a first communication link with a third device, and wherein to establish the second communication link, the medical device is configured to: disconnect the first communication link with the third device; andDocket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 1 establish the second communication link after disconnecting the first communication link.

7. The system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the medical device is configured to bypass transmission to the first device in accordance with the first communication protocol in response to receiving the priority signal.

8. The system of any of claims 1-7, wherein the short-range communication comprises communication when the first device and the medical device are less than 10 centimeters (cm) apart.

9. The system of any of claims 1-8, wherein the second device is a clinician programmer, and wherein the medical device and the clinician programmer are located in an environment that includes a plurality of clinician programmers.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the medical device is a first medical device implanted in a patient, and wherein the patient is implanted with at least a second medical device.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10, wherein the medical device is configured to receive signals in accordance with the first communication protocol without advertisement.

12. A method comprising: receiving, with a medical device and from a first device, a priority signal in accordance with a first communication protocol used for immediate-link, short-range communication, the priority signal including priority information indicating one or more devices that are to be given priority for establishing communication; and establishing, with the medical device and within a period of time, a communication link in accordance with a second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with a second device, wherein the second device is one of the one or more devices.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising broadcasting advertisement packets at an advertisement frequency that is determined based on the reception of the priority signal, and wherein establishing the communication link comprises establishing, within the period of time, the communication link in accordance with the second communication protocol used for advertisement-based communication with the second device based on the advertisement packets.Docket No. : A0011547WOO 1 / 1123 -828WOO 114. The method of any of claims 12 and 13, further comprising refusing, with the medical device and during the period of time, establishing a communication link with devices that are not one of the one or more devices.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that when executed cause one or more processors to perform the operations of any of claims 1-11.

Images