Apparatus and methods using acoustic telemetry for intrabody communications

Abstract

Systems and methods provide intrabody communication using acoustic telemetry. The system includes a first or control implant including a first acoustic transducer, and a second implant including a switch and a second acoustic transducer coupled to the switch. The second acoustic transducer receives acoustic signals from the first acoustic transducer for closing the switch to activate the second implant. The second implant may include a therapeutic device for providing therapy to the patient. For example, the second implant may provide pacing therapy, defibrillation therapy, pain control stimulation, or neuro-stimulation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for communicating within a patient's body, comprising:
 at least one implantable medical device configured to provide pacing therapy, wherein the at least one implantable medical device is adapted to be placed within a body of a patient, the at least one implantable medical device including an electrical energy source, electrical circuitry configured to control an operation of the at least one implantable medical device, and an acoustic transducer, wherein the at least one implantable medical device further includes an acoustic switch that is configured to allow an electrical current to flow from the electrical energy source to the electrical circuitry in response to receiving an acoustic signal, thereby activating the at least one implantable medical device; and   a control implant adapted to be implanted in the patient, the control implant including an acoustic transducer configured for acoustic communication with the at least one implantable medical device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises an energy exchanger. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises a capacitor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one implantable medical device is coupled to a fixation element adapted to secure the medical device within the patient's body. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the fixation element is a stent. 
     
     
         7 . A system for communicating within a patient's body, comprising:
 at least one implantable medical device comprising at least one therapeutic device, wherein the at least one implantable medical device is adapted to be placed within a body of a patient, the at least one implantable medical device including an electrical energy source, electrical circuitry configured to control an operation of the at least one implantable medical device, and an acoustic transducer, wherein the at least one implantable medical device further includes an acoustic switch that is configured to allow an electrical current to flow from the electrical energy source to the electrical circuitry in response to receiving an acoustic signal, thereby activating the at least one implantable medical device; and   a control implant adapted to be implanted in the patient, the control implant including an acoustic transducer configured for acoustic communication with the at least one implantable medical device.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide pacing therapy. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide at least one of atrial defibrillation therapy, pain relief stimulation, and neuro-stimulation. 
     
     
         10 . A system for communicating within a patient's body, comprising:
 at least one implantable medical device adapted to be placed within a body of a patient, the at least one implantable medical device including an electrical energy source, electrical circuitry configured to control an operation of the at least one implantable medical device, and an acoustic transducer, wherein the at least one implantable medical device further includes an acoustic switch that is configured to allow an electrical current to flow from the electrical energy source to the electrical circuitry in response to receiving an acoustic signal, thereby activating the at least one implantable medical device; and   a control implant adapted to be implanted in the patient, the control implant including an acoustic transducer configured for acoustic communication with the at least one implantable medical device.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one implantable medical device includes at least one therapeutic device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide pacing therapy. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide atrial defibrillation therapy. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide pain relief stimulation. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one therapeutic device is configured to provide neuro-stimulation. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises an energy exchanger. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises a capacitor. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one implantable medical device is coupled to a fixation element adapted to secure the medical device within the patient's body. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the fixation element is a stent.