MRI system having implantable device safety features

[0001] The present invention relates generally to implantable medical devices (“IMDs”) and magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) systems, and more particularly to systems, devices and methods for rendering IMDs more safe in the presence of strong electro-magnetic interference, such as those produced by (“MRI”) systems.

[0002] IMDs can be used to provide a number of different medical therapies to patients. For example, therapeutic IMDs can include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (“ICDs”), blood pumps, drug delivery devices, neurostimulating devices, and the like. Some of the most common IMDs include pacemakers and ICDs (collectively referred to as cardiac rhythm management (“CRM”) devices), which are used to control the heart rate when heart rhythm disorders occur.

[0003] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an efficient technique used in the diagnosis of many disorders, including neurological and cardiac abnormalities and other diseases. MRI has achieved prominence in both the research and clinical arenas. It provides a non-invasive method for examining internal body structures and functions. Because MRI has become such a useful diagnostic tool, it now is used extensively in hospitals and clinics around the world.

[0004] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, MRI systems produce extensive electromagnetic fields during operation. In particular, MRI systems generally produce (and utilize) three types of electromagnetic fields: 1) a strong static magnetic field; 2) a time-varying gradient field; and 3) a radio frequency (RF) field which consists of RF pulses used to produce an image. The static field produced by most MRI systems has a magnetic induction ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5 T. The frequency of the RF field used for imaging is related to the magnitude of the static magnetic field, and, for current-generation MRI systems, the frequency of the RF field ranges from about 6.4 to about 64 MHz. The time-varying gradient field is used in MRI for spatial encoding, and typically has a frequency in the Kilohertz range.

[0005] These strong electromagnetic fields produced by MRI systems can cause problems for implantable medical devices, such as CRM devices. For example, the static magnetic field can affect the magnetically controlled (reed) switch that prevents inappropriate programming of a pulse generator (“PG”), and in some cases, it can saturate the core of inductive switching power supplies, causing difficulties for some implantable device power supplies. Further, the time-varying gradient field can generate significant voltage in CRM device leads, which can cause false cardiac event sensing. Finally, some tests have shown that the RF field produced in MRI systems can cause CRM device heating, and voltage generation in the CRM device circuitry and leads. Of particular concern are the MR-induced voltages, which potentially can inhibit pacing and/or ICD defibrillation, or which can induce excessively rapid pacing and/or inappropriate ICD defibrillation shocks. Both of these malfunctions can be life-threatening events. Indeed, some deaths have been reported for patients with implanted CRM systems who were inadvertently subjected to MRI scans. As a result, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and many pacemaker manufacturers have issued warnings against pacemaker recipients undergoing MRIs.

[0006] Also, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the adverse effects of MRI fields are not limited to CRM devices. MRI fields can adversely affect other IMDs, as well. Thus, a need exists for systems, methods, and/or devices that can mitigate the hazards associated with using CRM devices and other IMDs in an MRI environment.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemetry device which is in communication with an MRI system, and which is operable to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The telemetry device includes a controller and telemetry circuitry. In one embodiment, the telemetry device is operable to automatically detect the presence of an IMD, and determine if the IMD is in an MRI-safe mode. If the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode, the telemetry device can initiate processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan while the IMD in not in an MRI-safe mode.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan can include the telemetry generating an alarm message when the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode. In another embodiment, the processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan can include the telemetry device transmitting a command to the MRI system instructing it to not conduct an MRI scan while the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, if the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode, the processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan can include the telemetry device transmitting a command to the IMD, instructing it to switch to an MRI-safe mode prior to the MRI system beginning an MRI scan. In addition, in another embodiment, the telemetry device also can transmit a signal to the MRI system to begin the MRI scan after the telemetry device receives confirmation from the IMD that the IMD is in an MRI-safe mode. In yet another embodiment, after the MRI scan is complete, the telemetry device then can transmit a command to the IMD instructing the IMD to switch back to a non-MRI-safe mode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the telemetry device can be an IMD programmer or an IMD repeater device. In addition, the telemetry device can be configured separate from the MRI system, or the telemetry device can be built into MRI system.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the IMD can be operable to detect a magnetic field produced by the MRI system. In accordance with this embodiment, the telemetry device can be configured to receive a command from the IMD instructing the telemetry device that an IMD is present and not in an MRI-safe mode. The telemetry device then can communicate this information to the MRI system, preventing the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan.

[0012] In still other embodiments, the present invention can relate to an MRI system including the foregoing telemetry device.

[0013] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description of preferred embodiments and claims when considered in connection with the figures.

[0019] The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) systems and implantable medical devices (“IMDs”), and more particularly to systems, devices and methods for rendering IMDs more safe in the presence of strong electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”), such as those produced by MRI systems. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to IMDs that can be programmed to alter their operational modes in the presence of electro-magnetic interference to prevent damage to the IMD and/or the patient. As discussed in more detail below, the IMDs can be programmed from an external programming device, or the IMDs can be configured to automatically change operational modes in the presence of the EMI.

[0020] As used herein, the term electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”) can refer to any EMI, such as static magnetic fields, gradient magnetic fields, and/or radio frequency (“RF”) fields generated by an MRI system, or any other electro-magnetic fields or interference that can be generated by any number of different sources, such as metal detectors, radio transmitters, cellular phones, microwave generators, electronic article surveillance systems, etc. Thus, the present invention can be used to render IMDs more safe in the presence of any EMI and is not limited to any particular EMI environment. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, however, operating IMDs during MRI scans or at least recognizing the presence of the IMDs prior to an MRI scan is of particular interest to health care providers. Thus, for this reason, and for ease of presentation, the present invention will be discussed with reference to MRI systems. The present invention, however, is not limited to an MRI environment.

[0021] Also, as discussed above, some embodiments of the invention relate to switching operational modes of the IMDs to render them more safe in the presence of EMI, and in particular, MRI fields. In these embodiments, the IMDs are switched from a “normal” operational mode to an “MRI-safe” operation mode. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a normal operational mode is the operational mode of the IMD prior to it being altered in presence of EMI. Thus, for cardiac rhythm management devices (“CRM”), such as Brady and/or Tachy devices, for example, the normal operational mode is the CRM's initially programmed mode.

[0022] The term “MRI-safe” mode, as used herein, can refer to any operational mode of an IMD that is a safe operational mode in the presence of EMI. For example, for a Brady device (as well as a Brady engine in a Tachy device) an MRI-safe mode might be a fixed-rate and/or non-demand (or asynchronous) pacing mode as opposed to a rate-responsive and/or demand pacing mode. In some embodiments, an MRI-safe mode can be both a non-demand mode (i.e., VOO) and a non-rate-responsive mode. Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, switching a Brady device to an MRI-safe mode might entail switching the Brady engine to a VOO, AOO or DOO pacing mode. The mode to which the device is switched will depend, of course, on the original programmed mode of the device. In one embodiment, a device, which is normally programmed to a Dxx mode (i.e., DDDR, DDD, DDI, or DVI) would switch to DOO when in MRI-safe mode. Similarly, a device programmed to Vxx mode would switch to VOO, and a device programmed to Axx mode would switch to AOO mode.

[0023] Further, in other embodiments, an MRI-safe mode for a Tachy device might comprise turning-off tachy detection and/or therapy, as well as switching the Brady engine of the Tachy device to a fixed-rate, non-demand pacing mode. In these embodiments, turning the tachy detection off will ensure that noise that might be induced on the device leads by an MRI scan is not mistaken by the device for tachycardia, which might result in an inappropriate shock during an MRI. Also, for CRM devices, there may be other modes of operation that are considered safe in an MRI environment, so the present invention is not limited to the MRI-safe modes discussed herein. Further, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, other types of IMDs will have different mode types that might be considered safe in an MRI environment, and those modes also are considered MRI-safe modes for purposes of the present invention.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, diagram 100 illustrates an MRI system environment in which it can be beneficial to detect the presence of an IMD and alter the processing of the MRI system and/or the IMD to prevent damage to the IMD and/or the patient with the IMD. This particular diagram illustrates a patient 110 having an IMD 120 in the presence of an MRI system 130. In this particular embodiment, MRI system 130 includes a telemetry system 140, which is operable to communicate wirelessly (e.g., wireless link 160) with IMDs. Telemetry system 140 can be integral with MRI system 130, or telemetry system 140 can be a separate device in communication with MRI system 130, for example, via a USB connection, a firewire connection, a network, or any other suitable communication connection. In addition, as illustrated in diagram 100, IMD 120 further is operable to wirelessly communicate (e.g., wireless connection 170) with an external programming device 150, which can collect information from IMD 120, as well as reprogram IMD 120.

[0025] Thus, as discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, MRI system 130 can detected the presence of an IMD 120 (e.g., using telemetry system 140), and then prevent MRI scans if the IMD is not in a safe mode of operation. In other embodiments, IMD 120 can be operable to detect the presence of EMI (for example magnetic and/or RF signal from MRI system 130) and then alter its programming (either automatically, or manually via external programming device 150) to put the IMD in a safe mode of operation. In still other embodiments, IMD 120 can be operable to detect the presence of MRI system 130, and then send commands or information to MRI system 130, disabling MRI scans until the IMD can be programmed into a safe mode of operation. In still other embodiments, IMD 120 can be manually programmed (e.g. via external programming device 150) into safe modes of operation prior to being exposed to EMI, such as MRI scans, or the like. The inter-working relationships between IMD 120 and MRI system 130, telemetry system 140 and external programming device 150 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, IMD 120 can be any type of implantable medical device that might be affected by EMI, and in particular, MRI scans. For example, IMD 120 can be a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (“ICD”), a cardiac resynchronization device, a bi-ventricular pacer, a ventricular assist blood pump, a drug delivery pump, a drug infusion device, a neurostimulating device, an intra-ocular shunt, an intra-cranial shunt, or any other suitable implantable device that might be sensitive to EMI. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, IMD 120 is a cardiac device, such as a pacemaker, an ICD, or the like.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an IMD 120 is illustrated. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, IMD 120 comprises a processor 202, a memory 204, communication circuitry 206, therapy circuitry 208 and sensor circuitry 210, timer circuitry 212, and an EMI detector 214. In this particular embodiment, memory 204, communication circuitry 206, therapy circuitry 208, sensor circuitry 210, timer circuitry 212, and EMI detector 214 all are in electrical communication with processor 202, as is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2.

[0028] The embodiment of IMD 120 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely one exemplary embodiment of an IMD. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other IMDs might include more features or functionality not shown in FIG. 2, or other IMDs might include less features and/or functionality. For example, some IMDs might not provide therapy, so therapy circuitry 208 might not be present. Further, as discussed below, having both timer circuitry 212 and EMI 214 might not be needed in all embodiments, so IMD 120 may be configured without one or both of those features. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the IMD illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0029] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, processors and memory devices are well known in the art, and the specific type and/or style of processor or memory device that can be used in IMD 120 is not limited. Accordingly, processor 202 can be any suitable processing device currently known or hereinafter developed, and memory device 204 can be any suitable memory device currently known or hereinafter developed.

[0030] Communication circuitry 206 is circuitry that allows IMD 120 to communicate with other devices, such as external programming device 160, telemetry system 140, other IMDs, or other external devices. As discussed above, IMD 120 can communicate with other devices via a wireless connection. The wireless connection can be, for example, a near field radio frequency (RF) communication connection, a far field RF communication connection, an acoustic communication connection (e.g., an ultrasound connection), an optical communication connection, or any other suitable wireless communication connection.

[0031] In one embodiment, communication circuitry 206 can include circuitry for both near field RF telemetry and far field RF telemetry. For example, various embodiments of communication circuitry that can be used in IMD 120 are disclosed in Published U.S. Patent App. No. US 2003/0114897 A1, published on Jun. 19, 2003, and entitled “Implantable Medical Device with Two or More Telemetry Systems,” and Published U.S. Patent App. No. U.S. 2003/0114898 A1, published on Jun. 19, 2003, and entitled “Telemetry Duty Cycle Management System for an Implantable Medical Device,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0032] In addition, in other embodiments, power saving wireless communication circuitry and methods can be used. For example, the IMD communication circuitry 206 can be configured to reside in a power-saving, sleep mode for a majority of the time. In accordance with this embodiment, communication circuitry 206 can be configured to “wake-up” on a periodic basis to communicate with an external device. Upon “wake-up” the external device will monitor for RF activity, and if the external device locates it, communication between the IMD and the external device can be initiated. There are a number of different ways IMD power-saving modes can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to any particular one. Indeed, the aforementioned Published U.S. Patent App. Nos. US 2003/0114897 A1 and US 2003/0114898 A1 disclose different ways of implementing IMD power-saving modes, which, as discussed above, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In addition, additional power management systems and methods are disclosed in Published U.S. Patent App. No. US 2003/0149459 A1, published on Aug. 7, 2003, and entitled “Methods and Apparatuses for Implantable Medical Device Telemetry Power Management” and Published U.S. Patent App. No. US 2002/0147388 A1, published on Oct. 10, 2002, and entitled “Passive Telemetry for Implantable Medical Device,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0033] Further, in accordance with other embodiments, communication circuitry 206 can be configured to communicate with an intermediary telemetry device, which, in turn, can facilitate communication with the external monitoring device 104 and/or external computing device 106. One example of this type of configuration is disclosed in Published U.S. Patent App. No. US 2003/0130708, published on Jul. 10, 2003, and entitled “Two-Hop Telemetry Interface for Medical Device,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In addition, other configurations for RF telemetry are known, and communication circuitry 206 can embody those configurations, as well. Thus, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, communication circuitry 206 is not limited by any particular configuration or communication means.

[0034] Therapy circuitry 208 comprises circuitry for providing one or more therapeutic functions to a patient. For example, therapy circuitry 208 can include circuitry for providing heart pacing therapy, cardiac defibrillation therapy, cardiac resynchronization therapy, drug delivery therapy, or any other therapy associated with a suitable IMD. In the case of cardiac therapy (e.g., pacing, defibrillation, etc.), therapy circuitry 208 can include cardiac leads for delivering the therapy to particular locations in the heart. In other embodiments, the therapy circuitry and/or therapy delivery mechanisms can reside in a satellite device wirelessly coupled to the IMD body 120, as discussed below.

[0035] Sensor circuitry 210 comprises the sensors and circuitry needed to obtain or measure one or more physiologic parameters. For example, to obtain a blood pressure (e.g., intravascular or intracardiac blood pressure), sensor circuitry 210 comprises one or more pressure sensors and associated circuitry for recording the pressure accurately. Pressure sensors and the associated circuitry are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be disclosed in detail herein. In addition, in other embodiments, sensor circuitry 210 can be configured to obtain other physiologic parameters, such as temperature, electrical impedance, position, strain, pH, fluid flow, blood oxygen levels, and the like. In these cases, sensor circuitry 210 will include suitable bio-sensors for obtaining the corresponding physiologic parameters. Also, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the sensors and/or sensor circuitry can be, and many times are, electrically coupled to IMD 120, but placed remotely from the IMD; e.g., at the end of a lead or in a satellite device in wireless communication with IMD 120.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, IMD 120 can comprise a planet/satellite configuration, in which the satellite portion of the IMD includes sensor and/or therapy delivery circuits and mechanisms. Such a configuration is disclosed in Published U.S. Patent Application No. US 2003/0158584 A1, published on Aug. 21, 2003, and entitled “Chronically-Implanted Device for Sensing and Therapy,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In this system, the planet or main body of the IMD communicates with one or more satellite sensor/therapy devices either by an electrical wire connection or wirelessly. In some embodiments, the planet or main body can command each satellite to provide sensing functions and therapy functions, such as delivering cardiac electrical pulses, drug delivery, or other functions, as discussed above. In other embodiments, the satellite devices can function autonomously, and then communicate with the planet device at their own direction, at the planet's direction, or at timed intervals. The relationships between the planet device and the satellite device(s) are discussed in more detail in the incorporated reference.

[0037] Timer circuitry 212 can comprise any suitable circuitry and/or functionality for tracking time periods. Timer circuitry can be a separate timer circuit, as illustrated in FIG. 2, or the timing functionality can be performed, for example, by processor 202. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, timers are well known in the art, and the particular circuitry that performs the timing functionality is not important. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular timer embodiment. The use of a timer and/or timer circuitry 212 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0038] Finally, EMI detector 214 can comprise one or more detectors for detecting electro-magnetic fields and/or radiation. For example, EMI detector 214 can include a sensor for detecting the presence and/or strength of magnetic fields, such as a Hall-effect sensor, or other suitable magnetic field detectors currently known or hereinafter developed. In addition, EMI detector 214 can further include sensors for detecting the presence of high-frequency radiation that can be produced by MRI systems, radar, radio transmitters, and the like. Again, the purpose and use of EMI detector 214 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a telemetry system 140 that can be associated with MRI system 130 is shown. As discussed above, telemetry system 140 is operable to communicate with IMDs that might be near MRI system 130. In the illustrated embodiment, telemetry system 140 comprises a processor 300, an RF transmitter 310, and RF receiver 320, a transmit/receive (“T/R”) switch 330 and an antenna 340. In this particular embodiment, processor 300 is interfaced to RF transmitter 310 and RF receiver 320, both of which are connected to antenna 340. T/R switch 330 passes RF signals uni-directionally from transmitter 310 to antenna 340 and from antenna 340 to the receiver 320. To communicate data to an IMD, processor 300 sends data to transmitter 310, which generates an RF carrier signal for a specified time period that is emitted from the antenna 340. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the carrier signal includes the data to be transmitted to the IMD. The transmitted carrier signal then reaches the IMD, which, in turn, receives and processes the data. Similarly, when communicating data or information from the IMD to telemetry circuitry 140, the communication circuitry 206 of the IMD is operable to generate and transmit an RF carrier signal to antenna 340. After reaching antenna 340, the carrier signal is conveyed through T/R switch 330 to receiver 320, where the signal is demodulated to extract the digital message data. The digital data may then be processed and interpreted by software executed by the processor 300.

[0040] T/R switch 330 of the telemetry circuitry enables receiver 320 to receive signals without having to recover from saturation from signals that were previously emitted by antenna 340 that originate from transmitter 310. As an alternative to the T/R switch, a directional coupler could be used to separate the transmit and receive signals, or separate antennas with orthogonal linear polarization states can be provided for the transmitter and receiver, thus enabling simultaneous radiation of the carrier signal by the transmitter antenna and reception of the reflected carrier by the receiver antenna.

[0041] A more complete description of near-field and far-field telemetry is set forth in the patents incorporated by reference above. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention is not limited to any specific telemetry circuitry or functionality.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 1, external programming device 150 can be any suitable computing device adapted to communicate with IMD 120 and/or telemetry circuitry 140 and process data from those devices. For example, in the case of a cardiac rhythm management (“CRM”) IMD (e.g., pacemaker, ICD, etc.), external programming device 150 might be a programmer used by physicians, specialists, or other health care providers to extract data from and program cardiac IMDs. Programmers are well known in the art. In addition, in other embodiments, external programming device 150 can be a repeater device associate with a patient. Examples of one or more repeater-type devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,485, issued on Aug. 9, 2003, and entitled “Computer Readable Storage Medium Containing Code for Automated Collection and Analysis of Patient Information Retrieved from an Implantable Medical Device for Remote Patient Care,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, flow chart 400 illustrates one embodiment of a method for programming an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of MRI systems or other EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 400, an IMD (e.g., IMD 120 in FIG. 1) receives a command from an external programming device to switch to a safe mode of operation (e.g., an MRI-safe mode as discussed above) (block 402). The external programming device could be external programming device 150, or the external programming device could be associated with MRI system 130 and could communicate with the IMD via a telemetry interface, such as telemetry system 140.

[0044] Upon receiving a command to switch to a safe mode of operation, a processor within the IMD (e.g., processor 202 of IMD 120) will program the IMD's operational mode to safe mode (block 404), and then a timer within the IMD (e.g., timer 212 of IMD 120) will begin measuring a time period from when the reprogram occurs (block 406). When the MRI or other EMI exposure is complete, the IMD can be manually programmed back to a normal mode of operation by sending it a command to do so. In accordance with this particular embodiment, the purpose of the timer is to ensure that the IMD does not remain in the safe mode of operation for extended periods of time (e.g., should the operator forget to send the manual command to return the device to normal mode), because generally, it is in the patient's best interest to have the IMD operating in its normal mode of operation as originally programmed. The IMD's safe mode of operation should be limited to time periods when the IMD is in the presence of EMI, such as MRI scans, and the like. Thus, after the timer reaches a predetermined time (e.g., a time period after an MRI scan is complete), if the IMD has not received a command to switch back to normal mode of operation, the IMD is switched back from the safe mode of operation to its normal mode of operation (block 408). As discussed above, the processor within the IMD can be operable to reprogram the IMD's operation mode switch.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, flow chart 500 illustrates another embodiment of a method for programming an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of MRI systems or other EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 500, an IMD (e.g., IMD 120 in FIG. 1) receives a command from an external programming device to reprogram to an MRI-mode of operation (block 502). The external programming device could be external programming device 150, or the external programming device could be associated with MRI system 130 and could communicate with the IMD via a telemetry interface, such as telemetry system 140.

[0046] In accordance with this particular embodiment of the invention, the MRI-mode of operation is not a “safe mode” in which a Brady device is set to a fixed-rate, non-demand pacing mode or tachy detection or therapy of a tachy device is disabled, as discussed above. In accordance with this particular embodiment, the MRI-mode of operation is a pre-MRI scan setting in which a magnetic field detector is activated (e.g., EMI detector 214 of IMD 120 in FIG. 2). Thus, when the magnetic field detector of the IMD detects a magnetic field of sufficient strength (i.e., in the presence of an MRI system) (block 504), the IMD will automatically switch to a safe mode of operation (block 506), as defined above. Once in safe mode, the magnetic field detector of the IMD will continue to monitor for the presence and/or absence of the magnetic field (block 508). When the magnet field has dissipated to safe level, the IMD will automatically switch back to its normal mode of operation (block 510)

[0047] Further, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, it can be unsafe to have an IMD operating in the MRI-mode of operation for long periods of time, because the IMD will automatically switch to a safe mode in the presence of magnetic fields, even when it is not necessary or desirable to have the IMD in the safe mode. Thus, in accordance with this particular embodiment, after an MRI scan is complete or after the IMD is positioned a safe distance from strong EMI, the IMD can be taken out of the MRI-mode of operation by receiving a command from an external programming device and processing the command (block 512).

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, flow chart 600 illustrates an embodiment of a method for operating an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 600, an IMD (e.g., IMD 120 in FIG. 1) includes an EMI detector (EMI detector 214 in FIG. 2), which is operable to detect EMI, such as magnetic fields and/or RF energy (block 602). Thus, when the magnetic field detector of the IMD detects a magnetic field of sufficient strength (e.g., in the presence of an MRI system), the IMD will automatically switch to a safe mode of operation, as defined above (block 604), and then a timer within the IMD (e.g., timer 212 of IMD 120) will begin measuring a time period from when the switch to safe mode occurs (block 606). As discussed above, the purpose of the timer is to ensure that the IMD does not remain in the safe mode of operation for extended periods of time. Thus, after the timer reaches a predetermined time (e.g., a time period after the IMD is a safe distance from the EMI), the IMD is switched back from the safe mode of operation to its normal mode of operation (block 608). As discussed above, the processor within the IMD can be operable to reprogram the IMD's operation mode switches.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7a, flow chart 700 illustrates another embodiment of a method for programming an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of MRI systems or other EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 700, an IMD (e.g., IMD 120 in FIG. 1) receives a command from an external programming device to switch to an MRI-mode of operation, which is discussed above (block 702). The external programming device could be external programming device 150, or the external programming device could be associated with MRI system 130 and could communicate with the IMD via a telemetry interface, such as telemetry system 140.

[0050] As discussed above, the MRI-mode of operation is a pre-MRI scan setting in which a magnetic field detector is activated (e.g., EMI detector 214 of IMD 120 in FIG. 2). Thus, when the magnetic field detector of the IMD detects a magnetic field of sufficient strength (i.e., in the presence of an MRI system) (block 704), the IMD will automatically switch to a safe mode of operation (block 706), as defined above. Once in safe mode, a timer within the IMD (e.g., timer 212 of IMD 120) will begin measuring a time period from when the switch to safe mode occurs (block 708). As discussed above, the purpose of the timer is to ensure that the IMD does not remain in the safe mode of operation for extended periods of time. Thus, after the timer reaches a predetermined time (e.g., a time period after an MRI scan is has completed), the IMD is switched back from the safe mode of operation to its normal mode of operation (block 710).

[0051] After an MRI scan is complete or after the IMD is positioned a safe distance from strong EMI, the IMD can be taken out of the MRI-mode of operation (block 712). In one embodiment, the IMD can be taken out of the MRI-mode of operation by receiving a command from an external programming device and processing the command, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7b, instead of using an external programming device to switch the IMD out of MRI-mode, a timer can be used. In this particular embodiment, after the IMD is switched back to normal operation mode (block 710), a timer within the IMD (e.g., timer 212 of IMD 120) will begin measuring a time period from when the switch to normal mode occurs (block 720). Then, after the timer reaches a predetermined time, the IMD automatically is switched out of the MRI-mode of operation (block 722), so that it will not accidentally detect EMI and switch into safe mode again.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 8, flow chart 800 illustrates yet another embodiment of a method of operating an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of MRI systems or other EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 800, an IMD (e.g., IMD 120 in FIG. 2) is operable to measure one or more electromagnetic field components generated by an MRI system, such as the strength of a static magnetic field (block 802), and/or the amplitude of RF signals at a predetermined frequency (block 804). In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the IMD can comprise one or more detectors for detecting the static magnetic field and/or the RF amplitude. In one embodiment, a single EMI detector (e.g., EMI detector 214 in FIG. 1) can be used to measure both the magnetic field and/or the RF amplitude. In an alternative embodiment, a hall effect sensor can be used to measure the magnetic field, and an RF sensor or detector can be used to measure the amplitude of the RF signals. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a band pass or notch filter can be used to select the frequency at which the amplitude of the RF signal is measured. In one embodiment, the RF signal amplitude can be measured at about 64 MHz. In other embodiments, the RF signal can be measured at other frequencies.

[0053] In one embodiment, measuring the magnetic field and the RF amplitude can provide redundant measurements, so that an IMD will not switch to safe mode unless both conditions are met (if both conditions are met, the IMD most likely is near an MRI system). Thus, if the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined strength threshold (e.g., about 0.001 Tesla, or so), and/or the RF signal exceeds an amplitude threshold (e.g., about 0.2 mT per meter) at the particular frequency, the IMD automatically will switch to a safe mode of operation, as defined above (step 806). Once in safe mode, the IMD will continue to monitor the magnetic field and/or the RF signal amplitude at the predetermined frequency (blocks 808 and 810). When the magnetic field has dissipated to a safe level (e.g., below 0.001 T or less than 1% of the full field strength) and/or the RF signal amplitude drops, the IMD will automatically switch back to its normal mode of operation (block 812). While this particular embodiment uses both the static magnetic field strength and RF amplitude measurements, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments might only measure and use one of the measurements, or other electromagnetic field components can be used. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any one particular embodiment.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 9, flow chart 900 illustrates yet another embodiment of a method of operating an IMD in a safe mode of operation while in the presence of MRI systems or other EMI. In accordance with the method illustrated in flow chart 900, an IMD is operable to measure the strength of a static magnetic field generated by an MRI system (block 902). In addition, the IMD is operable to measure the amplitude of RF signals generated by the MRI system at a predetermined frequency (block 904). These steps are similar to steps discussed above with reference to FIG. 8. Again, if the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined strength threshold, and the RF signal exceeds an amplitude threshold at the particular frequency, the IMD automatically will switch to a safe mode of operation (step 906). Next, the IMD sets a predetermined time period and starts a timer (block 908). The IMD then will continue to monitor the magnetic field and/or the RF signal amplitude at the predetermined frequency (blocks 910). If the magnetic field continues to exceed the predetermined strength and the RF signal continues to exceed the predetermined amplitude, the predetermined time period is extended by an incremental amount (block 912). Otherwise, the time period is not extended. Next, the timer is checked to determine if it has reached or passed the predetermined time period (decision block 914). If not, steps 910-914 are repeated. If the timer has reached or passed the predetermined time period, then the IMD will automatically switch back to its normal mode of operation (block 916).

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 10, flow chart 1000 illustrates yet another embodiment of a method for safely operating an IMD in the presence of an MRI system. In accordance with this particular embodiment, the MRI system (e.g., MRI system 130 in FIG. 1) detects the presence of an IMD (block 1002). As discussed above, a telemetry system (e.g., telemetry system 140 in FIG. 1) associated with the MRI system can detect IMDs using wireless communications, such as near field and/or far field RF telemetry. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of the telemetry system detecting the presence of the IMD, the IMD can be operable to detect the presence of an MRI magnetic field and then communicate with the telemetry system associated with the MRI system, informing the MRI system that the IMD is present.

[0056] Once the MRI System and the IMD initiate communications, the MRI system can receive information about the IMD via the telemetry link. In one embodiment, the MRI system receives at least some data from the IMD indicating whether the IMD is in a safe mode of operation, as defined above (block 1004). If the IMD is in a safe mode of operation (decision block 1006), the MRI system can proceed with an MRI scan (block 1008). Alternatively, if the IMD is not in a safe mode of operation, one or more functions may occur (which is illustrated as alternative block 1010).

[0057] In one embodiment, if the IMD is not in a safe mode of operation, the MRI system or the telemetry system associated with the MRI system can send an alarm message to the MRI operator, informing the operator that a non-safe IMD is present (block 1012). Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of sending an alarm message to the MRI operator, the MRI system can be operable to automatically prevent MRI scans from occurring when an IMD is present, but not in a safe mode of operation (block 1012). In yet another embodiment, the MRI system can be operable to send an alarm and disable MRI scan functionality.

[0058] In yet another embodiment of the invention, if an IMD is not in a safe mode of operation, the MRI system and/or the telemetry system associated with the MRI can transmit a command wirelessly to the IMD instructing it to switch to a safe mode of operation (block 1014). After the IMD switches to a safe mode of operation, the MRI system then can conduct an MRI scan (1016). In some embodiment, the telemetry system and/or the MRI system will wait for a message from the IMD confirming that the IMD switched to a safe mode of operation prior to conducting the MRI scan. Upon completion of the MRI scan, the MRI system, then can send a command to the IMD instructing it to switch back to its normal mode of operation, which the IMD will do upon receiving the command (block 1018).

[0059] In conclusion, the present invention provides novel systems, methods and devices for mitigating the hazards associated with using IMDs in the presence of EMI, and in particular, in MRI environments. While detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the invention have been given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.