Implantable medical device configured to switch from an active device to a passive device

A method comprising:

• controlling, by processing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD), communication circuitry of the IMD to communicate patient data sensed via sensing circuitry of the IMD using a first type of communication when a power level of a primary power source of the IMD exceeds a threshold power level;
• controlling, by the processing circuitry, the communication circuitry to permanently switch from the first type of communication to a second type of communication when the power level of the primary power source falls below the threshold power level;
• and
• controlling, by the processing circuitry, the communication circuitry to communicate patient data sensed in response to receiving power from the external power source.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that when executed cause processing circuitry to:

• control communication circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) to communicate patient data sensed via sensing circuitry of the IMD using a first type of communication when a power level of a primary power source of the IMD exceeds a threshold power level;
• control the communication circuitry to permanently switch from the first type of communication to a second type of communication when the power level of the primary power source falls below the threshold power level;
• and
• control the communication circuitry to communicate patient data sensed in response to receiving power from the external power source.