Controlling temperature during recharge for treatment of infection or other conditions

A method comprising:

• transmitting energy from an external source to an implanted rechargeable device, the energy being capable of heating an external surface of the implanted device and being capable of recharging the implanted device;
• monitoring temperature in proximity to the device during the transmission of the energy;
• determining whether the monitored temperature is above or below a desired temperature range;
• modifying one or more parameters of the transmitted energy if it is determined that the monitored temperature is above or below the desired temperature range, the modified parameters being configured to cause the monitored temperature to reside within the desired temperature range;
• determining whether the implanted device is recharged to a desired level;
• determining whether the device has been heated a desired amount;
• and
• stopping the transmission of energy if it is determined that the device is recharged to the desired level and if the device has been heated the desired amount.

A system comprising an implantable rechargeable medical device and an external device comprising an external source, the system further comprising:

• means for determining whether an infection is present in proximity to the implanted rechargeable medical device;
• and
• means for transmitting energy having a first or second energy parameter profile from the external source to the implanted device, the energy capable of recharging the implanted device,
• wherein the transmitted energy has the first parameter profile if it is determined that no infection is present in proximity to the implanted device,
• wherein the energy transmitted has the second parameter profile if it is determined that an infection is present in proximity to the implanted device, and
• wherein the second energy profile, relative to the first energy profile, is configured to cause increased heating of the implanted device during the transmission of energy.

A system comprising:

• means for transmitting energy from an external source to an implanted rechargeable device, the energy being capable of heating a surface of the implanted device and being capable of recharging the implanted device;
• means for monitoring temperature in proximity to the device during the transmission of the energy;
• means for determining whether the monitored temperature is above or below a desired temperature range;
• means for modifying one or more parameters of the transmitted energy if it is determined that the monitored temperature is above or below the desired temperature range, the modified parameters being configured to cause the monitored temperature to reside within the desired temperature range;
• means for determining whether the implanted device is recharged to a desired level;
• means for determining whether the device has been heated a desired amount;
• and
• means for stopping the transmission of energy if it is determined that the device is recharged to the desired level and if the device has been heated the desired amount.