MRI gradient field detector

An implantable medical device (IMD) contained in a hermetically sealed housing, comprising:

• a programming coil enclosed by said hermetically sealed housing;
• a communication unit coupled with the programming coil, wherein the communication unit is configured to enable communication between an external programming device and the IMD by utilizing alternating electromagnetic fields;
• a detection unit configured to sense MRT interference fields, wherein voltage pulses induced in the programming coil and originating from a pulsed alternating electromagnetic field of the MRT are detected;
• and
• a control unit that configured to receive an MRT detection signal from the detection unit, wherein communication with the external programming device via the programming coil is not detected at the same time;
• wherein the IMD is connected to at least one electrode which is connected to the detection unit, and
• wherein the MRT detection signal is transmitted only when the sensed MRT interference fields is simultaneously detected via the programming coil enclosed by said hermetically sealed housing and via the at least one electrode.