Alternative operation mode for an implantable medical device based upon lead condition

A method comprising:

• determining via a controller of an implantable medical device whether an impedance associated with a lead assembly of the implantable medical device is within an accepted range;
• performing at least one test to generate data associated with the lead assembly when the impedance is not within the accepted range;
• classifying a type of problem associated with the lead assembly based on the data;
• performing a first remedial action when the type of the problem is an intermittent problem, wherein the first remedial action includes:
• performing a pre-stimulation check prior to delivery of a therapeutic electrical signal;
• delivering the therapeutic electrical signal when the pre-stimulation check indicates that the lead assembly is functional;
• and
• delaying delivery of the therapeutic electrical signal when the pre-stimulation check indicates that the lead assembly is not functional;
• and
• performing a second remedial action when the type of the problem is a second type, wherein the first remedial action is different than the second remedial action.

A method comprising:

• monitoring a lead condition of a lead assembly of an implantable medical device configured to provide therapeutic electrical signals;
• receiving data that indicates a lead condition problem;
• performing a lead condition analysis to classify a type of the lead condition problem;
• preventing the implantable medical device from providing the therapeutic electrical signals when the type of the lead condition problem is a severe problem;
• and
• implementing a secondary operation mode of the implantable medical device when the type of the lead condition problem is other than the severe problem by:
• performing a pre-stimulation check regimen prior to providing a therapeutic electrical signal of the therapeutic electrical signals when the type is an intermittent problem;
• and
• implementing one of an alternate dosage of the therapeutic electrical signals applied by the implantable medical device or a change in an electrode configuration when the type is neither the intermittent problem nor the severe problem.

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including:

• performing at least one test to generate data associated with a lead assembly of an implantable medical device when an impedance associated with the lead assembly is outside of an accepted range;
• detecting that a problem is associated with the lead assembly based on the at least one test;
• classifying a type of the problem associated with the lead assembly;
• implementing a first remedial action when the type of the problem is a first type by:
• performing a pre-stimulation check before initiation of a therapeutic electrical signal from the implantable medical device to a patient when the type of the problem is an intermittent problem;
• initiating the therapeutic electrical signal when the pre-stimulation check indicates that there is no lead assembly problem;
• and
• delaying the therapeutic electrical signal when the pre-stimulation check indicates existence of the lead assembly problem;
• and
• implementing a second remedial action when the type of the problem is a second type, wherein the first remedial action is different than the second remedial action.