An implantable medical device has a conductive housing, electronic
circuitry for the operation of the implantable medical device, and radio
frequency circuitry for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency
signals, the electronic circuitry and the radio frequency circuitry being
interconnected and arranged within in the housing. The housing has at
least one slot therein, and a slot feed operatively interconnected
between the radio frequency circuitry and the slot. The electrically
conductive housing provided with the at least one slot is operable as an
antenna for the radio frequency signals. The electric circuitry, the
radio frequency circuitry, and the interconnection can be enclosed by the
housing so that they are shielded from external radiation in any
direction.