Abstract: The voice controlled system of the present invention permits hands-free interactive control of a medical data processing instrument that interfaces with an implanted medical device. In an example embodiment, the system includes a microphone and a speech recognition circuit coupled to the microphone and adapted to recognize an audio signal from the microphone. The audio signal corresponds to one of a subset of commands from a set of commands and each command corresponds to a task to be performed on the implanted medical device. The speech recognition circuit is further adapted to convert the audio signal into a selection code and match the selection code to one of the subset of commands. The system further includes a display device and a processor arrangement coupled to the speech recognition circuit and to the display device. The processor arrangement is configured to receive data indicative of an implanted medical device state and select the subset of commands as a function of the device state.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing chronic home care of patients with one or more implanted medical devices (IMDs) includes a mobile portable device for use by a visiting nurse. Specifically, the portable device integrates various systems to enable the nurse to schedule her day and get directions to a first and subsequent visit destination via a GPS system or equivalent. The portable device includes an identification system including a security protocol to identify the nurse/home health care provider. Additionally, the portable device incorporates a communication system such as a cellular phone that would enable the nurse to connect to other clinical support personnel such as a doctor or a specialist. The portable device further includes a wireless communication system that enables communication between the portable device and one or more IMDs in a patient. Upon arrival at the patient's home, the nurse may download data from the one or more IMDs directly into the portable device.

Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a programmer for communication with different medical devices that utilize different telemetry communication techniques. The programmer receives telemetry signals from a given medical device, and selects an appropriate communication mode, which can be pre-programmed into the programmer as one of a plurality of possible communication modes. The programmer can configure itself for communication with a given medical device based on the telemetry signal it receives. Specifically the programmer is implemented as a software based, power efficient receiver/transmitter based upon an inexpensive, simple motor-controller DSP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining vulnerable plaque in a cardiovascular lumen is disclosed. In one embodiment, a guide member comprising a temperature sensor and a distance sensor are inserted into the cardiovascular lumen. The temperature of the cardiovascular wall is measured with the temperature sensor, and the distance from the temperature sensor to the cardiovascular wall is determined. The cardiovascular wall temperature is adjusted based on the distance determination, and the vulnerable plaque is determined based on the adjusted wall temperature measurement.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system in cooperation with IMDs provides information, direction and counseling to patients. Specifically, a combination of lifestyle parameters, such as, for example, diet, exercise, weight, medication and environmental factors such as, for example, temperature, UV factor, pollen count, humidity, air pollution index, are integrated to provide a seamless, comprehensive, chronic monitoring system and support for patients. The system includes a home monitor, IMD, and a remote expert station in operable data communications therebetween. Personal data such as weight, environmental data, food data from refrigerators and pantry, type of exercise equipment, medication, physiologically significant events, physician treatment plan and the like are integrated with IMD data to provide continuous patient care, counseling, consultation and notification.

Abstract: A portable wireless system for providing a user with access to a computer-based system includes a BARB Badge to interface with the user's body, responsive to a disruption in the interface and including a transceiver to communicate with an external source, a BARB Base to detect a presence of said BARB Badge in a vicinity of said BARB Base and relay secure communications between said BARB Badge and said computer-based system; and an administrator subsystem to regulate interfacing operations of said BARB Badge and said computer-based system based on predetermined administrative protocols. In this way, the overall security of the computer-based system is enhanced while the amount of operational burdens associated with accessing the computer-based system are reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cardioverting the atrium of a human heart that includes insertion of first and second elongated electrodes tranvenously into the heart and associated vessels. One electrode is preferably located in the coronary sinus and great vein of the heart. The other electrode is preferably located in the vicinity of the right atrium of the heart, spaced from the electrode located in the coronary sinus. In response to detection of fibrillation or in response to manual triggering, a defibrillation pulse is applied between the first and second electrodes to effect atrial cardioversion. Further, after delivery of a successful defibrillation shock, the width of intrinsic p-waves are monitored and bi-atrial pacing is temporarily initiated if the width exceeds a preset or programmable threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an encryption apparatus, system, and method in which data from an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) and a data center could be transferred based on a differentiated encryption system. The encryption scheme allows for the differentiation, segregation, and classification of data at required or needed levels of security. Before transfer of the data, either from an IMD or any other part of a support network for the IMDs, the encryption device begins to distinguish the data. The variable data is then classified based on various levels of security having distinct encryption protocols. After classification the data is encrypted based on the data's level of security. The data is then transmitted. Upon being received the data is then segregated based on whether the data is encrypted. The encrypted data is then de-encrypted and interpreted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, multi-polar, in-line connector system for use in connecting implantable medical devices (IMD) and associated non-standard, low profile medical electrical leads. In addition, the present invention provides a system that uses tool less, frictional, sealed, compressive electrical connections for most or all of the electrical interconnections between an IMD and a low profile lead. A protective sleeve seals the lead connector to the non-standard port to prevent intrusion of body fluids therein. In addition, optional microchip-based circuitry coupled to the sleeve enables wireless communication and remote programming for diverse IMDs. Memory associated with the circuitry can store, update and reprogram a wide variety of information relevant to the IMD, the patient, and the attending physician, among others. For example, the microchip may be used to identify the lead type and characteristics, as well as other useful data.

Abstract: A user authentication system utilizes biometric traits such as fingerprints, vein print, voice print, facial images, iris/retina and similar distinguishing characteristics to allow access to programmers, ETPs, PSAs and similar instruments associated with implantable medical devices (IMDs). The authentication system provides a hierarchical scheme that allows access based on expertise and need basis.

Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system synchronous with manufacturing, planning and scheduling, product consumption forecast, and component purchase to enable just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing, distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web enabled information network and data communications with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order and build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the consumption management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related information hubs including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: The operational and functional aspects of one or more IMDs is controlled by physiological data acquired from an external device. Various externally deployed devices collect vital signals for transmission to the IMD. Upon receipt of the signals the IMD cooperatively modifies therapy and diagnostic procedures to be substantially compliant with the received signals. Further, the IMD may store some of the signals for future follow-up or patient data management as needed.

Abstract: A transvenous implantable medical device adapted for implantation in a body, and which is particularly adapted for use in a vessel such as the coronary sinus or cardiac great vein. The implantable medical device may take the form of a lead or catheter, and includes an extendable distal fixation member such as a helix. In one embodiment, the fixation member is a helix constructed of a shape memory metal or other super-elastic material. Upon deployment, the helix assumes a predetermined helix shape larger than the diameter of the lead body diameter. The helix functions to wedge or fix the lead within the vessel in a manner that does not impede the flow of blood through the vessel. The helix may be retracted for ease of repositioning and/or removal. In one embodiment of the invention, the fixation member may be advanced using a stiffening member such as a stylet. In another embodiment, the helix is coupled to a coiled conductor such that rotation of the conductor extends or retracts the helix.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) having RF telemetry capabilities for uplink transmitting patient data and downlink recieving programming commands to and from an external programmer having an improved RF module configured to occupy small spaces within the IMD housing to further effect the miniaturization thereof. An RF module formed of an RF module substrate and at least one IC chip and discrete components has a volume and dimensions that are optimally minimized to reduce its volumetric form factor.

Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system for just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management, to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web-enabled information network and data communication with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order or build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the information management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related consumption hubs, including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: A telemetry receiver for an implantable medical device (IMD) such as a cardiac pacemaker has an RF antenna coupled to a telemetry circuit that includes an out-of-band rejection filter comprising a thin film bulk acoustic resonator filter. The telemetry circuit includes an amplifier coupled to the thin film bulk acoustic resonator filter and a demodulator coupled to the amplifier. The filter, amplifier and demodulator are all fabricated on a common integrated circuit die. A multichannel telemetry receiver for an IMD has a plurality of thin film bulk acoustic resonator bandpass filters defining individual channels. Identification of a preferred data transmission channel for communication of programming data to the IMD is determined by obtaining samples of the signals being passed by each of a plurality of thin film bulk acoustic resonator bandpass filters that define individual channels and evaluating the samples to determine the noise level for each channel.

Abstract: A portable wireless system for providing a user with access to a computer-based system includes a BARB Badge to interface with the user's body, responsive to a disruption in the interface and including a transceiver to communicate with an external source, a BARB Base to detect a presence of said BARB Badge in a vicinity of said BARB Base and relay secure communications between said BARB Badge and said computer-based system; and an administrator subsystem to regulate interfacing operations of said BARB Badge and said computer-based system based on predetermined administrative protocols. In this way, the overall security of the computer-based system is enhanced while the amount of operational burdens associated with accessing the computer-based system are reduced.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a testing regimen is implemented to reduce test time. Specifically, a structure and method to power up and stabilize all die on the wafer prior to testing each die is implemented. More specifically, parallel powering schemes including die stabilization procedures are used to ready the wafer for testing. A wafer probe tester is indexed from one die to the next for an uninterrupted testing of all die in the wafer subsequent to all die power up and stabilization.