Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: A method and system facilitates the access by a patient of implanted medical device related data for patient participation in their own clinical care and therapy. In an example embodiment, the method includes establishing a communications link between an implanted medical device and a data processor via an implanted medical device interface. Access to a secured database is obtained via the implanted device data processor using a set of patient identification data. A query is then submitted via the data processor to the secured database in response to input patient diagnostic data. Data received from the secured database is then displayed for use in a patient evaluation.

Abstract: A wearable telemetry arrangement is used with a medical information communications device in a telemetry system for communicating with an implantable medical device. In an example embodiment, the telemetry arrangement includes an article configured and arranged to be physically coupled to and donned on a body. In addition, an antenna member is located on the article that is configured and arranged to establish a communications link between the implanted device and the medical communications system. The telemetry arrangement of the present invention provides a reliable and non-invasive system that conveniently and chronically collects cardiac and other implanted medical device data. Further, the system is adaptable to patient management modules and portals to provide remote connectivity to web-based platforms and data management systems.

Abstract: A patient-controlled system for temporarily disabling an electrical cardioverting therapy in order to prepare the patient psychologically and physiologically for the pain associated with electrical cardioversion therapy. In an example embodiment, the system includes a capacitive circuit capable of charging and discharging in order to apply the electrical therapy. The implanted medical device automatically causes the capacitive circuit to charge and discharge at least once within a selected period. The system includes a patient activator device that communicates with the implanted device. A disabling circuit is also included within the implanted medical device that temporarily disables the electrical therapy application in response to the patient activator device. The system further includes an alerting arrangement that alerts the patient activator device in response to the disabling circuit.

Abstract: A modular system including hardware and software in combination or separately is used to adopt instruments for remote connectivity and programming of one or more medical devices in one or more patients. The modular system is implemented via an interface and is adaptable to a variety of medical devices, irrespective of origin of manufacture. The modular unit includes communication and other functional hardware in combination with Jini technology and Bluetooth implemented to effect wireless communication between various devices, patients and health providers.

Abstract: A hand-holdable structure implementing electrodes to enable good skin-electrode contact to acquire ECG readings is disclosed. Specifically, the structure is shaped to enable patients to apply a simple gentle grip to have a reliable skin-electrode contact and to automatically commence ECG tracing transmission to a patient monitoring station. In one embodiment the structure incorporates an RF telemetry head to simultaneously transfer IMD stored data in conjunction with the ECG tracings. The structure independently or in combination with the RF telemetry head is adaptable to a system of data communications with a programmer or equivalent instrument to transfer ECG and IMD data to a remotely located physician station or patient data storage server. The system is also adaptable for use with a web-enabled network such as, without limitation, the Internet, intranet, World Wide Web, extranet or equivalent.

Abstract: A method and system facilitates the access by a patient of implanted medical device related data for patient participation in their own clinical care and therapy. In an example embodiment, the method includes establishing a communications link between an implanted medical device and a data processor via an implanted medical device interface. Access to a secured database is obtained via the implanted device data processor using a set of patient identification data. A query is then submitted via the data processor to the secured database in response to input patient diagnostic data. Data received from the secured database is then displayed for use in a patient evaluation.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which permits of communication between an deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a large-scale powerful computer capable of manipulating complex nonlinear modeling of physiologic systems, and also capable of accounting for large amounts of historical data from a particular patient or a cohort group for improved modeling and predictive power, which may be expected to lead to improved patient outcomes. A deployed IMD may be polled by a routing instrument external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless communication. This data may be transmitted to a central large-scale or other relatively powerful computer for processing according to an appropriate model. A treatment or instruction regimen, as well as appropriate firmware or software upgrades, may then be transmitted to the routing instrument for immediate or eventual loading into the IMD via wireless communication.