Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing a comprehensive history for an IMD are disclosed. The method includes interrogating an implantable medical device (IMD) with an interrogating external programmer device (EPD), and comparing a unique signature associated with the interrogating EPD to a stored signature, associated with a particular programmer device that most immediately previously programmed the IMD, in memory of the IMD. If the unique signature of the interrogating programmer device is not the same as the stored signature, the method includes recording the stored signature in the interrogating EPD. The method may optionally include replacing the stored signature in the IMD memory with the unique signature of the interrogating EPD if the interrogating EPD programs the IMD. A comprehensive history for the IMD may be constructed by tracing the values in the IMD and the programmer databases.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device having a defibrillator integrated therein to be employed in an emergency situation to supply electrical therapy to a victim who is experiencing cardiac distress. The defibrillator being powered by at least one thermally powered battery contained within the wireless communications device. The wireless communication device may also include a cardiac module which will determine whether the victim's heart beat has become irregular and whether defibrillation is necessary. The wireless communication device will guide the user through the use of the defibrillator/cardiac modules. The wireless device may also include a tracking unit that will provide the user's location and wireless two-way voice communication with emergency personnel upon activation of the defibrillator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remotely programmable personal medical device, in particular a programmable implantable medical device, e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter or the like. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement for remote programming of such a personal medical device and a method for remote programming of a programmable personal medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a sensor system, having (1) a sensor implanted in a body part of the subject, wherein the sensor has a first antenna, and (2) a sensor reader worn on the subject's body part, wherein the sensor reader has a band housing a second antenna, which is inductively coupled with the first antenna, for enabling the sensor reader to communicate with the sensor.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a system with a fail-safe mode for remote programming of medical devices, such as implantable medical devices (IMDs). During a remote programming session, an adverse event, such as a programming session failure, may prevent proper completion of a programming or result in improper programming due to data corruption or other factors. If a programming session is not completed correctly, the IMD is susceptible to improper operation, possibly exposing a patient to delivery of unnecessary or inappropriate therapies. A fail-safe mode reduces the likelihood of improper operation following a programming session failure. The fail-safe mode defines one or more fail-safe operations designed to preserve proper operation of the IMD. In some embodiments, the fail-safe operations include notifying a person concerning the failure of the programming session, modifying programming parameters within the implantable medical device, and delivering a therapy to a patient.

Abstract: Exemplary external medical devices are configurable to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). One medical device includes multiple IMD telemetry ports operable to connect IMD telemetry mechanisms to the medical device. The medical device also includes a control unit configured to control the IMD telemetry mechanisms.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode.

Abstract: An implanted device is equipped with a flag that indicates to a remote monitoring unit that an event such as a patient medical emergency or device failure has occurred. The remote monitoring unit is configured in some embodiments to maintain a low power communication link with the implanted device when they are within range. When the flag indicates an event has occurred, the remote monitoring unit quickly downloads sensed data collected by the implanted device and transfers it over a network so that it can be utilized by a medical practitioner. The remote monitoring unit is further configured in some embodiments to query the implanted device at regular intervals. The remote monitoring unit may read a subset of the data stored by the implanted device and, based on that data, determine whether to complete a full or partial download.

Abstract: Waveforms are digitally sampled and compressed for storage in memory. The compression of the data includes generating a truncated entropy encoding map and using the values within the map to obtain good compression. An encoder further sub-selects values to be encoded and values to remain unencoded to provide an overall compression of the data.

Abstract: Waveforms are digitally sampled and compressed for storage in memory. The compression of the data includes generating a truncated entropy encoding map and using the values within the map to obtain good compression. An encoder further sub-selects values to be encoded and values to remain unencoded to provide an overall compression of the data.

Abstract: A biostimulator system comprises one or more implantable devices and an external programmer configured for communicating with the implantable device or devices via bidirectional communication pathways comprising a receiving pathway that decodes information encoded on stimulation pulses generated by ones of the implantable device or devices and conducted through body tissue to the external programmer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an external programming device is operable to determine and graphically display power consumption of an implantable medical device (“IMD”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the external programming device includes a graphical user interface display and a communication interface operable to receive information from an IMD. In this embodiment, the external programming device is operable to receive IMD parameter settings and/or battery parameter values from the IMD, calculate a power consumption rate for the IMD, and then display the power consumption on the graphical user interface display using a graphical visual indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration and a method for the management of data of a plurality of programmable personal medical devices. The configuration comprises a first plurality of personal devices, a second plurality of patient devices each calibrated to at least one personal device, a third plurality of programming devices each calibrated to at least one personal device, a central management unit, a service center, and a management database. The patient devices and/or the programming devices are controlled using management data, upon establishment of the existence of a communication between the management unit and the patient device and/or a programming device, on the basis of this establishment and on the basis of stored management data, specific management data being transmitted to the patient device and/or programming device.

Abstract: This document discloses, among other things, a telemetry system that controls access to assets of an implantable device as a function of the manner of initiating the communication session or an access code. A tiered hierarchy of assets are associated with corresponding levels of access. A tiered array of security mechanisms are associated with the hierarchy of assets.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing the safety of medical device programming using general purpose hardware, such as a general purpose personal computer, are described. In some embodiments, a system includes an intermediate computing device comprising an applications module. Information from the applications module, such as instructions for an implantable medical device (IMD), may be presented to a user via a user input terminal that is separate from the intermediate computing device. A user may interact with the user input terminal to select an instruction from the applications module, and the intermediate computing device may transmit the selected instruction to the IMD. In some embodiments, the intermediate computing device comprises a web server and the user input terminal comprises a web browser configured to access the web server. In other embodiments, the intermediate computing device comprises a client server and the user input terminal comprises a client.

Abstract: A method for managing battery longevity of an implantable medical device (“IMD”) battery includes calculating a total IMD battery longevity value for an IMD and determining whether the total IMD battery longevity is below an optimal battery longevity value. At least one IMD parameter to be modified to improve the total IMD battery longevity value is automatically identified. The at least one automatically identified IMD parameter is adjusted to improve the total IMD battery longevity. Additionally, the improved total IMD battery longevity is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting a function mode of a medical device are described. A method can include steps of: when an operator selects to use a function mode that needs protection in the medical device, presenting the operator information on a specified operation for entering the selected function mode; receiving an operation of the operator; determining whether the received operation of the operator is identical to the specified operation; and starting the selected function mode, if the determining result is confirmative.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing the safety of medical device programming using general purpose hardware, such as a general purpose personal computer, are described. Some embodiments include a watchdog module that is serviced by the general purpose hardware, a mediator module that monitors programming instructions from the general purpose hardware, and/or a safe mode input that may be activated by a user. In some embodiments, a system comprises an implantable medical device, an intermediate device, a computing device that communicates with the implantable medical device via the intermediate device. The intermediate device may provide any one or more of the safety measures described above. In some embodiments, the intermediate device is dedicated hardware, and critical programming functions are provided by the intermediate device, rather than the general purpose hardware.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for: 1) displaying all vital central station (CS) information and controls on a single screen; 2) linking peripheral central stations (pCSs) to a master central station (mCS); 3) operating the system disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/460,458, without medical professionals (MPs) in the mCS or without any mCS; 4) linking a remote controlled defibrillator (RCD™) unit to an arrest sensor; 5) operating an RCD unit in a motor vehicle and linking an RCD unit to a vehicle communications system; 6) linking an RCD unit to a CS through a network of: a) non-vehicle-based stationary units (SUs), b) vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems, or c) non-vehicle-based SUs and vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems; 7) using an RCD unit with a chest compression device; 8) using the network of RCD units and MPs for disaster monitoring; and 9) monitoring and treating hospital patients and motor vehicle passengers.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide management of historical information associated with a medical device, such as an implantable neurostimulation pulse generator, drug pump, cardiac device, hearing enhancement device, or vision enhancement device. Such management of historical information includes storage of historical information within an associated medical device. Historical information stored within a medical device may provide a complete summary of the use, configuration, and operation of the medical device, e.g., information spanning the entire in-service life of the medical device. Historical information for which management is provided may include both static data and dynamic data. The historical information may be used in configuring the medical device, analyzing the operation of the medical device, autonomously altering operation of the medical device, etcetera.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include configurations of a medical device, user device and service platform are described. Embodiments may include a secure network to run medical applications that control and/or monitor the medical device. An online store may be provided for storing and distributing medical applications to the user device and medical device. A secure environment may be provided within the user device and medical device that protects the integrity of medical applications running on those devices. A service platform may provide a service that enables a medical authority to certify and monitor the medical applications. In some implementations, various third parties and the user of the user device may be allowed to manage and monitor the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method for securely authenticating a data exchange session with an implantable medical device is presented. A crypto key uniquely associated with an implantable medical device is defined to authenticate data during a data exchange session. A secure connection is established from an external source with a secure key repository securely maintaining the crypto key. Authorization to access data on the implantable medical device is authenticated by securely retrieving the crypto key from the secure key repository.

Abstract: A programmer allows a clinician to identify desirable combinations of electrodes from within an electrode set implanted in a patient that enable delivery of desirable neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device. The clinician may create neurostimulation therapy programs that include identified desirable electrode combinations. In some embodiments, the clinician may use the programmer to select a program, such as a program identified during a neurostimulation programming session, and direct the programmer to replicate the selected program. The programmer may change one or more parameters of the selected program, such as pulse amplitude or duty cycle, when generating the copy of the selected program.

Abstract: A system and method for providing communications between a physically secure programmer and an external device using a cellular network is described. A set of uniquely identifying credentials is securely maintained on a programmer configured to interface with an implantable medical device. A transient connection is automatically established between the programmer and a security server over a cellular network. The credentials are registered with the security server and an operational status is assigned to the programmer following examination of the credentials against a security roster maintained on the security server. The operational status of the programmer is confirmed and a data exchange session is conducted over the cellular network between the programmer and at least one external system subsequent to the confirmation.

Abstract: A telemetry system for radio-frequency communications between an implantable medical device and an external device providing improved noise immunity is disclosed. Multiple communications channels are used to enable establishment and re-establishment of communications between a particular pair of devices in a multiple device environment.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, methods and systems for facilitating automated device programming at changeout. A method comprises receiving, from a first device, physiological data at a temporary storage device; and processing the received physiological data, wherein the processing includes determining if a first signal processing function was used by the first device and substantially offsetting the first signal processing function if the first signal processing function was used by the first device; and processing the resultant physiological data to be compatible with a second device. The method further comprising providing the processed resultant physiological data to the second device.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling, defibrillation and pacing which allows a victim of a cardiac rhythm abnormality immediate access to a medical professional at a central station, who will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat the victim at one of a plurality of remote sites in accordance with the following steps: (1) providing a plurality of contact electrodes for a victim at a remote site for the receipt of ECG signals and for the application of electrical pulses to the victim; (2) transmitting the signals from the remote site to a central station and displaying them for review by the medical professional; (3) the medical professional selecting from a menu of defibrillation and pacing pulses, if the application thereof is appropriate; (4) transmitting the selection results to the remote site; and (5) receiving the selection results at the remote site and applying the selected pulses to the victim.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an RF telemetry system and method for enabling communication between an implantable medical device and an external device with an improved tolerance to noise from external sources. Multiple communications channels at different frequencies are provided which are synchronously switched between during a communications session by both devices.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system that is able to verify the success or failure of the positional adjustment of a valve without the need for additional energy during non-invasive reprogramming is provided. The acoustic monitoring system includes a programmer for generating a sequence of commands to adjust the valve mechanism, and for receiving acoustic signals for analysis, a transmitter to implement the command and adjust the valve, and a sensor for detecting an acoustic signal generated from the valve during execution of the commands. A method for using the acoustic monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that identifies the device type of an implantable medical device, selects a predetermined questioning sequence based on the device type, and interacts with a user through a user interface screen by conducting a question-and-answer session according to the predetermined questioning sequence. After displaying a question and receiving an answer to the question, the programming device sets one or more programmable parameter values and/or displays a follow-up question in response to the answer. The programming device also allows the user to enter one or more programmable parameter values directly during or after the question-and-answer session. The implantable medical device is programmed to operate in one or more operational modes based on at least the answers received from the user during the question-and-answer session and the parameter values entered by the user, if any.

Abstract: A method for assembling a programmer for a medical device includes assembling a housing member, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a plate member in a stacked z-axis configuration.

Abstract: An implantable medical device with a main processor also has a telemetry processor to perform some telemetry processing functions resulting under some circumstances in reducing demands on the main processor, conserving energy, increasing telemetry processing speed, and many other advantages. A wide variety of implantable medical devices can be configured with a telemetry processor including neuro stimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, drug delivery pumps, diagnostic recorders, and cochlear implants. The telemetry processor includes control logic, a data decoder, a receive buffer, a data encoder, and a transmit buffer. Methods of receiving messages and transmitting messages with a telemetry processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemetry device which is in communication with an MRI system, and which is operable to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The telemetry device includes a controller and telemetry circuitry. In one embodiment, the telemetry device is operable to automatically detect the presence of an IMD, and determine if the IMD is in an MRI-safe mode. If the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode, the telemetry device can initiate processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan while the IMD in not in an MRI-safe mode.

Abstract: A system and method for handling data received from an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. The method includes communicating a device parameter value of an IMD device parameter from the IMD to an external device and determining, at the external device, that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value. Additionally, in response to the determining that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value, automatically performing at least one of re-programming the IMD device parameter with a selected substitute device parameter value, ignoring, or purging non-programmable data.

Abstract: In one aspect a system includes an external communication device configured to interrogate a pulse generator, an external programmer device communicatively coupled to the external communication device; the external programmer device configured to receive a listing of valid electrode pairs from the pulse generator through the external communication device, the external programmer device configured to prevent a pacing, sensing, or shocking vector from being programmed by the user if a pair of electrodes needed for the vector are not included within the listing of valid electrode pairs.

Abstract: Power supplied to a particular telemetry system of an implantable device having multiple telemetry systems is managed by a state machine. Power to a transceiver of a device is terminated if the particular telemetry system remains dormant or inactive for a programmable period of time and power to the transceiver is turned on if a particular signal is received by the implantable device.

Abstract: Methods of providing a digital program request formatted by a remotely-located server are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing an identifier associated with an implantable medical device (IMD) to the remotely-located server to acquire the digital program request intended for the IMD, and validating the digital program request using a digital identification code uniquely identifying the server. In response to successful validation of the digital program request, the program request is added to a storage queue for subsequent wireless transmission to the IMD. A sequential code contained within the digital program request is compared to a second sequential code earlier processed by the IMD to verify that the digital program request is not processed out-of-order. The results of the validating step are stored in a notification queue for subsequent transmittal to the server.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system, for monitoring and optimizing implant performance, includes at least two programmers and an implant. Each programmer may perform inquiry and programming operations on the implant. In an inquiry operation, the programmer retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implant. In a programming operation, the programmer provides one or more modified parameters to the implant. As part of the programming operation, the programmer is configured to verify that it is aware of the implant's current parameters before sending modified parameters. The current programmer verifies that the implant's parameters have not been altered since the current programmer's last interaction with the implant. If the parameters have been altered, the current programmer aborts the programming operation and provides notification. The verification may be performed by the implant, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the remote programming of a programmable personal medical device (10, 10?), in particular an implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or the like, selecting (61) of a personal medical device, compiling (63) of a programming instruction (50) by accepting inputs of a user, and checking (63) the inputs for plausibility and compatibility with the personal medical device in a programming device (20), transmitting (65) the programming instruction to a patient intermediary device (30) tuned to the personal medical device via at least one indirect connection, receiving (67) of the programming instruction by the patient intermediary device, and transmitting of the programming instruction to the personal medical device, and accepting (69) of the programming instruction by a programmable controller of the personal medical device being provided.

Abstract: Communications with an implantable device are conducted using a physical telemetry link dynamically selected from multiple physical telemetry links based on selected criteria including, for example, bandwidth, security, data throughput, channel availability and reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for protecting a function mode of a medical device, the method comprising steps of: when an operator selects to use a function mode that needs protection in the medical device, presenting the operator information on a specified operation for entering the selected function mode; receiving an operation of the operator; determining whether the received operation of the operator is identical to the specified operation; and starting the selected function mode, if the determining result is confirmative. The invention not only efficiently protects the function modes of the medical device and makes it not to be operated arbitrarily, but also facilitates the use of the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide an external clinician interface, such as through the use of a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The foregoing clinician interface may be used with trial stimulators well suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Stimulators of embodiments are adapted for use in providing stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera.

Abstract: A telemetry module connects to a computing device in order to perform functions related to programming and interaction with an implantable medical device (IMD). The telemetry module manages communication between the computing device and the IMD, and ensures that instructions provided by the computing device for programming the IMD are valid and safe before those instructions are executed.

Abstract: A telemetry system is presented for enabling radio-frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its RF circuitry.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for interactively defining and calibrating a treatment protocol program for a stimulation device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG). An IPG, whether it is a self-contained implantable pulse generator (SCIPG) or externally-powered implantable pulse generator (EPIPG), communicates with an external patient programmer (EPP) to receive treatment protocol programs. Using the EPP, treatment protocol programs are developed, executed, and tested while the patient provides real-time feedback, providing efficient and effective programming.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods of minimizing current drain of an implantable medical device during wireless communication with the device, thereby reducing battery depletion of the device. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device comprises a wireless receiver configured to communicate wirelessly with an external transmitter of an external device via a plurality of communication channels each having a different frequency within a frequency band. The wireless receiver comprises a wideband receiver circuit configured to detect a signal from any of the plurality of communication channels at the different frequencies within the frequency band simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the therapy of a cardiac rhythm abnormality victim at a remote site by proving immediate access to a medical professional at a central station. The method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a plurality of electrodes for receiving cardiac signals generated by the victim and for the application of electrical pulses to the victim at a remote site; (2) transmitting the signals from the remote site to a central station; (3) receiving the signals at the central station and displaying them for the medical professional; (4) selecting whether to delivery defibrillation or pacing therapy to the victim based on the medical professional's analysis of the signals (5) transmitting the selection results to the remote site; and (6) receiving the selection results at the remote site and applying the selected therapy to the victim.

Abstract: A medical device programmer automatically adjusts parameters to be programmed to a medical device in response to a user modifying related parameters. Slide controllers on the programmer display screen can adjust parameters. In response to slide controller movement, the programmer automatically adjusts related parameters by moving their slide controllers. This graphically illustrates to the user the automatic adjustments being made to the related parameters. and the relationship between parameters being adjusted by the user and automatically. In response to on screen parameter changes, the system graphically illustrates the parameter values that are changed and those that are programmed to the medical device and those that would cause unsafe condition in the medical device if programmed. The method also prevents the programming to the medical device the parameters that would cause an unsafe condition.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that determines parameters for programming an implantable medical device based on patient-specific information including indications for use of the implantable medical device. By executing an indication-based programming algorithm, the programming device substantially automates the process between the diagnosis of a patient and the programming of an implantable medical device using parameters individually determined for that patient.