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: Integrity of a wirelessly telemetered message communicated between an implantable medical device and an external programmer is authenticated by encoding the message. The message is encrypted based on a random number or time stamp and a secret key. The message is authenticated by encryption and decryption or by executing a hash function.

Abstract: In a method and a system for organizing not yet implanted implantable medical devices, each having a telemetry unit associated therewith, a local administration unit transmits an inquiry signal to at least one of the telemetry units and receives a return signal therefrom in response to the inquiry signal. The return signal establishes the existence of the medical device, and the local administration unit, or a remote external unit in communication with the local administration unit, can then determine a course of action to be taken, such as a recall procedure, invoicing or taking inventory, based on the return signal from the medical device.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive an enclosure surrounding the at least one hard disk drive, and a transmitter and receiver for producing and transmitting signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one hard disk drive, wherein transmissions are encrypted as encrypted information for security of the user.

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 describes systems, devices, and methods for programmably adjusting therapy or other operative parameter values of an implantable cardiac rhythm management device using a programmer that includes a display that graphically illustrates one or more relationship between a parameter being programmed and other parameters and/or rules governing interactions between parameters.

Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.

Abstract: In general, channel occupancy techniques for multi-channel medical device communication are provided. More specifically, techniques are described for maintaining a communication session between an external device and an implantable medical device (IMD) to reduce the potential for conflict with other programmers. A device, such as an external device, includes a transmit module to transmit telemetry signals to an implantable medical device over a communication channel, and a control unit that communicates data to the IMD via the transmit module. The control unit communicates idle messages over the communication channel during gaps within the data communication to the IMD.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling secure communications between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device (ED) over a telemetry channel. A telemetry interlock may be implemented which limits any communications between the ED and the IMD over the telemetry channel, where the telemetry interlock is released when the ED transmits an enable command to the IMD via a short-range communications channel requiring physical proximity to the IMD. As either an alternative or addition to the telemetry interlock, a data communications session between the IMD and ED over the telemetry channel may be allowed to occur only after the IMD and ED have been cryptographically authenticated to one other.

Abstract: A patient monitoring device incorporates a receiver capable of single-antenna or multi-antenna operation. Multi-antenna operation permits the monitoring device to take advantage of spatial diversity for improved communication with an implantable medical device in the presence of fading. However, the small size of many patient monitoring devices can make the incorporation of multiple antennas difficult. To permit spatial diversity operation, a base station includes at least a second antenna that can be coupled to the patient monitoring device. Alternatively, the base station may have one or more high quality antennas that are used by patient monitoring device instead of the antenna in the patient monitoring device when the patient monitoring device is coupled to the base station.

Abstract: An active medical device equipped with a memory for the storage of medical data such as Holter data and instructions for controlling a microprocessor. This device comprises a micro-processor operating (14) on N bits, and a memory organized in words of 2N bits, with a first sector (22) storing a control software for the microprocessor, and a second sector (24) storing of the elementary medical data of N bits. Each word of the first sector includes N bits of operating code and n bits of error detection and correction code, with 1?n?N. An interfacing circuit (18) allows, according to commands delivered by the microprocessor, to read in parallel N+n bits of a word from the first sector, or to read or to write N bits of low weight of a word of the second sector, or to read or write N bits of high weight of a word of the second sector.

Abstract: A medical data processing system that enables individual implanted medical device (IMD) programming units to securely access information networks that are susceptible to carrying data contaminants. In an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for exchanging data with a plurality of implanted medical device (IMD) programming units, via a server arrangement that is coupled to a network, includes the step of establishing communication connections between the server arrangement and the plurality of IMD programming units. In response to receiving data at the server arrangement and destined for the IMD programming units, further including the step of identifying data contaminants in the received data and intercepting data containing data contaminants before the data reach the IMD programming units.

Abstract: A method and system for recording changes to programmable parameters in an implantable pulse generator. An executable program is stored in an implantable pulse generator. A parameter log is maintained in the implantable pulse generator, where the parameter log is used to record changes to the state of one or more programmable parameters of the executable program. When a change is detected in the state, from a first state to a second state, of the one or more programmable parameters the first state of the one or more programmable parameters changed to the second state are recorded in the parameter log. The parameter log is retrievable to allow for analysis of when and how changes took place to the executable program.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, external unit, and method for establishing communication between them are disclosed. The external unit learns the frequencies of transmission and reception for the implant. The transmit frequency of the implant is learned by the external unit measuring a difference between the transmit frequency of the implant and the external unit's receive frequency. The receive frequency of the implant is learned by the measured difference between its transmit frequency and the receive frequency of the external unit when the implant has a fixed transmit and receive frequency difference. Otherwise, the receive frequency is learned by the implant measuring the difference between its receive frequency and the transmit frequency of the external unit and by sending an indication of the difference to the external unit through the return signal. The external unit may anticipate a beginning of the implant's preset communication period based on its internal clock.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions. A medical device system has a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of icons is defined, wherein the plurality of icons includes a first icon, a second icon and a third icon, wherein the first icon indicates correctness, wherein the second icon warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third icon warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the plurality of icons. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the icon associated with the parameter interaction is displayed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a radio-frequency (RF) telemetry circuit and a power connection module through which the RF telemetry circuit is connected to an energy source such as a battery. The power connection module connects power from the energy source to at least one portion of the RF telemetry circuit when a user initiates an RF telemetry session. After the RF telemetry session is completed, the power connection module shuts off the at least one portion of the RF telemetry circuit. Power-on examples include a wireless telemetry activation signal received by a low power radio receiver in the implantable device, a physical motion detected by an activity sensor in the implantable device, an activation of an inductive telemetry circuit in the implantable device, a magnetic field detected by a magnetic field detector in the implantable device, and/or a telemetry activation signal detected by a sensing circuit included in the implantable device.

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: An analyte concentration monitoring system having network-based communication features which provide a link between an analyte detection system and a centralized computer. The analyte detection system has a processor that calculates analyte concentration in accordance with software executable by the processor. Under certain conditions, the software needs to be updated. Accordingly, when the analyte detection system is connected to the centralized computer, the centralized computer determines whether a software update is needed. If a software update is needed, then the centralized computer conveniently provides the software update to the analyte detection system without intervention from a user.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device establishes communication with at least first and second external devices which communicate using first and second communication protocols, respectively, and wherein the first and second protocols are different. The implantable device includes a pulse generator configured to generate stimulation pulses and a telemetry circuit arranged to establish communication with the first and second external devices according to the first and second communication protocols, respectively. A control circuit coupled to the telemetry circuit and the pulse generator detects the first and second external devices based upon the protocol used in establishing communication to provide a first response when the first external device is detected and a second response when the second external device is detected.

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 method and system for enabling secure communications between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device (ED) over a telemetry channel. A telemetry interlock may be implemented which limits any communications between the ED and the IMD over the telemetry channel, where the telemetry interlock is released when the ED transmits an enable command to the IMD via a short-range communications channel requiring physical proximity to the IMD. As either an alternative or addition to the telemetry interlock, a data communications session between the IMD and ED over the telemetry channel may be allowed to occur only after the IMD and ED have been cryptographically authenticated to one other.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the gain for a shock lead system in an implantable medical device is provided. The system and method operate when, after a pre-selected period of time, the gain has not been programmed. The system and method then automatically produce and set the gain for the shock lead system. The system and method poll and determine a maximum value for the output of the shock lead system amplifier and produce a new gain value to scale the output to facilitate providing useful data that is large enough to separate signal from noise but small enough to avoid clipping.

Abstract: An active medical device equipped with a memory for the storage of medical data such as Holter data and instructions for controlling a microprocessor. This device comprises a micro-processor operating (14) on N bits, and a memory organized in words of 2N bits, with a first sector (22) storing a control software for the microprocessor, and a second sector (24) storing of the elementary medical data of N bits. Each word of the first sector includes N bits of operating code and n bits of error detection and correction code, with 1≦n≦N. An interfacing circuit (18) allows, according to commands delivered by the microprocessor, to read in parallel N+n bits of a word from the first sector, or to read or to write N bits of low weight of a word of the second sector, or to read or write N bits of high weight of a word of the second sector.

Abstract: On occasion, a physician may wish to monitor, test, adjust, or otherwise interact with an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted in the body of a patient, but the patient is not physically present. The physician may receive information from the IMD remotely. To better prompt the physician to recall the patient, the invention provides techniques for presenting the image of the patient, along with information pertaining to the IMD implanted in the patient. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method that includes storing a digital image of a patient in memory in the IMD. In other embodiments the invention is directed to methods for communicating information so that an image of the patient may be presented along with information pertaining to the IMD.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system that includes a pacemaker configured for resynchronization pacing and an external programmer with an associated display for displaying electrogram markers. The markers are designed to relate information to a user in a manner suited for biventricular or other resynchronization pacing.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.

Abstract: A programmer including a user interface, and techniques for programming a rate responsive implantable medical device using such a programmer and user interface are presented. The programmer may retrieve currently programmed rate response parameters and optimization target values of an implantable medical device. The programmer may display the currently programmed rate response parameters and optimization target values via a user interface. The programmer may also generate a current rate response curve and a current target rate histogram, and display the current rate response curve and current target rate histogram via the user interface. The programmer may receive changes to the displayed currently programmed rate response parameters and/or target values made by a user via the user interface, generate a pending rate response curve and/or a pending target rate histogram based on these changes, and display the pending rate response curve and/or pending target rate histogram via the user interface.

Abstract: A method and assembly for selectively actuating features of implanted medical devices with a magneto-static field. The method includes selectively exposing the implanted device to a static magnetic field source, selectively shielding the magnetic field source, and distancing the shielded magnetic field source from the medical device. One version of the assembly includes a permanent magnet and a displaceable shield assembly that shields the magnetic field generated by the magnet in one configuration and is displaceable to a second configuration wherein the magnetic field is at least partially exposed. In another version, the assembly is an electromagnet that can be selectively activated and deactivated. The electromagnet generates minimal magnet field when it is off.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions. A medical device system has a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of icons is defined, wherein the plurality of icons includes a first icon, a second icon and a third icon, wherein the first icon indicates correctness, wherein the second icon warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third icon warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the plurality of icons. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the icon associated with the parameter interaction is displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies.

Abstract: A method and a system for conducting failure mode recovery of an implanted medical device. The embodiments described reduce the risk of leaving an IMD in an undesirable state when conditions during programming of the IMD unexpectedly change. In an example embodiment, failure mode recovery in an implanted device is facilitated when a communications link with a medical communications system having an application program is interrupted. The failure mode recovery method includes establishing a communications link between the medical communications system and an extender module configured to receive an application proxy from the application program. An application proxy is then loaded into the extender module via the application program. The application proxy is configured to transition the implanted device to a recovery state in response to a set of conditions. The implanted device then transitions to a completed state via the application program, while transitioning of the completed state is monitored.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) issues a notification when it has been left in a programmed state for some time, possibly inadvertently. The patient or another person may then initiate a course of corrective action, such as programming the device to an appropriate state.

Abstract: An implantable medical device communication unit bi-directionally communicates with an external device. The communication unit includes a receiver arranged to receive communication signals, having a signal strength, from the external device. The receiver includes a discriminator that is provided with a discriminator threshold such that the receiver means only accepts received signals having a signal strength higher than said discriminator threshold to activate the medical device. The discriminator threshold is adapted to be adjusted in response to control signals from a control unit in the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving telemetry data from implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers with improved noise immunity is disclosed. Ambient noise levels and signal strength are monitored and used to adaptively adjust the detection sensitivity of the receiver. Filtering of the received signal is performed to remove both broadband and narrowband noise. Removal of narrowband noise is accomplished with notch filters that are dynamically adjusted in accordance with a detected noise spectrum.

Abstract: A data logging system and method in which an implantable medical device transmits logged data to an external data logging device with low energy potential signals. The implantable device generates potential signals modulated with digitally encoded data by operating a current source to cause corresponding electrical potentials that can be sensed at the skin surface by the external data logging device. The data logging device then demodulates the sensed potentials to derive the digital data and stores the data in a data logging storage medium.

Abstract: A programmer for an implantable medical device is described. It includes means for displaying a graphical representation of a quantity influenced by the operation of said medical device and means for associating parameters relating to the control of the device with portions of said graphical representation. When an operator selects and alters the shape of said displayed graphical representation to illustrate a desired operational effect of said medical device on said quantity, the arrangement responds to the altered shape by modifying the values of associated parameters accordingly. This enables an operator to select parameters on the basis of the effect intended, rather than setting parameter values and then observing the effect. The resulting system is thus not only more intuitive and thus easier to use for a medical practitioner, it will also be safer for the patient, since there is less likelihood of the operator programming unsuitable parameter values.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device establishes communication with at least first and second external devices which communicate using first and second communication protocols, respectively, and wherein the first and second protocols are different. The implantable device includes a pulse generator configured to generate stimulation pulses and a telemetry circuit arranged to establish communication with the first and second external devices according to the first and second communication protocols, respectively. A control circuit coupled to the telemetry circuit and the pulse generator detects the first and second external devices based upon the protocol used in establishing communication to provide a first response when the first external device is detected and a second response when the second external device is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the gain for a shock lead system in an implantable medical device is provided. The system and method operate when, after a pre-selected period of time, the gain has not been programmed. The system and method then automatically produce and set the gain for the shock lead system. The system and method poll and determine a maximum value for the output of the shock lead system amplifier and produce a new gain value to scale the output to facilitate providing useful data that is large enough to separate signal from noise but small enough to avoid clipping.

Abstract: A medical data processing system that enables individual implanted medical device (IMD) programming units to securely access information networks that are susceptible to carrying data contaminants. In an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for exchanging data with a plurality of implanted medical device (IMD) programming units, via a server arrangement that is coupled to a network, includes the step of establishing communication connections between the server arrangement and the plurality of IMD programming units. In response to receiving data at the server arrangement and destined for the IMD programming units, further including the step of identifying data contaminants in the received data and intercepting data containing data contaminants before the data reach the IMD programming units.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the protection of neuroprosthesis operation against unauthorized access to the function or operating data. The system is assigned to neuroprostheses for treating functional disorders of the nervous system. This neuroimplant protection system (NIS) comprises at least one neuroprosthesis component which is in contact or operational connection with nerve tissue. Neuroprosthesis operation takes place only during the period of a specific authorization and/or comprises an authorized data transmission between external component and implanted component and/or an authorized communication for monitoring and/or defining the neuroprosthesis functional state. The communication between external and implanted component is in encrypted form.

Abstract: A system and method of enabling detection enhancements selected from a plurality of detection enhancements. In a system having a plurality of clinical rhythms, including a first clinical rhythm, where each of the detection enhancements is associated with the clinical rhythms, the first clinical rhythm is selected. The first clinical rhythm is associated with first and second detection enhancements. When the first clinical rhythm is selected, parameters of the first and second detection enhancements are set automatically. A determination is made as to whether changes are to be made to the parameters. If so, one or more of the parameters are modified under user control.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device, a frequency synthesizer employed in the RF transceiver of the IMD operating system functions in a PLL LOCK mode wherein the VCO frequency is governed by the PLL and an energy saving HOLD mode wherein the PLL is not operational and the VCO generated carrier frequency can drift over time. The PLL circuit is powered up and coupled with a control voltage input and the output of the VCO to develop a frequency control voltage stored by a capacitive loop filter during initial LOCK portions of both uplink and downlink telemetry transmission time periods. A frequency modulation (FM) input of the VCO receives data bit modulation voltages that modulates the carrier frequency during uplink transmission of patient data.

Abstract: Cyclic redundancy calculations are provided by operating on a data stream, e.g., a data stream in an implantable medical device, to perform a polynomial division thereon using one of a first cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial and a second cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial. The first cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial is a higher order polynomial than the second cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial and contains all terms of the second cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial. The polynomial division may be implemented using linear feedback shift register circuitry and circuitry to select between the use of the first or second cyclic redundancy code generator polynomial.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely programming implantable medical devices. The apparatus includes a server adapted to receive and store at least one request to modify the behavior of an implantable medical device provided by a programmer adapted to allow a clinician to create the at least one request at a first selected time. The apparatus further includes a monitor adapted to receive the requests from the server and transmit the requests to the implantable medical device at a second selected time and a bi-directional communications system adapted to couple the server and the monitor.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device establishes communication with at least first and second external devices which communicate using first and second communication protocols, respectively, and wherein the first and second protocols are different. The implantable device includes a pulse generator configured to generate stimulation pulses and a telemetry circuit arranged to establish communication with the first and second external devices according to the first and second communication protocols, respectively. A control circuit coupled to the telemetry circuit and the pulse generator detects the first and second external devices based upon the protocol used in establishing communication to provide a first response when the first external device is detected and a second response when the second external device is detected.

Abstract: A dual-mode telemetry system that allows digital binary data to be efficiently transferred between an implantable device and a patient control unit. The patient control unit utilizes a bidirectional, asymmetric, telemetry link, wherein in a first mode, the patient control unit transmits data at a high bit rate to the implanted device, and in a second mode, the patient control unit receives data at a low bit rate from the implanted device. The telemetry system is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct, and requires minimal modifications to the implanted device.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.

Abstract: A pacemaker or other implantable medical device stores diagnostic information pertaining to a variety of events detected pacemaker for subsequent transmission to an external programmer. The external programmer displays graphical representations of the diagnostic information under the control of a physician operating the programmer. In one example, the pacemaker senses events occurring within the heart during a refractory period following generation of a stimulation signal, stores diagnostic information pertaining to those events as “event records” within the pacemaker, and ultimately transmits the event records to the external programmer for display in various graphical formats.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.