Information remote monitor (IRM) medical device

• US 20020045804A1
• Filed: 02/02/2001
• Published: 04/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Schmalz, Brian P., Tapp, Gary A., De La Riva, Virginia, Malewicz, Andrzej M., Christopherson, Mark A., Kopischke, Troy D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,805,667 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0257 using atmospheric pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/904 Telephone telemetry

Abstract

An information remote monitor (IRM) is implemented to collect medical device data locally in a patient'"'"'s home for transmission to a remote location. Specifically, the IRM integrates data from an external pressure reference (EPR) and an implanted medical device (IMD), preferably the Chronicle®, for remote transmission to a server or a clinical center for follow-up, monitoring and evaluation. The IRM utilizes wireless telemetry to downlink to the IMD and directly engages the EPR to download barometric pressure data to correct cardiac pressure readings from the Chronicle® or IMD. The IRM may be connected serially to a PC and the PC may control the functions of the IRM. In the alternate, the PC may be used to transfer data from the IRM, through a Web-enabled network system, to a server or a remote location. The IRM utilizes an integral modem to dial a server and transfer patient data via FTP, PPP and TC/PIP protocols.

The IRM includes ergonomic shapes and features adapted for home use including a highly simplified and illustrative user interface that enables the patient to easily operate the device to successfully transfer medical data as needed.

Claims

1. A remote medical data transfer system in which data from one or more IMDs in a patient is transferred to a remote server or physician, the data transfer system comprising:

an IRM in wireless communication with the one or more IMDs;

an EPR containing long term barometric pressure data; and

a data transfer medium in operable communications with the IRM;

said IRM having engagement means to download said barometric data from the EPR and further implementing the wireless communication to uplink the one or more IMDs to transfer patient data in real time and to thereby integrate the patient data and the EPR for transmission to the remote server or physician via said data transfer medium.

2. The data transfer system of claim 1 wherein said IRM includes telemetry hardware and software and promotes ease of use by the patient.

3. The data transfer system of claim 1 wherein said IRM includes an integral modem to dial a server and transfer medical/patient data via FTP, PPP and TC/PIP protocols.

4. The data transfer system of claim 1 wherein said EPR engages said IRM via a docking port to allow data from the EPR to be downloaded.

5. The data transfer system of claim 4 wherein said docking port is adapted to accept and cradle said EPR for ease of use by the patient.

6. The data transfer system of claim 1 wherein said IRM includes ergonomic structures.

7. The data transfer system of claim 1 wherein said IRM includes a user interface system including visual displays, tones and correlated graphics.