Virtual remote monitor, alert, diagnostics and programming for implantable medical device systems

• US 20050159787A1
• Filed: 03/15/2005
• Published: 07/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Plombon, William J., Merry, Randy L., Linberg, Kurt R., Nelson, Chester G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,815,568 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/31
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3553 remote, e.g. between patient's home and doctor's office
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37211 Means for communicating with stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37264 Changing the program; Upgrading firmware
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37282 characterised by communication with experts in remote locations using a network
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/904 Telephone telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics

Abstract

A plurality of co-operative and complementary software programs are implemented in a web-enabled high speed computer system to remotely monitor, manage and modify the operational and functional parameters of a plurality of implanted medical devices (IMDs). The system utilizes virtual electrophysiologist module (VEM), chronic monitoring module (CMM) and prescription program module (PPM) programs to effect specific therapeutic and diagnostic methods for managing the IMDs, remotely on a conditions and real-time basis. The modules enable remote and continuous monitoring, management and maintenance of the IMDs by identifying critical medical events, determining optimal clinical settings and upgrading performance parameters based on prescriptive data. The modules are implemented in a data center having high-speed computers operating in a web-enabled environment. The modules and the IMDs communicate through wireless communications system via a programmer or an interface medical unit (IMD).

Claims

1. A method or providing programming information to at least one implantable medical device located within a patient, the method comprising:

initiating an interface between the implantable medical device and an expert data center comprising a VEM, CMM and PPM modules positioned in a data center at a distal location relative to the implantable medical device;

transmitting device information regarding the at least one implantable medical device from the implantable medical device to the data center;

transmitting patient information from the implantable medical device to the data center;

analyzing the device information and the patient information;

performing a diagnostic routine utilizing the device information and patient information;

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

automatically transmitting device identification information identifying the implantable medical device from the at least one implantable medical device to the data center, and authenticating a user prior to transmitting device information and patient information.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

performing a sequence of tests based upon the device information and the patient information; and

performing a diagnostic routine based upon the device information and the patient information.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

verifying that the at least one implantable medical device includes the optimum therapeutic setting.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

distributing a report including the optimum therapeutic setting to a designated location; and

storing patient session information in the data center.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

implementing a software program which determines the optimum therapeutic setting of the implantable medical device based upon the device information and patient information.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

transmitting a programming sequence to the implantable medical device via a telemetry device and an RF head, the programming sequence providing the optimum therapeutic setting.