Method of graphical display of link status and fail-safe mechanism for safety during real-time medical device therapy

• US 20060161213A1
• Filed: 01/14/2005
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Patel, Neilesh S.
• Application Number:
  US11/036,243
• Publication Number:
  US 20060161213A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37282 characterised by communication with experts in remote locations using a network
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/23 Indication means, e.g. displays, alarms, audible means

Abstract

A remote medical device programming system and method are provided for monitoring a communication signal during a remote programming procedure and generating a communication status signal for presentation on a display. The communication signal monitoring may include monitoring a communication link bandwidth on a communication network linking a remote programmer to a central programmer. The communication signal monitoring may also include monitoring a telemetry signal strength between the remote programmer and the medical device being programmed. The system and method further provide a fail-safe response to a communication status signal that does not meet predetermined safety criteria.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a remote programmer adapted for telemetric communication with an implantable medical device for use in proximity to a patient having the implantable medical device;

a communication network coupled to the remote programmer;

a central programmer coupled to the communication network for transferring programming commands to the implantable medical device via the remote programmer; and

a communication status module for monitoring the communication between the central programmer and the implantable medical device and for generating a communication status signal.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication status module comprises a communication network link bandwidth monitor for monitoring a communication link bandwidth on the communication network and wherein the communication status signal comprises a bandwidth status signal.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication status module comprises a telemetry link signal strength monitor for monitoring a telemetry link signal strength between the implantable medical device and the remote programmer and wherein the communication status signal comprises a telemetry strength status signal.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication status module comprises a communication link bandwidth change monitor for detecting an erratic communication link bandwidth and wherein the communication status signal comprises an erratic bandwidth status signal.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication status module comprises a telemetry link signal strength change monitor for detecting an erratic telemetry link signal strength and wherein the communication status signal comprises an erratic telemetry strength signal.

6. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a display for receiving the communication link status signal and displaying a communication status.

7. A system, comprising:

means for generating a set of programming data for use in programming an implantable medical device;

means for transmitting the programming data via a communication network;

means for receiving the programming data from the communication network;

means for monitoring signals on the communication network during transmission of programming data from the generating means to the receiving means and for generating a communication status indicator; and

means for displaying the communication status indicator.

8. The system according to claim 7 further comprising means for performing a fail-safe response responsive to the communication status indicator.

9. The system according to claim 8 wherein the means for performing a fail-safe response comprises means for restoring permanently programmed operating parameter values in the implantable medical device.

10. The system according to claim 8 wherein the means for performing a fail-safe response comprises means for eliminating at least a portion of real-time data for transfer from the implantable medical device.

11. A method for use during remote programming of a medical device, comprising:

monitoring a communication signal during transmission of programming data between a central programmer and the remote medical device; and

displaying a communication status responsive to the monitored communication signal.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the monitored communication signal comprises a communication link bandwidth on a communication network.

13. The method according to claim 11 wherein the monitored communication signal comprises a rate of change in the communication link bandwidth over time.

14. The method according to claim 11 wherein the monitored communication signal comprises a telemetry signal strength.

15. The method according to claim 11 wherein the monitored communication signal comprises a rate of change in the telemetry signal strength over time.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising providing a fail-safe response responsive to the monitored communication signal.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein providing a fail-safe response comprises restoring a previously programmed operating parameter value in the medical device.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein providing a fail-safe response comprises eliminating at least a portion of real-time data for transfer from the implantable medical device to the central programmer.