Remote monitoring and adjustment of a food intake restriction device

• US 20080009680A1
• Filed: 06/24/2005
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Hassler, William
• Application Number:
  US11/167,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20080009680A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/135 inflatable for measuring blood pressure A61B5/022; inflatable pressure pads A61F5/34
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1355 Automated control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0003 having an inflatable pocket filled with fluid, e.g. liquid or gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0004 adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/001 for adjusting a diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0013 for adjusting fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0053 remotely adjustable

Abstract

A bi-directional communication system for use with a restrictive opening device implanted within a patient. The system includes a sensor for measuring an operational parameter within the restrictive opening device. The system further includes a means for communicating a measured parameter data from the sensor means to a local unit external to the patient. The system further includes a base unit at a remote location from the patient, the base unit including user interface means for evaluating the measured parameter data. And, a communication link between the local and base units for transmitting data between the units, the transmitted data including the measured parameter data.

Claims

1. A bi-directional communication system for use with a restrictive opening device implanted within a patient, the system comprising:

a. sensor means for measuring an operational parameter within the restrictive opening device;

b. means for communicating measured parameter data from the sensor means to a local unit external to the patient;

c. a base unit at a remote location from the patient, the base unit including user interface means for evaluating the measured parameter data; and

d. a communication link between the local and base units for transmitting data between the units, the transmitted data including the measured parameter data.

2. The bi-directional communication system of claim 1, wherein the measured operational parameter comprises fluid pressure within the restrictive opening device.

3. The bi-directional communication system of claim 2, wherein the user interface means further comprises means for entering an adjustment command for the restrictive opening device.

4. The bi-directional communication system of claim 3, wherein the adjustment command is transmitted between the base and local units through the communication link.

5. The bi-directional communication system of claim 4, wherein the communication link comprises an Internet connection between the local and base units.

6. The bi-directional communication system of claim 4, wherein the communication link comprises a telephone network.

7. The bi-directional communication system of claim 2, wherein the communicating means further comprises a portable data recording device capable of being worn by the patient for recording fluid pressure measurements from the restrictive opening device over a sampling time period.

8. The bi-directional communication system of claim 7, further comprising means for transmitting fluid pressure measurements directly from the portable data recording device to the base unit through a communication link.

9. The bi-directional communication system of claim 4, further comprising:

a. means for transmitting the adjustment command to the restrictive opening device; and

b. a control means in the restrictive opening device for adjusting the device in response to the adjustment command.

10. A method for communicating data between a restrictive opening device implanted in a patient, and a base unit remotely located from the patient, the method comprising the steps of:

a. measuring fluid pressure in the restrictive opening device;

b. retrieving fluid pressure measurements from the restrictive opening device;

c. transmitting the retrieved fluid pressure measurements to the base unit; and

d. evaluating the fluid pressure measurements at the base unit to determine the size of a stoma formed by the restrictive opening device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the retrieving step further comprises transmitting the measured fluid pressure from the restrictive opening device to a local unit via telemetry.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting step further comprises:

a. initiating an interface via an Internet communications link between the local and base units; and

b. transmitting the measure fluid pressure through the Internet link.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting step further comprises:

a. initiating an interface between the base and local units via a telephone network; and

b. transmitting the measure fluid pressure through the telephone network.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

a. entering an adjustment command for the restrictive opening device at the base unit; and

b. transmitting the adjustment command to the restrictive opening device to adjust the size of the stoma formed by the restrictive opening device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmitting the adjustment command step further comprises:

a. transmitting the adjustment command from the base unit to the local unit via a communications link;

b. accessing the adjustment command through the local unit; and

c. injecting the patient with a syringe and using the syringe to vary fluid levels in the restrictive opening device an amount specified in the adjustment command.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmitting the adjustment command step further comprises:

a. transmitting the adjustment command to the restrictive opening device via telemetry; and

b. using the adjustment command to drive a control means in the implanted restrictive opening device to adjust fluid levels in the device an amount specified in the adjustment command.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of transmitting fluid pressure measurements to the base unit while adjusting the restrictive opening device.

18. A system for remotely monitoring and adjusting an implanted restrictive opening device, the system comprising:

a. sensor means for measuring fluid pressure in the restrictive opening device;

b. telemetry means for transmitting fluid pressure measurements from the implanted restrictive opening device to a local unit;

c. a communication link for transmitting pressure measurements from the local unit to a base unit a remote distance from the patient; and

d. user interface means in the base unit for evaluating the fluid pressure measurements.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the communication link comprises an Internet connection between the local and base units.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the user interface means further comprises:

a. means for entering an adjustment command for the restrictive opening device; and

b. means for transmitting the adjustment command through the communication link to the local unit.

21. The system of claim 18, further comprising a portable data recording device capable of being worn by a patient for recording fluid pressure measurements from the sensor means.