Communications System for an Implantable Medical Device and a Delivery Device

• US 20110270159A1
• Filed: 07/13/2011
• Published: 11/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: WARKENTIN, DWIGHT H., FEREK-PETRIC, BOZIDAR
• Application Number:
  US13/181,727
• Publication Number:
  US 20110270159A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/66
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14208 with a programmable infusion control system, characterised by the infusion program
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3576 with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/00 Measuring parameters of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/005 Parameter used as control input for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14 Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1684 by detecting the amount of infusate remaining, e.g. signalling end of infusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• 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 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass

Abstract

A method for monitoring drug dose, intake and effectiveness includes a drug delivery device in data communications with at least one implantable medical device. The method is preferably implemented in a web-enabled environment in which a remote data center communicates with the implantable devices (IMDs) in a patient via a programmer or the pill dispenser. The method may include facilitating access by a physician, clinician, or other user of the remote data center to review and monitor the IMDs or the drug delivery regime remotely. The method further provides a dynamic drug management system, compatible with a web-enabled interactive data communication environment that accurately monitors dose and specific drug effectiveness in a patient to enhance patient care.

Claims

1. A method of interfacing an implantable medical device (IMD) and a drug delivery device comprising:

receiving within the IMD a communication from the drug delivery device relating to a drug therapy;

determining if the communication requires a response from the IMD;

selecting one or more responses to the communication when it is determined that the communication requires a response, wherein the possible responses include;

(a) adjusting a therapy delivered by the IMD;

(b) notifying the patient;

(c) alerting a remote user; and

(d) communicating instructions to the drug delivery device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication from the drug delivery device is an indication that a dosage has been taken.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining if the communication requires a response includes monitoring the effectiveness of the drug therapy.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication from the drug delivery device is an indication that an expected dosage has not been taken.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the communication is the absence of a received message by the IMD from the drug delivery device during an expected time period.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication from the drug delivery device to the IMD is routed through a communications device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the communications device is a programmer.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of:

a watch, a pager, a cellular phone, a PDA, a telephone, or a personal computer.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if the communication requires a response occurs in a communication device external to and in communication with the IMD.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the communication device is a programmer.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes a changing of a dosage of a drug delivered by the drug delivered device.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes a changing of a drug delivered by the drug delivery device.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes the drug delivery device to granting access to a drug contained within the drug delivery device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes the drug delivery device to deny access to a drug contained within the drug delivery device.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes the drug delivery device to cease delivery of a drug.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes the drug delivery device to alter a rate at which a drug is dispensed from the drug delivery device.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein instructing the drug delivery device causes the drug delivery device to alter a frequency at which a drug is dispensed from the drug delivery device.

4. The method of claim wherein monitoring the effectiveness includes sensing physical parameters within a patient by the IMD.