CONTROL OF A DEFIBRILLATOR AND/OR PACEMAKER

• US 20120296381A1
• Filed: 06/29/2012
• Published: 11/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Inventors: MATOS, Jeffrey A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,565,882 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/4
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37282 characterised by communication with experts in remote locations using a network
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3904 External heart defibrillators [EHD]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person.

Claims

1-59. -59. (canceled)

60. In a medical monitoring and treatment apparatus which allows a person access to a medical professional to monitor and treat the person from a remote site, an electronic adapter device configured to allow an electronic medical monitoring and treatment device, for monitoring and treatment of the person, to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (“

T/R”

) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving T/R device used by the medical professional configured to monitor and control the treatment of the person, said adapter device including;

(a) at least one T/R input port configured to receive, from said first T/R device, a first local control signal, representing control information from said remote medical professional, adapted to control a treatment by said monitoring and treatment device;

(b) at least one T/R output port configured to transmit, to said first T/R device, a first local data signal, representing medical data of the person received from said monitoring and treatment device;

(c) a first data translation device connected to said input port operative to produce a second local control signal for controlling said monitoring and treatment device in response to said first local control signal received from said first T/R device;

wherein said first data translation device changes an information format of said first local control signal to an information format compatible with that of said monitoring and treatment device; and

(d) a second data translation device connected to said output port operative to produce said first local data signal for transmission to said first T/R device in response to a second local data signal representing said medical data of the person received from said monitoring and treatment device;

wherein said second data translation device changes an information format of said second local data signal to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device;

wherein said medical data are transmitted from said monitoring and treatment device sequentially via said adapter and said first T/R device to said second T/R device for evaluation by said remote medical professional;

wherein information from said medical professional for controlling the treatment of the person is transmitted from said second T/R device sequentially via said first T/R device and said adapter to said monitoring and treatment device; and

wherein in response to said second local control signal representing the control information from said remote medical professional, said monitoring and treatment device treats said person;

whereby said adapter is configured to allow control of said monitoring and treatment device from said remote second T/R device.

61. The apparatus defined in claim 60, further comprising said first T/R device, said first T/R device including first transmitting and receiving means, for

receiving said first local data signal from the output port of said adapter and, in response thereto, transmitting to said second T/R device a remote data signal representing the information contained in said first local data signal, and

receiving a remote control signal from said second T/R device representing control information from said medical professional and, in response thereto, transmitting said first local control signal representing the information contained in said remote control signal, to the input port of said adapter;

whereby said adapter communicates with said second T/R device via said first T/R device.

62. The apparatus define in claim 61, wherein said first T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

63. The apparatus defined in claim 61, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

64. The apparatus defined in claim 61, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

65. The apparatus defined in claim 61, wherein said adapter is implanted inside of a body of said person and said first T/R device is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

66. The apparatus defined in claim 61, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

67. The apparatus defined in claim 61, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

68. The apparatus defined in claim 61, further comprising said second T/R device, said second T/R device comprising:

a second transmitting and receiving means for receiving said remote data signal from said first T/R device, and for transmitting said remote control signal to said first T/R device; and

a processor for processing said remote data signal and for generating said remote control signal.

69. The apparatus defined in claim 68, wherein said second T/R device further comprises

a display device, coupled to said processor, for displaying a representation of the information specified by said remote data signal to said medical professional;

an input device for inputting control information for control of said medical monitoring and treatment device, by said medical professional;

wherein said processor is further operative to cause;

said display device to display said representation, and

said second transmitting and receiving means to transmit said remote control signal specifying said inputted control information.

70. The apparatus defined in claim 68, wherein said second T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

71. The apparatus defined in claim 68, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

72. The apparatus defined in claim 68, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

73. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signal and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

74. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signal and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

75. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said medical monitoring and treatment device is implanted inside of a body of said person and said adapter is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said second local control signal and said second local data signal between said medical monitoring and treatment device and said adapter is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

76. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signal and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

77. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signal and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

78. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said change of information format by at least one of said first and said second data translation devices entails at least one of decoding and encoding.

79. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said change of information format by at least one of said first and said second data translation devices entails at least one of decrypting and encrypting.

80. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said change of information format by at least one of said first and said second data translation devices entails changing one information coding language to another information coding language.

81. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said change of information format by at least one of said first and said second data translation devices entails at least one of compression and decompression.

82. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices changes said information format by changing the distribution of information in at least one of the time domain and the frequency domain.

83. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said first data translation device has stored therein identification information, wherein said first local control signal represents incoming identification information in addition to representing said control information from said remote medical professional, and wherein said first data translation device is responsive to said first local control signal received from said input port

for comparing the incoming identification information represented by said first local control signal with said stored identification information, and

for preventing communication with said medical monitoring and treatment device,

if said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same.

84. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said second T/R device.

85. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said medical professional.

86. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein each treatment command must be accompanied by incoming identification information which is the same as said stored incoming information, in order to be relayed from said first data translation device to said medical monitoring and treatment device.

87. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein a first treatment command must be accompanied by incoming identification information which is the same as said stored incoming information, in order to be relayed from said first data translation device to said medical monitoring and treatment device, and wherein subsequent treatment commands need not be accompanied by said incoming identification information.

88. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device and is operative to produce an information confirmation signal for transmission by said second data translation device to said output port, said information confirmation signal specifying whether or not the stored identification information is the same as the incoming identification information.

89. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein said first data translation device is operative to provide said incoming identification information to said medical monitoring and treatment device, for evaluation by said medical monitoring and treatment device;

thereby to provide further protection, in addition to that provided by the identification performed by the adapter device, against unauthorized access to said medical monitoring and treatment device.

90. The apparatus defined in claim 83, wherein, said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device;

and wherein said first data translation device is further operative to cause said second data translation device to prevent the transmission of said first local data signal from said adapter device to said first T/R device when said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same.

91. In a medical monitoring and treatment apparatus which allows a person access to a medical professional who can monitor and treat the person from a remote site, an electronic adapter device configured to allow a medical monitoring and treatment device, for monitoring and treatment of the person, to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (“

T/R”

) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving T/R device used by said medical professional adapted to monitor and control the treatment of the person, said adapter device including;

(a) a T/R input port configured to receive a first local control signal from said first T/R device, representing a command from said medical professional for controlling said monitoring and treatment device;

(b) a T/R output port configured to transmit a first local data signal to said first T/R device;

(c) a first data translation device connected to said input port, configured to produce a second local control signal in response to said first local control signal received from said first T/R device; and

(d) a second data translation device connected to said output port, configured to produce said first local data signal for communication to said first T/R device, in response to a second local data signal received from said medical monitoring and treatment device, representing medical data of said person;

wherein in response to said first local control signal, said first data translation device produces said second local control signal formatted for control of said medical monitoring and treatment device, and

wherein in response to said second local data signal said second data translation device produces said first local data signal formatted for input to said first T/R device; and

wherein said adapter is configured to cause information outputted by said first T/R device and carried by said first local control signal to be carried by said second local control signal and to be compatible with a control input of said medical monitoring and treatment device,

wherein said adapter is configured to cause information outputted by a medical signal circuit output of said medical monitoring and treatment device and carried by said second local data signal to be carried by said first local data signal and to be compatible with said first T/R device input,

wherein said second local data signal is transmitted from said medical monitoring and treatment device to said second T/R device for evaluation by said medical professional,

wherein said command is transmitted from said second T/R device to said control input of said medical monitoring and treatment device,

whereby said adapter device allows said medical monitoring and treatment device to transmit data to, and to be controlled by, said remote second T/R device via said local first T/R device.

92. The apparatus defined in claim 91, further comprising said first T/R device, said first T/R device including first transmitting and receiving means, for

receiving said first local data signal from the output port of said adapter and, in response thereto, transmitting to said second T/R device a remote data signal representing the information contained in said first local data signal, and

receiving a remote control signal from said second T/R device representing said command from said medical professional and, in response thereto, transmitting said first local control signal representing the information contained in said remote control signal, to the input port of said adapter;

whereby said adapter communicates with said second T/R device via said first T/R device.

93. The apparatus define in claim 92, wherein said first T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

94. The apparatus defined in claim 92, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

95. The apparatus defined in claim 92, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

96. The apparatus defined in claim 92, wherein said adapter is implanted inside of a body of said person and said first T/R device is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

97. The apparatus defined in claim 92, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

98. The apparatus defined in claim 92, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

99. The apparatus defined in claim 92, further comprising said second T/R device, said second T/R device comprising:

a second transmitting and receiving means for receiving said remote data signal from said first T/R device, and for transmitting said remote control signal to said first T/R device; and

a processor for processing said remote data signal and for generating said remote control signal.

100. The apparatus defined in claim 99, wherein said second T/R device further comprises

a display device, coupled to said processor, for displaying a representation of the information specified by said remote data signal to said medical professional;

an input device for inputting said command for control of said medical monitoring and treatment device, by said medical professional;

wherein said processor is further operative to cause;

said display device to display said representation, and

said second transmitting and receiving means to transmit said remote control signal specifying said inputted command.

101. The apparatus defined in claim 99, wherein said second T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

102. The apparatus defined in claim 99, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

103. The apparatus defined in claim 99, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by wireless communication means radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

104. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

105. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

106. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein said medical monitoring and treatment device is implanted inside of a body of said person and said adapter is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said medical monitoring and treatment device and said adapter is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

107. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

108. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

109. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices is operative to perform said signal formatting by performing at least one of decoding and encoding.

110. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices is operative to perform said signal formatting by performing at least one of decrypting and encrypting.

111. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices is operative to perform said signal formatting by changing one information coding language to another information coding language.

112. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices is operative to perform said signal formatting by performing at least one of compression and decompression.

113. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein at least one of said first and said second data translation devices is operative to perform said signal formatting by changing the distribution of information in at least one of the time domain and the frequency domain.

114. The apparatus defined in claim 91, wherein said first data translation device has stored therein identification information, wherein said first local control signal represents incoming identification information in addition to representing said control information from said remote medical professional, and wherein said first data translation device is responsive to said first local control signal received from said input port

for comparing the incoming identification information represented by said first local control signal with said stored identification information, and

for preventing communication with said medical monitoring and treatment device,

if said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same.

115. The apparatus defined in claim 114, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said second T/R device.

116. The apparatus defined in claim 114, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said medical professional.

117. The apparatus defined in claim 114, wherein said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device and is operative to produce an information confirmation signal for transmission by said second data translation device to said output port, said information confirmation signal specifying whether or not the stored identification information is the same as the incoming identification information.

118. The apparatus defined in claim 114, wherein, said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device;

and wherein said first data translation device is further operative to cause said second data translation device to prevent the transmission of said first local data signal from said adapter device to said first T/R device when said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same.

119. In a medical monitoring and treatment apparatus which allows a person access to a medical professional who can monitor and treat the person from a remote site, an electronic adapter device configured to allow a medical monitoring and treatment device, for monitoring and treatment of the person, to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (“

T/R”

) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving T/R device used by the medical professional for monitoring and controlling the treatment of the person, said adapter device including;

(a) a T/R input port configured to receive, from said first T/R device, an electronic first local control signal configured to;

control treatment by said monitoring and treatment device in response to a medical professional command transmitted from said second T/R device and specified by said electronic first local control signal; and

provide incoming identification information from said second T/R device; and

(b) a T/R output port configured to transmit, to said first T/R device, an electronic first local data signal specifying medical data of said person; and

(c) a first data translation device connected to said input port;

wherein said first data translation device has stored therein allowed identification information,

wherein said first data translation device is responsive to said electronic first local control signal received from said input port for comparing incoming identification information specified by said electronic first local control signal with said stored allowed identification information,

wherein said first data translation device is operative to provide a second local control signal specifying said command, to the medical monitoring and treatment device when said stored and said incoming identification information are the same, and

wherein said first data translation device is operative not to provide a signal specifying said command to said medical monitoring and treatment device when said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same; and

(d) a second data translation device connected to said output port, configured to receive an electronic second local data signal from said medical monitoring and treatment device specifying said medical data, and operative to produce said first local data signal specifying said medical data; and

wherein said signals representing said medical data are transmitted from said medical monitoring and treatment device, sequentially via said adapter and said first T/R device to said second T/R device for evaluation by said medical professional;

wherein said signals representing said treatment command are transmitted from said second T/R device sequentially via said first T/R device and said adapter to said medical monitoring and treatment device; and

whereby said adapter device allows said medical monitoring and treatment device to be remotely controlled by said medical professional when said stored identification information and said incoming identification information are the same;

whereby the identification information is adapted to provide protection against unauthorized access to said medical monitoring and treatment device.

120. The apparatus defined in claim 119, further comprising said first T/R device, said first T/R device including first transmitting and receiving means, for

receiving said first local data signal from the output port of said adapter and, in response thereto, transmitting to said second T/R device a remote data signal representing the information contained in said first local data signal, and

receiving a remote control signal from said second T/R device representing said command and said incoming identification information from said second T/R device and, in response thereto, transmitting said first local control signal representing the information contained in said remote control signal, to the input port of said adapter;

whereby said adapter communicates with said second T/R device via said first T/R device.

121. The apparatus define in claim 120, wherein said first T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

122. The apparatus defined in claim 120, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

123. The apparatus defined in claim 120, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

124. The apparatus defined in claim 120, wherein said adapter is implanted inside of a body of said person and said first T/R device is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

125. The apparatus defined in claim 120, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

126. The apparatus defined in claim 120, wherein both said adapter and said first T/R device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said first local control signals and said first local data signal between said adapter and said first T/R device is effected by communication means selected from the group radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

127. The apparatus defined in claim 120 further comprising said second T/R device, said second T/R device comprising:

a second transmitting and receiving means for receiving said remote data signal from said first T/R device, and for transmitting said remote control signal to said first T/R device; and

a processor for processing said remote data signal and for generating said remote control signal.

128. The apparatus defined in claim 127, wherein said second T/R device further comprises

a display device, coupled to said processor, for displaying a representation of the information specified by said remote data signal to said medical professional;

an input device for inputting at least one of said command and said incoming identification information;

wherein said processor is further operative to cause;

said display device to display said representation, and

said second transmitting and receiving means to transmit said remote control signal.

129. The apparatus defined in claim 127, wherein said second T/R device is selected from the group consisting of:

a radiofrequency transmitting and receiving device,

a microwave transmitting and receiving device,

a visible light transmitting and receiving device,

an infrared transmitting and receiving device,

a cellular telephone,

a cordless telephone,

a satellite telephone,

a communications device connected to a public telephone network,

a communications device connected to a private communications network,

a communications device connected to the Internet,

a computer connected to a public communications network,

a computer connected to a private communications network, and

a computer connected to the Internet.

130. The apparatus defined in claim 127, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

131. The apparatus defined in claim 127, wherein the communication between said first T/R device and said second T/R device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

132. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

133. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are implanted in a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

134. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said medical monitoring and treatment device is implanted inside of a body of said person and said adapter is situated external to said body, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said medical monitoring and treatment device and said adapter is effected by wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

135. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by a hard-wired electrical signal connection.

136. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein both said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device are situated external to a body of said person, and wherein the communication of said second local control signals and said second local data signal between said adapter and said medical monitoring and treatment device is effected by communication means selected from the group consisting of:

radiofrequency signal transmission,

a microwave signal transmission,

a visible light signal transmission,

an infrared signal transmission,

Bluetooth signal transmission,

a Wi-Fi signal connection,

a telecommunications network connection,

a digital network connection, and

an Internet connection.

137. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said allowed identification information comprises at least one identification number which identifies a medical professional allowed to control said medical monitoring and treatment device, and

wherein said incoming identification information contains an identification number supplied by a putative medical professional who wishes to control said medical monitoring and treatment device.

138. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said allowed identification information comprises at least one password which identifies a medical professional allowed to control said medical monitoring and treatment device, and

wherein said incoming identification information contains a password supplied by a putative medical professional who wishes to control said medical monitoring and treatment device.

139. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said second T/R device.

140. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said incoming identification information pertains to said medical professional.

141. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein each treatment command must be accompanied by incoming identification information which is the same as said stored incoming information, in order to be relayed from said first data translation device to said medical monitoring and treatment device.

142. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein a first treatment command must be accompanied by incoming identification information which is the same as said stored incoming information, in order to be relayed from said first data translation device to said medical monitoring and treatment device, and wherein subsequent treatment commands need not be accompanied by said incoming identification information.

143. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device and is operative to produce an information confirmation signal for transmission by said second data translation device to said output port, said information confirmation signal specifying whether or not the stored allowed identification information is the same as the incoming identification information.

144. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said first data translation device is operative to provide said incoming identification information to said medical monitoring and treatment device, for evaluation by said medical monitoring and treatment device;

thereby to provide further protection, in addition to that provided by the identification performed by the adapter device, against unauthorized access to said medical monitoring and treatment device.

145. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein, said first data translation device is coupled to said second data translation device;

and wherein said first data translation device is further operative to cause said second data translation device to prevent the transmission of said first local data signal from said adapter device to said first T/R device when said stored and said incoming identification information are not the same.

146. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device.

147. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device.

148. The apparatus defined in claim 119, wherein at least one of (i) said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device;

and (ii) said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device; and

wherein said change of information format entails at least one of decoding and encoding.

149. The apparatus defined in claim 119,

wherein at least one of (i) said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device;

and (ii) said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device; and

wherein said change of information format entails at least one of decrypting and encrypting.

150. The apparatus defined in claim 119,

wherein at least one of (i) said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device;

and (ii) said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device; and

wherein said change of information format entails changing one information coding language to another information coding language.

151. The apparatus defined in claim 119,

wherein at least one of (i) said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device;

and (ii) said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device; and

wherein said change of information format entails at least one of compression and decompression.

152. The apparatus defined in claim 119,

wherein at least one of (i) said first data translation device is operative to change an information format of said first local control signal, to an information format compatible with that of said medical monitoring and treatment device;

and (ii) said second data translation device is operative to change an information format of said second local data signal, to an information format compatible with that of said first T/R device; and

wherein said change of information format entails changing the distribution of information in at least one of the time domain and the frequency domain.