SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PATIENT CONTROL OF STIMULATION SYSTEMS

• US 20170143983A1
• Filed: 10/31/2016
• Published: 05/25/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Thierfelder, Christopher A., Pack, Danny R., Strother, Robert B., Mrva, Joseph J., Bennett, Maria E., Thrope, Geoffrey B., Rubin, Stuart F., Barber, James E.
• Granted Patent: US 10,322,287 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37211 Means for communicating with stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37235 Aspects of the external programmer
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37264 Changing the program; Upgrading firmware
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/11 Energy harvesting
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/30 User interface
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services

Abstract

Provided is a portable controller and associated method that provides a patient or caregiver the ability to recharge and alter the parameters of an implanted medical device, while allowing the patient substantially unobstructed mobility. To enable mobility, the controller may be worn on a belt or clothing. The controller also allows the patient to turn device stimulation on and off, check battery status, and to vary stimulation parameters within ranges that may be predefined and programmed by a clinician. The controller communicates with the medical device to retrieve information and make parameter adjustments using wireless telemetry, and it can send and receive information from several feet away from the implanted medical device. Charging of a battery contained in the implanted medical device is achieved via an inductive radio frequency link using a charge coil placed in close proximity to the medical device.

Claims

1-33. -33. (canceled)

34. :

A method for communicating with an implanted medical device, the method comprising the steps of;

a. providing a portable communicative device having a user input interface and a user output interface, said communicative device capable of non-inductive radio frequency (RF) communication;

b. supplying electric power to the portable communicative device;

c. activating the portable communicative device;

d. broadcasting a wireless communication message from portable communicative device;

e. receiving a wireless communication response from the implanted medical device; and

f. indicating a status of the implanted medical device on the user output interface.

37. :

A method for detecting proper positioning of a transcutaneous recharger for an implanted medical device the method comprising the steps of;

a. providing a handheld controller including a recharging module and a telemetry module;

b. positioning the recharging module proximate the implanted medical device;

c. transmitting a radio frequency magnetic field from the recharging module; and

d. indicating the proximity between the recharging module and the implanted medical device.

38. :

A method for treating a patient having an implanted medical device, said medical device adapted for non-inductive radio frequency (RF) wireless communications in VHF and UHF frequency ranges, said medical device including an adjustable parameter, said adjustable parameter having a first number of settings, the method comprising the steps of;

a. developing a treatment regimen;

b. programming the adjustable parameter for use in the regimen; and

c. providing to the patient a portable controller adapted to adjust the adjustable parameter to one of a second number of settings, the second number being less than the first number.

39. :

A controller kit comprising

a. packaging;

b. a portable controller adapted for non-inductive radio frequency (RF) wireless communications with an implantable medical device, the controller disposed in the packaging; and

c. a power adaptor mateable with the controller, the power adaptor disposed in the packaging.