Apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling a medical device

• US 6,135,949 A
• Filed: 09/14/1998
• Issued: 10/24/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Inventors: Moser, Joseph P., Chen, Sho, Wilson, Larry, Jordan, Alan E., Russo, Sam
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US09/152,573
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300, 604/207, 604/246, 604/131, 607/60, 128/904
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14208 with a programmable infusion control system, characterised by the infusion program
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence

Abstract

A medical apparatus is provided with a programmable medical device disposed at a first room location and a remote monitor and/or controller disposed at a second room location. The programmable medical device is used to administer a medical treatment to a patient, and the remote monitor/controller may be used to monitor the operation of the medical device, control the operation of the medical device, and/or to transfer data from the medical device to the remote monitor/controller. The apparatus may allow voice communication between the remote monitor/controller and the patient who is receiving treatment via the medical device while the medical device is being monitored and/or controlled from the remote location. The remote monitor/controller may also include means for determining the type of medical device to which it is connected.

Claims

1. A medical apparatus, comprising:

a medical device for interacting with a patient, disposed at a first location;

a remote apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling the medical device, the remote apparatus being disposed at a second location remote from the first location;

a communication link operatively coupled between the medical device and the remote apparatus;

apparatus for transferring data and/or commands between the medical device and the remote apparatus via the communication link; and

apparatus for providing voice communication between the medical device and the remote monitor/controller via the communication link contemporaneously while data and/or commands are being transferred between the medical device and the remote monitor/controller.

2. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the remote apparatus comprises a routine for programming the medical device and a routine for monitoring the medical device.

3. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the medical device comprises a device for administering a medical treatment to a patient.

4. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the medical device comprises a device for monitoring a medical condition of the patient.

5. The medical apparatus of claim 2 wherein the medical device comprises a memory for storing data regarding the medical device'"'"'s interaction with the patient and operation of the medical device and wherein the remote apparatus comprises a routine for downloading data stored in the medical device and a routine for viewing data from the medical device.

6. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the medical device comprises a controller for controlling the interaction of the medical device with the patient.

7. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus for allowing voice communication comprises:

a first voice/data modem operatively coupled to the medical device; and

a second voice/data modem operatively coupled to the remote apparatus, the first and second voice/data modems being coupled to the communication link.

8. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communication link comprises a telephone line.

9. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the medical device comprises a programmable infusion pump.