Multi-mode programmer for medical device communication

• US 7,209,790 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2003
• Issued: 04/24/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Greeninger, Daniel R., Thompson, David L., Weijand, Koen J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto; Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Oropeza; Frances P.
• Application Number:
  US10/722,891
• Publication Number:
  US 20040167587A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,245 Days
• Field of Search: 128/903, 607 30- 32, 607/59, 607/60
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37252 Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37254 Pacemaker or defibrillator security, e.g. to prevent or inhibit programming alterations by hackers or unauthorised individuals
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/401 for selecting or indicating operating mode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

The invention is directed to a programmer for communication with different medical devices that utilize different telemetry communication techniques. The programmer receives telemetry signals from a given medical device, and selects an appropriate communication mode, which can be pre-programmed into the programmer as one of a plurality of possible communication modes. The programmer can configure itself for communication with a given medical device based on the telemetry signal it receives. Specifically the programmer is implemented as a software based, power efficient receiver/transmitter based upon an inexpensive, simple motor-controller DSP.

Claims

1. A universal programmer or interrogator for communications with various types of implantable devices (IMDs) from different manufacturers including a digital signal processing (DSP) circuit, comprising:

means for receiving a data signal from any one of the IMDs; and

means for modulating said data signal consistent with one of a distinct modulation mode specific to one of the IMDs, wherein the means for modulating are contained within a motor controller DSP chip.

2. The universal programmer of claim 1 further comprising:

an antenna system;

a receiver in operable communication with the antenna for receiving and amplifying of said data signal; and

a transmitter for transmitting a data signal to said one of the IMDs.

3. The universal programmer of claim 1 wherein said DSP circuit includes means for conserving battery life.

4. A multi-mode programmer in proximal and remote data signal communication link with various types of medical devices and remote monitors from different manufacturers comprising:

a single chip DSP circuit;

a transceiver in operable electrical communication with the circuit; and

means for modulating the data signal consistent with one of the combinations of a modulation scheme of the medical devices and the remote monitor wherein said means for modulating within the single chip DSP circuit.

5. The programmer of claim 4 wherein said medical devices include one of implantable devices and externally mounted devices.

6. The programmer of claim 4 wherein said remote monitor includes a bi-directional communication network with a hospital or clinic for long distance remote patient monitoring.

7. The programmer of claim 4 wherein said transceiver includes an antenna adapted for both far-field and near-field telemetry.

8. The programmer of claim 4 wherein said DSP circuit includes a DSP chip fully static with low power modes forming an operable electrical system in combination with support circuitry.

9. The programmer of claim 8 wherein said support circuitry includes an antenna scheme having a first and second antenna disposed concentric one with the other.

10. The programmer of claim 9 wherein said first and second antennas are co-planar.

11. The programmer of claim 4 wherein said transceiver includes means for real-time test, means for signature evaluation and means for operating various Rx/demodulation to detect and identify the type of medical device being interrogated.

12. The programmer of claim 11 wherein the programmer is one of a patch, a belt-worn pager, PDA play-in module, a laptop plug-in module, a pendant and a watch.

13. The programmer of claim 4 wherein the communication link is selected from the group consisting of:

RF,IrDA, and ultra sound.

14. The programmer of claim 4 wherein the DSP circuit includes means for reducing power requirements.

15. The programmer of claim 7 wherein said antenna includes means for battery recharge input.

16. The programmer of claim 4 wherein the communication link includes an internet connection via a transponder.