Implantable medical device management system

• US 7,324,949 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2001
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Bristol, Guy Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Zeender, Florian
• Assistant Examiner(s): Frenel, Vanel
• Application Number:
  US10/025,023
• Publication Number:
  US 20020138155A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,232 Days
• Field of Search: 705 2- 3, 702/183, 604/65
• US Class Current: 705/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31156 Network structure, internet
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31186 TCP-IP internet protocol
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34038 Web, http, ftp, internet, intranet server
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/00 ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical references

Abstract

A suite of applications is provided for the administration of implantable medical devices, particularly implantable therapeutic substance infusion devices. The applications may be accessed over a public network, such as the Internet, and may be run using middleware. The applications provide for the administration of medical devices as they pertain to a particular patient, the ordering of therapeutic agents from participating third-party dispensaries, the scheduling of device maintenance and explant events, and the review of literature and educational materials pertaining to a particular medical device or class of devices.

Claims

1. A computerized system providing for the management and configuration of one or more therapeutic substance infusion devices, comprising:

a server connected to a network, said server further being connected to a database of patient information;

a remote suite of computer readable remote program code devices for support of therapeutic substance infusion devices connected through said network comprising;

a first computer readable remote program code device adapted to permit a user to provide feedback to a therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer regarding the operation of the one or more therapeutic substance infusion devices;

a second computer readable remote program code device which allows the user access to a report including information on therapeutic substance infusion device patient support and device replacement management;

a third computer readable remote program code device which allows a user access to literature providing information concerning therapeutic substance infusion devices;

and a fourth computer readable remote program code device which provides a communication connection between a clinician and a pharmacy.

2. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the first computer readable remote program code device allows the user to register a therapeutic substance infusion device with the medical device manufacturer.

3. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the first computer readable remote program code device allows the user to view a therapeutic substance infusion device'"'"'s capabilities and interconnectivities.

4. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device allows the user to view a list of therapeutic substance infusion devices implanted in one or more patients and schedule events pertaining to these devices.

5. The computerized system of claim 4, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device allows the user to view at least one patient'"'"'s prescription history and medical history.

6. The computerized system of claim 4, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device predicts a lifespan of at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

7. The computerized system of claim 6, wherein the predicted lifespan is based on an algorithm provided by the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer.

8. The computerized system of claim 7, wherein the algorithm performs calculations for therapeutic substance infusion device replacement based on information learned by the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer on therapeutic substance infusion devices in an existing patient population.

9. The computerized system of claim 8, wherein the predicted lifespan includes a minimum life expectancy, a maximum life expectancy, and a predicted failure date for the at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

10. The computerized system of claim 4, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device provides the user with a therapeutic substance infusion device replacement schedule to provide reminders of upcoming device replacement priorities.

11. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein a server file or a web page is accessed to provide access to the literature concerning therapeutic substance infusion devices.

12. The computerized system of claim 11, wherein the literature is specifically targeted to the user'"'"'s areas of interest.

13. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device allows the clinician to place orders of a therapeutic agent on behalf of a patient.

14. The computerized system of claim 13, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device allows the user to change prescription orders of a therapeutic agent on behalf of a patient.

15. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device provides the user with an automated dosage calculator to provide predictive scenarios of contemplated treatment regimens.

16. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device provides the user with at least one of pump refill reminders and prescription order reminders.

17. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein at least one computer readable remote program code device is implemented as an Internet graphical user interface application portal.

18. The computerized system of claim 17, wherein the graphical user interface is a user-configurable template.

19. The computerized system of claim 17, wherein the Internet graphical user interface is implemented with at least one of Java and HTML technologies.

20. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the server hosts a first computer readable server program code device for the entry of patient information into the database of patient information.

21. The computerized system of claim 20, wherein the server is further connected to a database of therapeutic substance infusion device information.

22. The computerized system of claim 21, wherein the server further hosts a second computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic substance infusion device information into the database of therapeutic substance infusion device information.

23. The computerized system of claim 22, wherein the sewer is further connected to a database of user profiles.

24. The computerized system of claim 23, wherein the server further hosts a third computer readable server program code device for the entry of user profile information into the database of user profiles.

25. The computerized system of claim 24, wherein the server is further connected to a database of therapeutic agent information.

26. The computerized system of claim 25, wherein the server further hosts a fourth computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic agent data into the database of therapeutic agent information.

27. The computerized system of claim 26, wherein the server hosts a fifth computer readable server program code device for the accessing and analysis of therapeutic agent data as applied to at least one specific patient.

28. The computerized system of claim 27, wherein the fifth computer readable server program code device determines compatibility with at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

29. The computerized system of claim 28, wherein the therapeutic agent data comprises recommended dosages and agent interaction data.

30. The computerized system of claim 20, wherein the patient data further comprises therapeutic agent allergies for at least one specific patient.

31. The computerized system of claim 30, wherein the fifth computer readable server program code device provides therapeutic agent refill and order reminders.

32. The computerized system of claim 31, wherein access to the server is provided to third party users over a secure virtual connection over a public network.

33. The computerized system of claim 32, wherein the third party users include at least one of a pharmacist, a physician, a patient, and the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer.

34. The computerized system of claim 33, wherein the access to the server is provided following encrypted knowledge-based authentication.

35. The computerized system of claim 34, wherein the access to the server is provided following receipt of a passphrase over an encrypted channel.

36. The computerized system of claim 35, wherein access to the server is provided over a secure socket layer protocol connection.

37. The computerized system of claim 36, wherein the connection of the server to the network is a business-to-business connection with at least one therapeutic agent dispensary.

38. The computerized system of claim 37, wherein the connection of the server to the network is a business-to-customer connection with at least one physician.

39. The computerized system of claim 38, wherein the connection of the server to the network is a business-to-customer connection with at least one patient.

40. A computerized system providing for the management and configuration of one or more therapeutic substance infusion devices, comprising:

a server connected to a network;

a database of patient information connected to said network;

a database of therapeutic substance infusion device information connected to said network;

a database of therapeutic agent information connected to said network;

a database of user profile information connected to said network;

a suite of computer readable remote program code devices for support of therapeutic substance infusion devices connected through said network including;

a first computer readable remote program code device that allows a user to manage therapeutic substance infusion devices, said first application allowing the user to register a therapeutic substance infusion device with a medical device manufacturer;

a second computer readable remote program code device that allows the user access to a report which includes information on therapeutic substance infusion device patient support and device replacement management, said second application further allowing the user to view a list of therapeutic substance infusion devices implanted in one or more patients and schedule events pertaining to these devices;

a third computer readable remote program code device which allows a user access to literature and materials providing information concerning therapeutic substance infusion devices, said literature and materials being specifically targeted based upon user profile information;

and a fourth computer readable remote program code device that allows a clinician to communicate with a pharmacy wherein the clinician can place orders of a therapeutic agent on behalf of a patient.

41. The computerized system of claim 40, wherein the first computer readable remote program code device allows the user to provide feedback to the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer regarding the operation of the therapeutic substance infusion device.

42. The computerized system of claim 41, wherein the first computer readable remote program code device allows the user to view a therapeutic substance infusion device'"'"'s capabilities and interconnectivities.

43. The computerized system of claim 42, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device allows the user to view at least one patient'"'"'s prescription history and medical history.

44. The computerized system of claim 43, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device predicts a lifespan of at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

45. The computerized system of claim 44, wherein the predicted lifespan is based on an algorithm provided by the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer.

46. The computerized system of claim 45, wherein the algorithm performs calculations for therapeutic substance infusion device replacement based on information learned by the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer on therapeutic substance infusion devices in an existing patient population.

47. The computerized system of claim 46, wherein the predicted lifespan includes a minimum life expectancy, a maximum life expectancy, and a predicted failure date for the at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

48. The computerized system of claim 47, wherein the second computer readable remote program code device provides the user with a therapeutic substance infusion device replacement schedule to provide reminders of upcoming device replacement priorities.

49. The computerized system of claim 48, wherein a server file or a web page is accessed to provide access to the literature and materials concerning therapeutic substance infusion devices.

50. The computerized system of claim 49, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device allows the user to change prescription orders of a therapeutic agent on behalf of a patient.

51. The computerized system of claim 50, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device provides the user with an automated dosage calculator to provide predictive scenarios of contemplated treatment regimens.

52. The computerized system of claim 51, wherein the fourth computer readable remote program code device provides the user with at least one of pump refill reminders and prescription order reminders.

53. The computerized system of one of claims 52, wherein at least one computer readable remote program code device is implemented as an internet graphical user interface application portal.

54. The computerized system of claim 53, wherein the graphical user interface is a user-configurable template.

55. The computerized system of claim 54, wherein the server hosts a first computer readable server program code device for the entry of patient information into the database of patient information.

56. The computerized system of claim 55, wherein the server further hosts a second computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic substance infusion device information into the database of therapeutic substance infusion device information.

57. The computerized system of claim 56, wherein the server further hosts a third computer readable server program code device for the entry of user profile information into the database of user profiles.

58. The computerized system of claim 57, wherein the server further hosts a fourth computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic agent data into the database of therapeutic agent information.

59. The computerized system of claim 58, wherein the server hosts a fifth computer readable server program code device for the accessing and analysis of therapeutic agent data as applied to at least one specific patient.

60. The computerized system of claim 59, wherein the fifth computer readable server program code device determines compatibility with at least one therapeutic substance infusion device.

61. The computerized system of claim 60, wherein the therapeutic agent data comprises recommended dosages and agent interaction data.

62. The computerized system of claim 61, wherein the patient information further comprises therapeutic agent allergies for at least one specific patient.

63. The computerized system of claim 62, wherein the fifth computer readable server program code device provides therapeutic agent refill and order reminders.

64. The computerized system of claim 63, wherein access to the server is provided to third party users over a secure virtual connection over a public internetwork.

65. The computerized system of claim 64, wherein the third party users includes at least one of a pharmacist, a physician, a patient, and the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer.

66. The computerized system of claim 65, wherein the access to the server is provided following encrypted knowledge-based authentication.

67. The computerized system of claim 66, wherein the access to the server is provided following receipt of a passphrase over an encrypted channel.

68. The computerized system of claim 67, wherein access to the server is provided over a secure socket layer protocol connection.

69. The computerized system of claim 68, wherein the therapeutic substance infusion device manufacturer administers the server.

70. The computerized system of claim 69, wherein the connection of the server to the internetwork is a business-to-business connection with at least one therapeutic agent dispensary.

71. The computerized system of claim 70, wherein the connection of the server to the internetwork is a business-to-customer connection with at least one physician.

72. The computerized system of claim 71, wherein the connection of the server to the internetwork is a business-to-customer connection with at least one patient.

73. A computerized system providing for the management and configuration of one or more therapeutic substance infusion devices, comprising:

a network;

a database of patient information connected to said network;

a database of therapeutic substance infusion device information connected to said network;

a database of therapeutic agent information connected to said network;

a database of user profile information connected to said network;

a server connected to said network, wherein

said server hosts a first computer readable server program code device for the entry of patient information into the database of patient information,

said server hosts a second computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic substance infusion device information into the database of therapeutic substance infusion device information, said server hosts a third computer readable server program code device for the entry of user profile information into the database of user profiles, and

said server hosts a fourth computer readable server program code device for the entry of therapeutic agent data into the database of therapeutic agent information;

a suite of computer readable remote program code devices in communication with said server for support of said therapeutic substance infusion devices connected through said network including;

a first computer readable remote program code device adapted to allow a user to manage therapeutic substance infusion devices, said first computer readable remote program code device adapted to allow the user to submit therapeutic substance infusion device performance data to, and register a therapeutic substance infusion device with, a medical device manufacturer so that the medical device manufacturer can inform users of important therapeutic substance infusion device issues;

a second computer readable remote program code device that allows the user access to reports detailing therapeutic substance infusion device patient support and device replacement management, said report providing a list of therapeutic substance infusion devices implanted in one or more patients, a schedule of events pertaining to these devices, and an estimated lifetime of the therapeutic substance infusion device;

a third computer readable remote program code device which allows a user access to literature and materials providing information concerning therapeutic substance infusion devices, said literature and materials being specifically targeted based upon user profile information;

and a fourth computer readable remote program code device that allows a clinician access to a pharmacy wherein the clinician can place orders for a therapeutic agent on behalf of a patient.