Failsafe programming of implantable medical devices
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- receiving stay-alive signals from a programming device at a watchdog unit coupled to the programming device during a programming session between the programming device and an implantable medical device;
resetting a watchdog timer maintained by the watchdog unit in response to receipt of each of the stay-alive signals; and
sending a signal from the watchdog unit to the implantable medical device via wireless telemetry to cause the implantable medical device to revert to a program previously stored within a memory of the implantable medical device in response to expiration of the watchdog timer.
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Abstract
A watchdog unit receives stay-alive signals from a programming device during programming of an implantable medical device. The watchdog unit maintains a watchdog timer, and resets the timer upon receipt of each stay-alive signal. If the watchdog timer expires, the watchdog unit changes a mode of operation of the implantable device, e.g., places the implantable medical device into a known, safe state. For example, the watchdog unit may cause the implantable medical device to suspend delivery of therapy, perform a power-on reset, and/or recall a known, safe, therapy delivery program.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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receiving stay-alive signals from a programming device at a watchdog unit coupled to the programming device during a programming session between the programming device and an implantable medical device; resetting a watchdog timer maintained by the watchdog unit in response to receipt of each of the stay-alive signals; and sending a signal from the watchdog unit to the implantable medical device via wireless telemetry to cause the implantable medical device to revert to a program previously stored within a memory of the implantable medical device in response to expiration of the watchdog timer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system comprising:
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an implantable medical device; and a watchdog unit to receive stay-alive signals during a programming session with the implantable medical device, reset a watchdog timer maintained by the watchdog unit in response to receipt of each of the stay-alive signals, and send a signal to the implantable medical device via wireless telemetry to cause the implantable medical device to revert to a program previously stored within a memory of the implantable medical device in response to expiration of the watchdog timer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification