Network compatible RF wireless link for medical device data management

• US 20020013614A1
• Filed: 06/22/2001
• Published: 01/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Thompson, David L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,577,901 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37282 characterised by communication with experts in remote locations using a network
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

A network compatible RF Wireless Link for Medical Device Data Management includes apparatus for establishing a communication link between an IMD, a patient-worn device, and a remote monitoring station while at the same time minimizing device current drain. The minimal current drain is achieved by scheduling periodic interrogation of the data collected by the IMDs for subsequent transmission to a remote location. Generally, the communication system is implemented to transmit data preferably telemetered from the IMD to a patient-worn device. The data from the patient-worn device is transmitted to a transceiver that sends the data to a remote information network. The patient-worn device may be equipped with a Bluetooth (BT) or Home RF communication system. The transceiver is preferably similarly equipped with BT or Home RF technology having a plurality of nodes. In one aspect of the invention, the patient-worn device would transmit data to the transceiver, which may be connected to a phone line, cellular phone, satellite communication systems, telemetry or equivalent wireless data transmission system. The system provides patient mobility while enabling data transmission and interrogation of one or more implanted medical devices in the patient.

Claims

1. A network compatible RF wireless link including a power conservation scheme for medical device data management system in combination, comprising:

means for communicating with one or more implanted medical devices (IMDs) in a patient;

means for transferring IMD data to a transceiver; and

means for transferring IMD data for the transceiver to a remote monitoring station;

said means for communicating being an externally wearable device being in wireless data communications with said transceiver.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating includes a transponder or a BT or HRF chip implemented.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the power conservation scheme includes means for shutting off power to said HRF/BT chip.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for transferring includes one of a phone line, cellular, satellite and telemetry.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating includes a transponder with a BT or HRF chip implemented therein.

5. In relation to one or more IMDs implanted in a patient, a network compatible RF wireless link including a power conservation scheme for managing data transfer from the IMDs, in combination comprising:

means for communicating with the IMDs;

means for transferring the IMDs'"'"' data to a transceiver; and

means for transferring IMD data from the transceiver to a remote monitoring station;

said means for communicating being an externally wearable device being in wireless data communications with said transceiver.