Medical apparatus remote control and method

• US 20020126036A1
• Filed: 12/21/2001
• Published: 09/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Insulet Corporation
• Original Assignee: Insulet Corporation
• Inventors: Flaherty, J. Christopher, Garibotto, John T.
• Granted Patent: US 6,768,425 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics

Abstract

A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, including a medical treatment apparatus and a remote control device. The medical treatment apparatus has a local processor, and a local communication element connected to the local processor, while the remote control device includes a remote processor, user interface components connected to the remote processor, and a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor. The remote control device also includes at least two separate power supplies connected to the remote processor.

Claims

1. A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, comprising:

A) a medical treatment apparatus including,

a local processor, and

a local communication element connected to the local processor;

B) a remote control device separate from the medical treatment apparatus and including,

a remote processor,

user interface components connected to the remote processor,

a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor, and

at least two separate power supplies connected to the remote processor.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the separate power supplies include a general purpose power supply and a dedicated power supply and the remote control device is adapted to use the dedicated power supply only for functions related to communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the general purpose power supply comprises a battery.

4. A system according to claim 2, wherein the general purpose power supply is user-replaceable.

5. A system according to claim 2, wherein the dedicated power supply comprises a capacitor.

6. A system according to claim 2, wherein the dedicated power supply is unitarily integrated as part of the remote control device.

7. A system according to claim 2, wherein the remote processor is programmed to use the dedicated power supply upon a measured power level of the general purpose power supply falling below a predetermined minimum power level.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device further includes an alarm connected to the remote processor and the remote processor is programmed to activate the alarm upon a measured power level of a first of the separate power supplies falling below a predetermined minimum power level.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

10. A system according to claim 1, wherein the medical treatment apparatus includes a unique identification included in all communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote processor is programmed to receive a unique identification for the medical treatment apparatus during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein all subsequent communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device include the unique identification for the medical treatment apparatus.

13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote processor is programmed to send a unique identification for the remote control device during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein all subsequent communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device includes the unique identification for the remote control device.

15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device includes a unique identification included in all communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

16. A system according to claim 1, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises one of an external infusion pump, an implanted infusion pump, a pacemaker, a cardiac defibrillator, a neurostimulator, an x-ray machine, an EKG machine, a diagnostic device, a glucometer, a blood analyzer, an electrocautery device, an operating room table, a monitor, and a laparoscopic controller.

17. A system according to claim 1, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device also including:

an exit port assembly, and

a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port assembly,

wherein the local processor is connected to the dispenser and is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly based upon flow instructions.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device includes a transcutaneous access tool.

19. A system according to claim 17, wherein the local processor is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly only upon receiving the flow instructions from the remote control device.

20. A system according to claim 17, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a reservoir, and the dispenser controls fluid flow from the reservoir to the exit port assembly.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the fluid comprises insulin.

23. A system according to claim 20, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a fill port connected to the reservoir.

24. A system according to claim 17, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port assembly based solely on flow instructions from the separate, remote control device;

the local communication unit includes a wireless receiver for receiving the flow instructions and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

25. A system according to claim 24, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the wireless receiver, and wherein the housing is free of user input components for providing the flow instructions to the local processor.

26. A system according to claim 17, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to provide flow information;

the local communication unit includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting the flow information from the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote receiver for receiving the flow information from the local transmitter; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include output components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to receive the flow information.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the local communication unit, and wherein the housing is free of user output components for providing the flow information from the local processor to a user.

28. A system according to claim 26, wherein:

the local processor is programmed to receive at least some of the flow instructions from the remote control unit;

the local communication unit also includes a wireless receiver connected to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

29. A kit including a system according to claim 17, and further comprising a subcutaneous access tool for connection to the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device.

30. A kit according to claim 29, including one of the remote control device, a plurality of the fluid delivery devices, and a plurality of subcutaneous access tools for connection to the exit ports of the fluid delivery device.

31. A kit according to claim 30, wherein each fluid delivery device includes a bar code.

32. A system according to claim 17, wherein the fluid delivery device is packaged in a container for shipping and handling prior to use.

33. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is also adapted to function as at least one of a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and an electronic game.

34. A system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device further includes electronic memory storing a user manual for the medical treatment apparatus.

35. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication between the remote control device and the medical treatment apparatus is radio frequency signals.

37. A system according to claim 36, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

38. A system according to claim 36, wherein the power supply is user-replaceable.

39. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote control device further includes an alarm connected to the remote processor and the remote processor is programmed to activate the alarm upon the measured power level of the power supply falling below the predetermined minimum power level.

40. A system according to claim 39, wherein the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

41. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote processor is programmed to ignore hysteresis in the measured power level.

42. A system according to claim 36, wherein the medical treatment apparatus includes a unique identification included in all communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

43. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote processor is programmed to receive a unique identification for the medical treatment apparatus during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

44. A system according to claim 43, wherein all subsequent communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device include the unique identification for the medical treatment apparatus.

45. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote processor is programmed to send a unique identification for the remote control device during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

46. A system according to claim 45, wherein all subsequent communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device includes the unique identification for the remote control device.

47. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote control device includes a unique identification included in all communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

48. A system according to claim 36, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises one of an external infusion pump, an implanted infusion pump, a pacemaker, a cardiac defibrillator, a neurostimulator, an x-ray machine, an EKG machine, a diagnostic device, a glucometer, a blood analyzer, an electrocautery device, an operating room table, a monitor, and a laparoscopic controller.

49. A system according to claim 36, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device also including:

an exit port assembly, and

a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port assembly,

wherein the local processor is connected to the dispenser and is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly based upon flow instructions.

50. A system according to claim 49, wherein the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device includes a transcutaneous access tool.

51. A system according to claim 49, wherein the local processor is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly only upon receiving the flow instructions from the remote control device.

52. A system according to claim 49, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a reservoir, and the dispenser controls fluid flow from the reservoir to the exit port assembly.

53. A system according to claim 52, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid.

54. A system according to claim 53, wherein the fluid comprises insulin.

55. A system according to claim 52, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a fill port connected to the reservoir.

56. A system according to claim 49, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port assembly based solely on flow instructions from the separate, remote control device;

the local communication unit includes a wireless receiver for receiving the flow instructions and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

57. A system according to claim 56, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the wireless receiver, and wherein the housing is free of user input components for providing the flow instructions to the local processor.

58. A system according to claim 49, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to provide flow information;

the local communication unit includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting the flow information from the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote receiver for receiving the flow information from the local transmitter; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include output components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to receive the flow information.

59. A system according to claim 58, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the local communication unit, and wherein the housing is free of user output components for providing the flow information from the local processor to a user.

60. A system according to claim 59, wherein:

the local processor is programmed to receive at least some of the flow instructions from the remote control unit;

the local communication unit also includes a wireless receiver connected to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

61. A kit including a system according to claim 49, and further comprising a subcutaneous access tool for connection to the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device.

62. A kit according to claim 61, including one of the remote control device, a plurality of the fluid delivery devices, and a plurality of subcutaneous access tools for connection to the exit ports of the fluid delivery device.

63. A kit according to claim 62, wherein each fluid delivery device includes a bar code.

64. A system according to claim 49, wherein the fluid delivery device is packaged in a container for shipping and handling prior to use.

65. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote control device is also adapted to function as at least one of a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and an electronic game.

66. A system according to claim 36, wherein the remote control device further includes electronic memory storing a user manual for the medical treatment apparatus.

67. A system according to claim 36, wherein the wireless communication between the remote control device and the medical treatment apparatus is radio frequency signals.

69. A system according to claim 68, wherein each of the remote control device and the medical treatment apparatus includes a unique identification.

70. A system according to claim 68, wherein the unique identification is included in all communications between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.

71. A system according to claim 68, wherein the remote processor is programmed to receive a unique identification for the medical treatment apparatus during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

72. A system according to claim 68, wherein the remote processor is programmed to send a unique identification for the remote control device during a first communication with the medical treatment apparatus.

73. A system according to claim 72, wherein the local processor is programmed to thereafter accept commands only from the remote control device associated with the unique identification.

74. A system according to claim 68, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises one of an external infusion pump, an implanted infusion pump, a pacemaker, a cardiac defibrillator, a neurostimulator, an x-ray machine, an EKG machine, a diagnostic device, a glucometer, a blood analyzer, an electrocautery device, an operating room table, a monitor, and a laparoscopic controller.

75. A system according to claim 68, wherein the medical treatment apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device also including:

an exit port assembly, and

a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port assembly,

wherein the local processor is connected to the dispenser and is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly based upon flow instructions.

76. A system according to claim 75, wherein the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device includes a transcutaneous access tool.

77. A system according to claim 75, wherein the local processor is programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly only upon receiving the flow instructions from the remote control device.

78. A system according to claim 75, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a reservoir, and the dispenser controls fluid flow from the reservoir to the exit port assembly.

79. A system according to claim 78, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid.

80. A system according to claim 79, wherein the fluid comprises insulin.

81. A system according to claim 78, wherein the fluid delivery device further comprises a fill port connected to the reservoir.

82. A system according to claim 75, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port assembly based solely on flow instructions from the separate, remote control device;

the local communication unit includes a wireless receiver for receiving the flow instructions and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

83. A system according to claim 82, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the wireless receiver, and wherein the housing is free of user input components for providing the flow instructions to the local processor.

84. A system according to claim 75, wherein:

the local processor of the fluid delivery device is programmed to provide flow information;

the local communication unit includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting the flow information from the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote receiver for receiving the flow information from the local transmitter; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include output components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to receive the flow information.

85. A system according to claim 84, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a housing containing the exit port assembly, the dispenser, the local processor, and the local communication unit, and wherein the housing is free of user output components for providing the flow information from the local processor to a user.

86. A system according to claim 84, wherein:

the local processor is programmed to receive at least some of the flow instructions from the remote control unit;

the local communication unit also includes a wireless receiver connected to the local processor;

the remote communication unit of the remote control device includes a remote transmitter for sending the flow instructions to the local receiver; and

the user interface components of the remote control device include input components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to enter the flow instructions.

87. A kit including a system according to claim 75, and further comprising a subcutaneous access tool for connection to the exit port assembly of the fluid delivery device.

88. A kit according to claim 87, including one of the remote control device, a plurality of the fluid delivery devices, and a plurality of subcutaneous access tools for connection to the exit ports of the fluid delivery device.

89. A kit according to claim 88, wherein each fluid delivery device includes a bar code.

90. A system according to claim 75, wherein the fluid delivery device is packaged in a container for shipping and handling prior to use.

91. A system according to claim 68, wherein the remote control device is also adapted to function as at least one of a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and an electronic game.

92. A system according to claim 68, wherein the remote control device further includes electronic memory storing a user manual for the medical treatment apparatus.

93. A system according to claim 68, wherein the wireless communication between the remote control device and the medical treatment apparatus is radio frequency signals.

36. A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, comprising:

A) a medical treatment apparatus including,

a local processor, and

a local communication element connected to the local processor;

B) a remote control device separate from the medical treatment apparatus and including,

a remote processor,

user interface components connected to the remote processor,

a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor, and

a power supply connected to the remote processor, wherein the remote processor is programmed to only conduct functions related to the transfer of information between the local processor and the remote processor upon a measured power level of the power supply falling below a predetermined minimum power level.

68. A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, comprising:

A) a medical treatment apparatus including,

a local processor, and

a local communication element connected to the local processor;

B) a remote control device separate from the medical treatment apparatus and including,

a remote processor,

user interface components connected to the remote processor, and

a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor;

wherein at least one of the remote control device and the medical treatment apparatus includes a unique identification included in at least one communication between the medical treatment apparatus and the remote control device.