Systems and methods for clinician control of stimulation systems

• US 20070088406A1
• Filed: 10/02/2006
• Published: 04/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: NDI Medical, LLC
• Inventors: Coburn, James, Thrope, Geoffrey, Strother, Robert, Rubin, Stuart, Pack, Danny, Bennett, Maria, Rundle, Kenneth
• Granted Patent: US 7,761,167 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37217 characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means

Abstract

Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising

a handheld electronic device, said device adapted to communicate with a medical device;

and

a base station,

wherein the handheld electronic device is further adapted to communicate with the base station.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the medical device is adapted to deliver a therapy.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the medical device comprises an implantable pulse generator.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base station comprises a housing and a handheld device connector.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base station housing is adapted to sit on a substantially horizontal support surface.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base station housing is adapted to be supported on a substantially vertical support surface.

7. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base station further comprises a user input device.

8. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base station further comprises a data output device.

9. A method for interfacing to a medical device, said method comprising the steps of:

establishing a communications link with the medical device;

communicating with the medical device;

obtaining information from the medical device; and

recording the obtained information.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein at least part of the information included in the communication is medical device identification information.

11. A method according to claim 9 further including the step of:

providing a handheld device, wherein the handheld device performs the communicating step, the obtaining step and the recording step.

12. A system for programming an implantable medical device and archiving data or parameters of the implantable medical device, the system comprising:

a handheld unit, said handheld unit comprising

a handheld unit housing;

a power supply seated in the handheld unit housing;

a user interface coupled to the microprocessor, the user interface disposed at least partially in the housing;

a microprocessor electronically coupled to the power supply and the user interface;

a telemetry module electronically coupled to the power supply and the microprocessor, wherein the telemetry module is a physical layer in a communications link with the implantable medical device;

external connection hardware; and

a base station, said base station comprising

a base station housing having a handheld device cradle; and

electronic memory,

wherein the base station device cradle is adapted to receive at least a portion of the handheld unit external connection hardware.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the user interface is also electronically coupled to the power supply.