External infusion device with remote programming bolus estimator and/or vibration alarm capabilities

• US 6,551,276 B1
• Filed: 12/17/1999
• Issued: 04/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Srisathapat, Chad, Livingston, John, Murtfeldt, Bob, Hague, Cliff, Haubach, Alan, Gut, Adrian, Mann, Alfred E., Bishop, Dennis P., Malave, Luis J., Causey, James D. III, Ruppert, Deborah, Yonemoto, Jay
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Anhtuan T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lam, Ann Y
• Application Number:
  US09/466,006
• Time in Patent Office: 1,222 Days
• Field of Search: 604/131, 604/132, 604/65, 604/66, 604/67, 604/151, 604/133-136, 604/140, 604/150, 604/154, 604/156, 604/246, 604/247, 604/118, 604/121, 128/DIG.13
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1402 Priming
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1403 Flushing or purging
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3592 using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/01 Remote controllers for specific apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/201 Glucose concentration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14244 adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/36 with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body dialysis systems, blood oxygenators A61M1/14; haemofiltration equipment A61M1/34; automatic tube cut-off A61M39/281
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Claims

1. An infusion system for infusing a liquid from a reservoir containing the liquid into a body from a reservoir, the infusion system comprising:

an external infusion device including;

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

an infusion device receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the remotely generated commands; and

an infusion device transmitter coupled to the housing for wirelessly communicating to a remote commander receiver,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view on an individual when being remotely commanded; and

a remote commander including;

a commander housing;

an input device coupled to the commander housing for inputting commands;

a commander transmitter coupled to the input device for wirelessly transmitting commands to the infusion device receiver; and

a commander receiver for receiving communications from the infusion device transmitter.

2. An infusion system according to claim 1, wherein the commander receiver receives one or more communications from the infusion device transmitter indicating that one or more commands have been received by the infusion device receiver.

3. An infusion system according to claim 2, wherein the commander receiver further includes an indication device to indicate when a command has been received by the infusion device receiver.

4. An infusion system according to claim 3, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

5. An infusion system according to claim 3, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

6. An infusion system according to claim 3, wherein the indication device is a display device.

7. An infusion system according to claim 1, wherein the commander receiver receives one or more communications from the infusion device transmitter indicating that one or more commands are being carried out by the processor.

8. An infusion system according to claim 7, wherein the commander receiver further includes an indication device to indicate when one or more of the one or more commands is being utilized to control the external infusion device.

9. An infusion system according to claim 8, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

10. An infusion system according to claim 8, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

11. An infusion system according to claim 8, wherein the indication device is a display device.

12. An infusion system according to claim 1, wherein the commander receiver receives information from a glucose monitoring device.

13. An infusion system according to claim 12, wherein the commander receiver relays the information to another medical device.

14. An infusion system according to claim 12, wherein the commander receiver further includes an indication device to communicate information to a user.

15. An infusion system according to claim 14, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

16. An infusion system according to claim 14, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

17. An infusion system according to claim 14, in the indication device is a display device.

18. An infusion system according to claim 1, wherein the commander receiver receives information from the external infusion device.

19. An infusion system according to claim 18, wherein the commander receiver relays the information to another medical device.

20. An infusion system according to claim 18, wherein the commander receiver further includes an indication device to communicate information to a user.

21. An infusion system according to claim 20, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

22. An infusion system according to claim 20, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

23. An infusion system according to claim 20, wherein the indication device is a display device.

24. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn on a belt.

25. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn under clothing.

26. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is sized to allow for concealment under clothing in a generally unobtrusive manner.

27. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn against the skin.

28. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further sized to be contained in the pocket.

29. An external infusion device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further sized to be held within the pocket.

30. An external infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir, the external infusion device comprising:

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

a receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving wireless and remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives wireless and remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the wireless and remotely generated commands; and

an indication device, providing at least one of a visual indication, an audible indication or a tactile indication, to indicate when a command has been received and indicate when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view on an individual when being remotely commanded.

31. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the external infusion device includes a memory for storing programs, and wherein the receiver is capable of receiving software updates and facilitating remote programming of external infusion device capabilities.

32. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the external infusion device includes a memory for storing a patient infusion history and pump activity.

33. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating an audio bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

34. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating a vibration bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

35. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating a temporary basal rate delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

36. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and suspending delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

37. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating an extended bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

38. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating a dual wave bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

39. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the remotely generated commands are capable of programming and activating a profiled bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

40. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn on a belt.

41. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn under clothing.

42. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is sized to allow for concealment under clothing in a generally unobtrusive manner.

43. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn against the skin.

44. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is further sized to be contained in the pocket.

45. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn on a belt.

70. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the indication device produces an audible indication.

71. An external infusion device according to claim 30, wherein the indication device produces a vibratory indication.

46. An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body from a reservoir, the infusion system comprising:

an external infusion device including;

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

a receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the remotely generated commands; and

an indication device, providing at least one of a visual indication, an audible indication or a tactile indication, to indicate when a command has been received and indicate when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed when being remotely commanded; and

a remote commander including;

a commander housing;

a keypad coupled to the commander housing for inputting commands; and

a transmitter coupled to the keypad for wirelessly transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

47. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the external infusion device further includes a device transmitter to verify receipt of commands from the remote commander, wherein the remote commander further includes a remote receiver to receive the verification from the device transmitter of the external infusion device, and wherein the remote commander further includes a remote indication device to indicate receipt of the verification from the external infusion device.

48. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is sized to fit on a key ring.

49. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses RF frequencies to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

50. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses IR frequencies to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

51. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses optical frequencies to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

52. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses ultrasonic frequencies to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

53. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses audio frequencies to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

54. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander uses magnetic effects to transmit remote commands to the external infusion device.

55. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of providing remote commands at a distance greater than 1 inch.

56. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the processor of the external infusion device has a unique identification code, and wherein the remote commander includes the capability to read and learn the unique identification code of the external infusion device, and wherein the remote commander and the external infusion device use the unique identification code to substantially avoid interference with other external infusion devices.

57. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander has a unique identification code, and wherein the processor of the external infusion device includes the capability to read and learn the unique identification code of the remote commander, and wherein the remote commander and the external infusion device use the unique identification code to substantially avoid interference with other remote commanders.

58. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander includes a mode that permits physician controlled programming of specific capabilities of the external infusion device to the exclusion of the user.

59. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander may also include a link to a computer to allow computer programming to initiate or alter available capabilities of the external infusion device.

60. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the external infusion device includes a memory for storing programs, and wherein the receiver is capable of receiving software updates to facilitate remote programming of external infusion device capabilities.

61. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of receiving data from another medical device and relaying the received data to the external infusion device.

62. An infusion system according to claim 61, wherein the remote commander is capable of remotely commanding and controlling the other medical device.

63. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating an audio bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

64. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating a vibration bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

65. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating a temporary basal rate delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

66. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and suspending delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

67. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating an extended bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

68. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating a profiled bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

69. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is capable of programming and activating a dual wave bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

72. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is portable.

73. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander is one or more remote commanders and each of the one or more remote commanders includes:

a commander housing;

a keypad coupled to the commander housing for inputting commands; and

a transmitter coupled to the keypad for wirelessly transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

74. An infusion system according to claim 73, wherein the one or more remote commanders each have a unique identification code, and wherein the processor of the external infusion device includes the capability to store the unique identification codes of the one or more remote commanders, and wherein the one or more remote commanders and the external infusion device use the unique identification codes to substantially avoid interference with other remote commanders.

75. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the external infusion device is programmable to store one or more identification codes, wherein each remote commander transmits an identification code, and wherein the external infusion device only responds to commands sent from a remote commander that transmits an identification code that has been programmed into the external infusion device.

76. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the remote commander establishes non-line of sight communication with the external infusion device.

77. An infusion system according to claim 46, wherein the receiver includes a standby mode, and wherein while the receiver is in the standby mode the receiver does not receive.

78. An infusion system according to claim 77, wherein the receiver periodically becomes active to see if the transmitter is transmitting.

79. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn on a belt.

80. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn under clothing.

81. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is sized to allow for concealment under clothing in a generally unobtrusive manner.

82. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is further adapted to be worn against the skin.

83. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is further sized to be contained in the pocket.

84. An external infusion device according to claim 46, wherein the housing is further sized to be held within the pocket.

85. An external infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir, the external infusion device comprising:

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

a receiver coupled to the housing for receiving wirelessly and remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive wirelessly and remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands; and

an indication device to indicate, independent of an RF transmission, when a command has been received and indicate when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device such that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view on an individual when being remotely commanded.

86. An external infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir, the external infusion device comprising:

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

a receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving wireless and remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives wireless and remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the wireless and remotely generated commands; and

an indication device, providing at least one of a visual indication, an audible indication or a tactile indication, to indicate when a command has been received and indicate when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view on an individual.

87. An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body from a reservoir, the infusion system comprising:

an external infusion device including;

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

a receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the remotely generated commands; and

an indication device, providing at least one of a visual indication, an audible indication or a tactile indication, to indicate when a command has been received and indicate when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed on an individual; and

a remote commander including;

a commander housing;

a keypad coupled to the commander housing for inputting commands; and

a transmitter coupled to the keypad for wirelessly transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

88. An infusion system for infusing a liquid from a reservoir containing the liquid into a body from a reservoir, the infusion system comprising:

an external infusion device including;

a drive mechanism to operatively couple with a reservoir to infuse a liquid into a body;

a housing adapted for use on an exterior of the body, wherein the housing is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing, wherein the drive mechanism operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing, and wherein the housing is sized to fit in a clothing pocket;

an infusion device receiver coupled to the housing, and wherein the receiver is for receiving remotely generated commands;

a processor coupled to the housing and the receiver, and wherein the processor receives remotely generated commands from the receiver, and wherein the processor controls the external infusion device in accordance with the remotely generated commands; and

an infusion device transmitter coupled to the housing for wirelessly communicating to a remote commander receiver,

wherein the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view on an individual; and

a remote commander including;

a commander housing;

an input device coupled to the commander housing for inputting commands;

a commander transmitter coupled to the input device for wirelessly transmitting commands to the infusion device receiver; and

a commander receiver for receiving communications from the infusion device transmitter.