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

• US 7,109,878 B2
• Filed: 03/27/2003
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• 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, Mann, Alfred E., Bishop, Dennis P., Malave, Luis J., Causey, James D. III, Ruppert, Deborah, Yonemoto, Jay, Livingston, John, Murtfeldt, Bob, Hague, Cliff, Haubach, Alan, Gut, Adrian
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• APPLICATION: US 20030191431A1
• Time in patent office: 1272 Days
• Field of Search: 340/654, 340/539.1, 340/691.1, 340/691.6, 604/131
• US Class Current: 340/654
• 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. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a commander receiver coupled to the processor for wirelessly receiving communications from an infusion device transmitter of an external infusion device to receive information from the external infusion device,

wherein the commander receiver uses the indication device to communicate the information from the external infusion device to the user.

2. A remote commander 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 of the external infusion device.

3. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the commander transmitter further wirelessly relays the information from the external infusion device to another medical device.

4. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

5. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

6. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is a display device.

7. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is further adapted to be worn on a belt.

8. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is further adapted to be worn under clothing.

9. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is sized to allow for concealment under clothing in a generally unobtrusive manner.

10. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is further adapted to be worn against the skin.

11. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is further sized to be contained in a pocket.

12. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is adapted to communicate with an external infusion device that includes a housing that is further sized to be held within a pocket.

13. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

14. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

15. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the indication device is a display device.

16. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the at least one command is at least two commands that are used by the external infusion device.

17. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the commander transmitter is capable of transmitting software updates and facilitating remote programming of capabilities to be used by the external infusion device.

18. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander housing is sized to fit on a key ring.

19. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses RF frequencies to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

20. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses IR frequencies to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

21. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses optical frequencies to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

22. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses ultrasonic frequencies to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

23. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses audio frequencies to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

24. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander uses magnetic effects to transmit the at least one command to the external infusion device.

25. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander is capable of providing the at least one command to the external infusion device at a distance greater than 1 inch.

26. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein 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.

27. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander has a unique identification code, and wherein a 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.

28. A remote commander according to claim 1, 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.

29. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander also includes a link to a computer to allow computer programming to initiate or alter available capabilities of the external infusion device.

30. A remote commander according to claim 1, wherein the remote commander establishes non-line, of sight communication with the external infusion device.

31. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a commander receiver coupled to the processor for wirelessly receiving communications from an infusion device transmitter of an external infusion device to receive information from the external infusion device,

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 of the external infusion device, and

wherein the commander receiver uses the indication device to indicate when one or more of the one or more command has been received by the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device.

32. A remote commander according to claim 31, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

33. A remote commander according to claim 31, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

34. A remote commander according to claim 31, wherein the indication device is a display device.

35. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a commander receiver coupled to the processor for wirelessly receiving communications from an infusion device transmitter of an external infusion device to receive information from the external infusion device,

wherein the commander receiver receives one or more communications from the infusion device transmitter of the external infusion device indicating that one or more commands are being carried out by a processor of the external infusion device.

36. A remote commander according to claim 35, wherein the commander receiver uses the indication device to indicate when one or more of the one or more commands is being carried out by the processor of the external infusion device to control the external infusion device.

37. A remote commander according to claim 36, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

38. A remote commander according to claim 36, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

39. A remote commander according to claim 36, wherein the indication device is a display device.

40. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a commander receiver coupled to the processor for wirelessly receiving communications from an infusion device transmitter of an external infusion device to receive information from the external infusion device,

wherein the commander receiver further wirelessly receives information from a glucose monitoring device.

41. A remote commander according to claim 40, wherein the commander transmitter further wirelessly relays the information from the glucose monitoring device to another medical device.

42. A remote commander according to claim 40, wherein the commander receiver uses the indication device to communicate the information from the glucose monitoring device to the user.

43. A remote commander according to claim 42, wherein the indication device is an audio alarm.

44. A remote commander according to claim 42, wherein the indication device is a vibration alarm.

45. A remote commander according to claim 42, wherein the indication device is a display device.

46. A remote commander according to claim 40, wherein the commander receiver uses the indication device to indicate when the information has been received from the glucose monitoring device.

47. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a memory for storing an infusion history and a device activity of the user received from the external infusion device.

48. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing size and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to activate an audio bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

49. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to activate a vibration bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

50. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to activate a temporary basal rate delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

51. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to suspend delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

52. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to suspend delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

53. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to activate a dual wave bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

54. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command; and

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device,

wherein the at least one command from the remote commander is used to activate a profiled bolus delivery of the liquid by the external infusion device.

55. A remote commander for use with an external, ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid into a body from a reservoir in a non-hospital environment, the remote commander comprising:

a commander housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user;

a processor coupled to the commander housing;

an input device coupled to the processor and the commander housing for activating at least one command;

a commander transmitter coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the at least one command to an infusion device receiver, wherein the commander transmitter transmits the at least one command using a carrier that permits the remote commander to provide the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of an external infusion device that is capable of being concealed from view on a body of a user when receiving the wirelessly transmitted at least one command;

an indication device to indicate when the commander transmitter is transmitting the at least one command to the infusion device receiver of the external infusion device; and

a commander receiver coupled to the processor for wirelessly receiving communications from an infusion device transmitter of an external infusion device to receive information from the external infusion device,

wherein the commander receiver includes a standby mode, and wherein while the commander receiver is in the standby mode the receiver does not receive.

56. A remote commander according to claim 55, wherein the commander receiver periodically becomes active to see if the external infusion device is transmitting.