Systems and methods for clinician control of stimulation systems

• US 7,761,167 B2
• Filed: 10/02/2006
• Issued: 07/20/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Bennett, Maria E., Rundle, Kenneth P., Strother, Robert B., Mrva, Joseph J., Thrope, Geoffrey B., Coburn, James, Pack, Danny R., Rubin, Stuart F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, YUN H
• Application Number:
  US11/541,890
• Publication Number:
  US 20070088406A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,387 Days
• Field of Search: 607/30, 607/59, 607/60
• 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. A system comprising:

a handheld electronic device, the device configured to communicate with an implantable medical device; and

a base station,

wherein the handheld electronic device is further configured to communicate with the base station, and

wherein the handheld electronic device includes a user interface that is configured to serve as a user input device of the base station, such that when the handheld electronic device is docked to the base station the user interface of the handheld electronic device serves as the user input device of the base station in order to access the base station and any output device that is connected to the base station,

wherein the user interface of the handheld electronic device controls both the handheld electronic device and also the base station, and wherein the user interface of the handheld electronic device comprises a display screen that further functions as a data output device from the base station.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the medical device is adapted to deliver a therapy.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the medical device comprises an implantable pulse generator.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the base station comprises a housing and a handheld device connector, wherein the handheld device connector is configured to dock the handheld electronic device to the base station.

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

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

7. A system according to claim 4, wherein the base station further comprises a data output device.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the base station includes a computer-readable memory storing a database that contains patient data and medical device data.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein an input through the user interface of the handheld electronic device operates the base station resulting in an output to the user interface of the handheld electronic device from the base station.

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

a handheld unit, the handheld unit comprising;

a handheld unit housing;

a power supply seated in the handheld unit housing;

a user interface disposed at least partially in the handheld unit 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 provides a communications link with the implantable medical device; and

external connection hardware;

a base station, the base station comprising;

a base station housing having a handheld device cradle; and

electronic memory,

wherein the handheld device cradle in the base station housing is configured to receive at least a portion of the external connection hardware of the handheld unit, and

wherein the user interface of the handheld unit is further configured to serve as a user input device of the base station, such that when the handheld unit is docked within the handheld device cradle of the base station housing, the user interface of the handheld unit serves as the user input device of the base station in order to access the base station and any output device that is connected to the base station,

wherein the user interface of the handheld unit controls both the handheld unit and also the base station, and wherein the user interface of the handheld unit comprises a display screen that further functions as a data output device from the base station.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the user interface is also electronically coupled to the power supply.

12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the base station further includes a computer-readable memory storing a database that contains patient data and medical device data.

13. A system according to claim 10, wherein an input through the user interface of the handheld unit operates the base station resulting in an output to the user interface of the handheld unit from the base station.