Medtronic, Inc.

Bobby L Smith

Richard M Powell

Jerome T Hartlaub

Stephen P Weisbrod

A programmer is disclosed for programming with encoded signals selected parameters and modes of operation for the control of a pacing generator including a memory for receiving and storing the encoded signals for the control of its operation. The programmer includes a keyboard for receiving upon selected of its keys the designation of the parameter or the mode of operation, as well as the value of the parameter to be so encoded, a display for indicating the mode or parameter to be programmed as well as the value thereof, a transmitter for encoding and transmitting signals via an antenna or coil to the pacing generator which has a receiving coil therein for detecting the transmitted signal. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, there is included a secondary coil inductively coupled to the antenna to sense the generation of signals therein. The secondary coil is coupled to an amplitude detection circuit for determining whether the amplitude of the detected signal in the secondary coil is equal to or greater than a predetermined minimum level. If so, a signal is generated indicating that a successful transmission of the program parameter or mode of operation was made from the primary coil to the pacing generator.

Pacing generator programmer with transmission checking circuit

A method and apparatus is disclosed for programming a threshold mode of operation into a pacing generator whereby the minimum level of energy of the stimulating pulse as generated by the pacing generator is determined. First, the original level of energy of the stimulating pulses is determined when this mode is commenced. The original energy level and in particular the pulse width is decremented by a predetermined incremental amount, and an encoded signal indicative of the new reduced pulse width is transmitted to the pacing generator, whereby the pacing generator applies the pulses of the reduced pulse width to the patient's heart. Further, there is included means for counting the number of pulses of reduced pulse width and after the application of a given number of pulses by the pacing generator to the patient's heart, the programming apparatus programs a new energy level decremented from the previously programmed value to be then transmitted to the pacing generator.

Apparatus for and method of programming the minimum energy threshold for

Apparatus is disclosed for programming a pacing generator with parameters and modes of operation to control the application of stimulating pulses to the patient's heart by the pacing generator. More specifically, the programming apparatus includes a keyboard for receiving by operator manipulation of the parameters and/or modes of operation; a display control means including memory means for storing a series of steps in which a particular parameter or mode of operation is to be programmed and for causing the display means to display messages directing the operator to enter in a desired sequence the program and or mode of operation via the keyboard means and error detecting means responsive to the depressing of an incorrect key of the keyboard for causing the control means to return to its initial step of its control processes.

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Cedar, MN, United States of America

Bobby L Smith