Medtronic, Inc.

Chester Gary Nelson

Charles R Stomberg

Kurt R Linberg

Michael Thomas Lee

James David Webb

William J Plombon

Ronald Alan Stauffer

Randy L Merry

Michael G Schrenk

Jeffrey David Wilkinson

Mark Brecht

Nancy Perry Pool

Edwin Marcum Pearce, Jr

Gary L Berg

Nelson Au

Thomas P Crowley

David L Karshmer

Richard M Powell

Marion Buchenau

Jean K Ringold

Kevin M Johnson

Nick Oakley

Elisha Tal

James G Thies

Jill H Ernst

Harry Eldrige Norris

John B Farr

A plurality of co-operative and complementary software programs are implemented in a web-enabled high speed computer system to remotely monitor, manage and modify the operational and functional parameters of a plurality of implanted medical devices (IMDs). The system utilizes virtual electrophysiologist module (VEM), chronic monitoring module (CMM) and prescription program module (PPM) programs to effect specific therapeutic and diagnostic methods for managing the IMDs, remotely on a conditions and real-time basis. The modules enable remote and continuous monitoring, management and maintenance of the IMDs by identifying critical medical events, determining optimal clinical settings and upgrading performance parameters based on prescriptive data. The modules are implemented in a data center having high-speed computers operating in a web-enabled environment. The modules and the IMDs communicate through wireless communications system via a programmer or an interface medical unit (IMD).

Virtual remote monitor, alert, diagnostics and programming for implantable medical device systems

A medical data processing system that enables individual implanted medical device (IMD) programming units to securely access information networks that are susceptible to carrying data contaminants. In an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for exchanging data with a plurality of implanted medical device (IMD) programming units, via a server arrangement that is coupled to a network, includes the step of establishing communication connections between the server arrangement and the plurality of IMD programming units. In response to receiving data at the server arrangement and destined for the IMD programming units, further including the step of identifying data contaminants in the received data and intercepting data containing data contaminants before the data reach the IMD programming units.

Network communications arrangement for IMD programming units

A component-based software architecture environment is provided for information networks used for administering one or more implantable medical devices (IMDs) in one or more patients. Various interface schema which may be used in implementing an IMD network are provided, as well as common interfaces for development of software within the network environment. The information network, and the software used in and implementing the network, may be upgraded and developed in a distributed and incremental manner, without requiring modification of entire systems or device instructions.

Component architecture for medical device system networks

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely programming implantable medical devices. The apparatus includes a server adapted to receive and store at least one request to modify the behavior of an implantable medical device provided by a programmer adapted to allow a clinician to create the at least one request at a first selected time. The apparatus further includes a monitor adapted to receive the requests from the server and transmit the requests to the implantable medical device at a second selected time and a bi-directional communications system adapted to couple the server and the monitor.

Method and apparatus for remotely programming implantable medical devices

A system for transferring data into and out of medical devices wherein a personal data manager (PDM) is used in a web-based network is disclosed. The PDM co-operates with a programmer to enhance remote monitoring of implanted medical devices on a chronic basis to deliver clinical therapy in real time. The PDM is handheldable and mobile and expands the reach of the programmer by storing and forwarding data from the programmer to web-based network constituting a medical environment. The PDM is also implemented to store and forward information to PCs and similar peripheral equipment. In a specialized application, the PDM is configured to exchange data with the unregulated operational/functional segments of the IMD.

Apparatus and method for remote therapy and diagnosis in medical devices via interface systems

A hand-holdable structure implementing electrodes to enable good skin-electrode contact to acquire ECG readings is disclosed. Specifically, the structure is shaped to enable patients to apply a simple gentle grip to have a reliable skin-electrode contact and to automatically commence ECG tracing transmission to a patient monitoring station. In one embodiment the structure incorporates an RF telemetry head to simultaneously transfer IMD stored data in conjunction with the ECG tracings. The structure independently or in combination with the RF telemetry head is adaptable to a system of data communications with a programmer or equivalent instrument to transfer ECG and IMD data to a remotely located physician station or patient data storage server. The system is also adaptable for use with a web-enabled network such as, without limitation, the Internet, intranet, World Wide Web, extranet or equivalent.

Hand-held surface ECG and RF apparatus incorporated with a medical device

A medical device communications system uses subthreshold pulses, modulated to provide relatively high speed electrical communications with inexpensive external devices connectable to a body with the implant by surface leads.

Implanted medical device/external medical instrument communication utilizing surface electrodes

Deep computing techniques are employed to mine statistical data bases and patient specific data files contributed from multiple sources, including implantable medical devices (IMDs) and external medical devices and other sources, to formulate patient-specific monitoring, diagnostic, therapeutic and educational information and to deliver the patient-specific diagnostic, therapeutic and educational information to the patient and/or patient health care provider. The present invention advantageously provides patient-specific information for IMD bearing patients that draws upon worldwide expertise and knowledge of IMDs of the type implanted, the patient's disease etiology, the drugs prescribed to the patient, the knowledge of experts in the field, and the optimal modes of operating the IMD to monitor physiologic conditions or apply therapies as reported by experts and medical device manufacturers. Patient data is supplied to a patient file at a centralized information database, the patient data including IMD developed patient data. Statistical data from public domain databases and governmental and international health agency databases is accessed. Deep computing techniques are applied to mine the accessed statistical data to associate pertinent statistical data with the patient data in the patient file to form a patient specific medical profile. Based upon the patient specific medical profile, patient specific information is formulated and delivered to one or more of the patient and the health care provider providing care to the patient.

Deep computing applications in medical device systems

A communication system is provided which allows real-time communication between a deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a computing resource capable of storing and distributing patient and device data. A deployed IMD may be polled by a network interface external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless real-time communication in a manner which ensures secure and reliable information exchange. A bandwidth or baud rate monitor is used to verify the viability of the network-IMD connection for the intended use and then monitors the connection to ensure that bandwidth remains reliable. An alert feature notifies the user of any threatening bandwidth onset. This feature allows vibrant exchange of real-time information from the patient-IMD to a medical provider or system expert.

Dynamic bandwidth monitor and adjuster for remote communications with a medical device

A communication system is provided which permits of communication between an deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a computing resource capable of storing and distributing patient and device data. A deployed IMD may be polled by a network interface external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless communication. This data may be transmitted to a computer for storage and distribution, and changes to a treatment or instruction regimen, or firmware or software upgrades, may then be transmitted to the network interface for immediate or eventual loading into the IMD via wireless communication. The system is adapted to provide communication service between multiple IMDs deployed in a patient or a number of patients.

Information network interrogation of an implanted device

A medical device implant, monitoring and adjustment are enhanced by the telepresence of a remote expert (,) having a screen display (,) that mirrors the display at the patient location. Pointers (,), whether they can activate subprograms at the patient location or not, are moved identically at both locations at the same time. Also, the ECG and any features thereof are updated in real time, while other communication operations occur.

Growing community of inventors

Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Chester Gary Nelson