Interface devices for instruments in communication with implantable medical devices

Abstract

External medical instruments that are in physical contact with a patient's body to communicate with or test the function of implantable medical devices (IMDs) implanted in the patient's body or to measure a physiologic condition of the patient's body and capable of communicating with other medical instruments or systems located at a distance from the patient, and, particularly, safety systems for protecting the patient from harm due to hazardous electrical signals or potentials. The external medical instrument operates pursuant to an instrument operating system that processes and generates electrical signals. A patient cable is coupled to a patient's body for transmitting electrical signals from the instrument operating system to the patient's body and for receiving electrical signals from the patient's body. A data cable extends to a remote instrument or a network, e.g., through a modem and Internet network connection, for communicating signals between the instrument operating system and the remote instrument or network. A first electrical isolation circuit between the instrument operating system and the data cable blocks conduction of hazardous electrical signals imposed upon the data cable from being conducted through the instrument operating system to the patient cable. A further electrical isolation circuit between the patient cable and the instrument operating system blocks conduction to the patient cable of hazardous signals conducted from the data cable through the instrument operating system.