Cloud Platform for Secure Remote IMD Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for programming and monitoring implantable medical devices are limited by the need for in-person or clinic-based short-range communication, which restricts remote patient care and access to healthcare, especially in ensuring secure and efficient communication sessions.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-centric digital health network architecture that enables secure remote patient monitoring and therapy management through a virtual clinic platform, allowing clinicians and patients to establish secure communication sessions using graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on clinician programmer and patient controller devices, facilitating remote programming and therapy sessions with enhanced security and privacy controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-range communication links are used for programming implantable medical devices, then security against third-party access is improved, but remote patient care capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based intermediary platform is introduced between the patient controller and implantable medical device. This mediator enables secure remote communication by establishing encrypted connections through cloud servers, allowing clinicians to program and monitor devices remotely while maintaining security protocols. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling remote access without compromising security through its managed authentication and encryption mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical proximity-based communication (mechanical/short-range links requiring close contact) with wireless cloud-based communication systems. This substitution enables remote patient care by transmitting data and commands through network infrastructure rather than requiring direct physical contact, thus improving accessibility while maintaining security through digital authentication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If cloud-based remote communication is implemented, then remote patient care access is improved, but security risks from third-party access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary security measures including authentication protocols and encrypted communication channels before any remote access occurs. These preemptive anti-actions establish secure frameworks that prevent third-party intrusion attempts, allowing cloud-based remote care to function safely by addressing security concerns before they can manifest as vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of dynamic security settings, encryption keys, and authentication credentials that adapt to different communication sessions. By varying security parameters for each connection attempt and using encrypted data transmission, the system enables remote access while transforming potential security vulnerabilities into protected communication channels.
3Reliability
If in-person clinic-based programming is used, then secure communication is maintained, but patient access to care deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing secure communication protocols, authentication mechanisms, and encrypted data channels before remote programming sessions begin. This preliminary setup enables secure remote access without requiring patients to travel to clinics, saving time while maintaining security through pre-configured protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the communication paradigm from a single dimension (in-person clinic visits requiring physical presence) to multiple dimensions by adding remote wireless access, cloud-based platforms, and networked communication channels. This dimensional expansion allows patients to access care from any location while security is maintained through layered digital protection mechanisms across these new communication dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is generally related to automatic modification of one or more graphical user interface (GUI) components of an implantable medical device (IMD)-related application by monitoring and analyzing patient interaction with the IMD-related application.