Cloud-Mediated Remote Programming for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices require in-person programming via short-range communication, limiting remote patient care capabilities and access to healthcare.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-centric digital health network architecture enabling secure, remote programming and monitoring of implantable medical devices through clinician and patient devices, utilizing AI and ML for real-time kinematic and auditory analysis, and secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-range communication links are used for device programming, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but remote patient care capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between the implantable medical device and external devices. The server receives encrypted communication requests, validates them through secure authentication protocols, and relays authorized commands to the device. This mediator approach enables remote access while maintaining security, as the server acts as a trusted gateway that filters and verifies all communication attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical proximity requirement of short-range communication with wireless communication protocols that operate over extended distances. By substituting the mechanical constraint of close contact with electromagnetic field-based wireless telemetry, the system enables remote programming and monitoring while implementing layered security measures including encryption and authentication to compensate for the increased exposure risk.
2Reliability
If in-person programming is required, then unauthorized access risk is reduced, but healthcare delivery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated authentication and device discovery protocols that eliminate the need for manual, in-person programming sessions. The system automatically establishes secure connections, verifies device identities through cryptographic handshakes, and enables remote programming operations without requiring clinician or patient physical presence. This self-service automation dramatically improves healthcare delivery efficiency while maintaining robust security through automated verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary security setup during device implantation and initial configuration, establishing encrypted communication channels and authentication credentials before remote access is needed. By pre-configuring security measures including device-specific keys and authorized user profiles, the system enables immediate secure remote access without requiring in-person verification for subsequent programming sessions, thus improving efficiency while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If remote communication channels are opened, then patient access to care is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-aware authentication that verifies the geographic and network context of communication attempts. The system analyzes the origin, timing, and characteristics of incoming requests against expected patterns for authorized devices and users. By applying local quality control measures that adapt security based on the specific context of each communication attempt, the system enables broad patient access while filtering out anomalous or potentially malicious remote connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms that track communication patterns, authentication success rates, and device behavior during remote sessions. The system dynamically adjusts security parameters based on observed patterns, such as implementing rate limiting, triggering additional verification steps for unusual activities, or temporarily suspending access for suspicious patterns. This feedback-driven security approach maintains patient access while actively responding to and mitigating emerging security threats.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to providing digital health services. In some embodiments, systems and methods for conducting virtual or remote sessions between patients and clinicians are disclosed. During the sessions, media content (e.g., images, video content, audio content, etc.) may be captured as the patient performs one or more tasks. The media content may be presented to the clinician and used to evaluate a condition of the patient or a state of the condition, adjust treatment parameters, provide therapy, or other operations to treat the patient. The analysis of the media content may be aided by one or more machine learning/artificial intelligence models that analyze various aspects of the media content, augment the media content, or other functionality to aid in the treatment of the patient.