Implantable Medical Device Wireless Connection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in establishing reliable and efficient bi-directional wireless communication, particularly when a patient remote control device (PRC) is connected, hindering clinician programmer (CP) access and wasting resources due to logistical issues like battery power and time during clinical visits.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows external devices to detect the presence of other devices and the IMD based on distance or geographic location, enabling the IMD to terminate connections with PRC devices and switch to a disconnected mode, allowing CP devices to establish connections efficiently by broadcasting advertisements and managing connection attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient remote control device (PRC) maintains a continuous Bluetooth connection to an implantable medical device (IMD), then patient convenience and access to health data are improved, but clinician programmer (CP) devices cannot easily connect to the IMD during clinical visits, wasting time and battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the IMD's connection state based on the clinical environment. When a CP device detects specific clinic Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth beacons, the IMD automatically transitions from a connected state with PRC to a discoverable state that accepts CP connections, enabling seamless handoff without patient intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the CP device scan for and detect clinic-specific signals (Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth beacons) before attempting to connect to the IMD. This advance detection triggers the IMD to prepare for CP connection by becoming discoverable, eliminating connection delays during clinical visits
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IMD periodically broadcasts advertisement notices to allow external devices to connect, then device discoverability and connection establishment are improved, but battery power is consumed continuously, reducing device duration
Solution Approach 1:
The IMD uses periodic advertisement broadcasts at predetermined constant frequencies based on Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. This periodic action allows external devices to discover and connect to the IMD while consuming minimal battery power compared to continuous transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service connection establishment where external devices (PRC or CP) can autonomously discover and connect to the IMD by listening for advertisement notices. This eliminates the need for manual connection initiation and reduces overall system energy consumption by leveraging the low-power BLE advertisement mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides systems and methods for managing wireless communication with implanted medical devices. In some aspects, such systems and methods comprise or utilize an implanted medical device (“IMD”); and a first external device, configured to wirelessly communicate with the IMD; wherein the first external device is configured to detect a second external device that is capable of wirelessly communicating with the IMD. In some aspects, the first external device may be configured to terminate a wireless connection with the IMD when various predetermined conditions occur, e.g., allowing for the IMD to connect to the second external device.