Implantable Medical Device Remote Programming Parameter Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote programming of implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, lacks direct patient interaction, making it difficult for doctors to adjust settings based on changing health conditions and ensuring compatibility of control parameters during remote updates.
Innovation Solution
A programmable implant with dual wireless data communication interfaces allows for local and remote programming, where the programmable controller checks compatibility of control parameters with stored parameter ranges and attributes before executing programming jobs, ensuring safe and effective remote updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote programming is implemented without parameter compatibility checking, then programming convenience is improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to potential inconsistent parameter combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing valid parameter combinations and their attributes in the implant's memory before remote programming occurs. The controller pre-configures permissible parameter ranges and compatibility rules, so that when remote programming commands are received, the implant can automatically verify compatibility against pre-stored valid combinations rather than requiring complex real-time validation logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all control parameters are made programmable remotely, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for comprehensive validation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by making only certain control parameters programmable remotely, rather than all parameters. The controller and memory are configured to allow remote programming of specific parameters while keeping other parameters fixed or restricted. This selective approach enables adaptability for parameters that benefit from remote adjustment while avoiding the complexity of validating and managing all parameters remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of control parameters by storing their attributes and permissible ranges in the implant's memory. The controller uses these stored parameter attributes to dynamically determine which parameters can be modified remotely and what valid ranges exist, allowing flexible adaptability without hardcoding complex validation logic for each parameter.
3Reliability
If parameter ranges and attributes are stored in the implant memory, then remote programming safety is improved, but implant memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential information needed for safe remote programming into the implant's memory - specifically, the attributes of control parameters and their permissible ranges. Rather than storing complete programming scenarios or complex validation rules, the implant stores condensed parameter metadata that enables safety verification with minimal memory overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
The implant (10) has data communication interfaces (11, 13) for a wireless data transfer and designed, such that the implant receives data comprising programming order through the interfaces. A memory (17) is provided for storing a control parameter and/or control parameter attribute, and a programmable controller (15) controls functions of the implant based on the parameter. The controller is connected with the interfaces and designed to check whether the parameter is compatible with parameter areas stored in the memory in case of reception of the programming order through one interface. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an arrangement for programming a programmable personal device (2) a method for programming a programmable personal device.