Implantable Device Therapy Upgrade via Automated Patient Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for upgrading or replacing implantable medical devices (IMDs) are time-consuming and prone to errors due to manual programming, which may not optimally configure new features based on patient-specific clinical information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize processing circuitry to retrieve patient information from a first IMD, determine optimal settings for a second IMD with different features, and configure the second IMD based on this information, potentially using machine learning techniques to enhance programming efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual programming is used to configure the second IMD, then the programming process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving patient information from the first IMD before the surgical procedure, pre-determining optimal settings for the second IMD's features, and preparing configuration files in advance. This eliminates the need for manual programming during the implantation procedure, significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining high programming accuracy through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical programming process with an automated electronic system. Processing circuitry automatically retrieves patient data from the first IMD, processes it through algorithms, determines optimal settings for the second IMD, and configures the device automatically. This substitution of manual operations with automated electronic processing eliminates human error and reduces the time required for programming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming is used to configure the second IMD, then the process requires minimal automated systems, but it cannot optimally configure new features based on patient-specific clinical information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving patient information from the first IMD, processing it through built-in algorithms, determining optimal settings for the second IMD's features, and configuring the device without requiring manual intervention. The processing circuitry autonomously handles the entire programming process, enabling optimal individualized programming while managing system complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing circuitry continuously monitors patient information from the first IMD, adjusts settings for the second IMD based on this information, and verifies configuration accuracy. This feedback loop ensures that the programming is optimally tailored to individual patient needs while maintaining control through automated processing.
3Productivity
If automated processing is used to determine settings for the second IMD, then programming efficiency and accuracy are improved, but more complex processing systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: retrieving patient information from the first IMD, processing and analyzing this information, determining optimal settings for the second IMD, and configuring the device. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent achieves high implantation efficiency while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, the disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for determining settings of a second implantable medical device (IMD) based on patient information stored in a first IMD. The first IMD may be a device already implanted in a patient and a clinician may remove and replace the first IMD with the second IMD. The second IMD may include may be an upgrade over the first IMD (e.g., the second IMD is of the same device type but of a different model as the first IMD), may be an update to the first IMD (e.g., the second IMD is the same device type and model as the first IMD but includes different features), and/or a different device type than the first IMD.