Implantable Medical Device Workflow Automation for Faster Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for configuring implantable medical devices (IMDs) require manual setup and configuration, leading to inefficiencies and a significant time burden on healthcare professionals, with limited automation options.
Innovation Solution
IMDs are equipped with a controller that stores clinical state parameters and can automatically adjust or transmit these parameters to a clinician programmer device, allowing for automated setup and configuration based on predefined rules or user input, thereby streamlining the clinical workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual setup and configuration is used for IMDs, then clinicians can directly control and verify parameters, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically populating IMD configuration parameters based on patient data and clinical protocols before the clinician finalizes the setup. This pre-population reduces the time required for manual configuration while maintaining clinical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMD system enables self-service by automatically adjusting parameters based on pre-defined rules and algorithms, reducing the manual intervention required from clinicians while still allowing for verification and modification when needed.
2Productivity
If automated parameter adjustment is implemented, then workflow efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of automated algorithms that mediate between clinical protocols and IMD parameter adjustment. This intermediary handles the complexity of automation internally while presenting a simplified interface to clinicians, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system manages complexity by focusing on changing specific IMD parameters based on pre-defined clinical rules and algorithms, rather than requiring clinicians to manage all device settings. This targeted parameter adjustment approach streamlines workflow while containing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If more automation features are added to reduce manual intervention, then healthcare resource optimization improves, but the initial setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions automatically based on patient data and clinical protocols, reducing the need for manual intervention during operation. This pre-configuration approach simplifies ongoing use while the initial setup complexity is managed through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system is designed to handle multiple clinical scenarios and parameter adjustments through a unified framework, making the device versatile across different applications. This multi-functionality approach consolidates complexity into a single system rather than requiring separate manual procedures for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to stimulation systems, comprising, e.g., an implantable medical device (IMD), such as an implantable pulse generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation to one or more nerves of a subject, or an implantable pump configured to administer one or more active agents. In some aspects, the IMD is configured to store one or more clinical state parameters (e.g., a clinical workflow stage) and/or to advertise or transmit the stored one or more clinical state parameters to a clinician programmer device. One or more settings of the IMD, and/or parameters of the administration of electrical stimulation or the active agent(s), may be set based on the one or more clinical state parameters (e.g., a clinical workflow stage), e.g., either automatically or based on instructions provided by the clinician programmer device.