Implantable Device Telemetry Validation for Secure Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in securely pairing with external devices using non-proprietary telemetry protocols, as unauthorized devices can initiate pairing, leading to unauthorized communication and potential security risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a validation procedure supplementary to standard pairing protocols, which requires external devices to provide validation information to establish a trusted connection with IMDs, ensuring only authorized devices can pair and communicate securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-proprietary telemetry protocols are used for pairing, then device compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to unauthorized pairing risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary validation procedure that occurs before the standard telemetry protocol pairing is completed. The IMD validates received telemetry data against expected parameters (such as device identifiers, message formats, and authentication tokens) before establishing a trusted pairing relationship. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized devices from successfully pairing, thereby maintaining security while still using non-proprietary protocols that ensure compatibility.
2Reliability
If additional validation procedures are implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer that sits between the standard telemetry protocol and the pairing establishment process. Rather than modifying the core telemetry protocol itself, the validation component acts as an intermediary that intercepts, validates, and either permits or blocks pairing requests. This approach adds security functionality without fundamentally altering or complicating the underlying non-proprietary protocol stack, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If proprietary telemetry technologies are used, then security is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pairing security function into a separate, standalone validation component that is independent of the telemetry protocol selection. Rather than requiring proprietary protocol hardware or firmware throughout the system, the validation logic is divided into discrete checks (data format validation, authentication token verification, device identifier matching) that can be implemented as separate software modules. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive non-proprietary protocols while adding security only where needed, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to implementing proprietary telemetry technologies throughout the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media facilitating trusted pairing between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device are provided. In one embodiment, an IMD includes a housing configured to be implanted within a patient, a memory and circuitry within the housing and a processor that executes executable components stored in the memory. The executable components can include: a communication component configured to initiate establishing a telemetry connection with an external device in accordance with a first telemetry protocol based on reception of a request, from the external device, to establish the telemetry connection with the IMD using the first telemetry protocol; and a validation component configured to restrict establishment of the telemetry connection with the external device in accordance with the first telemetry protocol based on reception of validation information from the external device, wherein provision of the validation information is excluded from the first telemetry protocol.