Mobile App Control of Implantable Stimulators Using Logged Therapy Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external controllers for implantable medical devices are limited in processing and storing data, and lack the ability to provide detailed information and advanced control options to patients, restricting their interaction with implantable pulse generators (IPGs).
Innovation Solution
A Medical Device Application (MDA) is developed for mobile devices, enabling them to communicate with IPGs, process and store data, and provide advanced control options, allowing patients to review and adjust stimulation parameters based on activity, posture, and medication intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional external controllers are used to communicate with IPGs, then basic control functions are provided, but data processing capability and storage capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) to function as external controllers for IPGs. The mobile device's existing processor, memory, and display serve multiple purposes: general computing tasks, data storage for therapy information, and communication with the implantable device. This eliminates the need for a dedicated specialized controller, thereby increasing data storage capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If traditional external controllers are used, then basic stimulation control is available, but detailed data review and advanced control options are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device as an intermediary between the patient and the IPG system. The mobile device's application retrieves detailed therapy information from the implantable device, processes and presents it through a user-friendly interface, and transmits patient control inputs back to the IPG. This intermediary role allows comprehensive information display and advanced control features while maintaining ease of operation through the mobile device's familiar touchscreen interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are used as external controllers with MDA, then data processing and patient control are enhanced, but device compatibility and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Medical Device Application leverages the universal capabilities of mobile devices (processor, memory, display, wireless communication) to provide enhanced control functionality. By using standard mobile device components rather than proprietary specialized hardware, the system achieves high adaptability and versatility while minimizing integration complexity. The application software layer provides the necessary customization without requiring hardware modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The MDA enhances patient control over IPGs by enabling detailed data review and adjustment of stimulation parameters, improving patient interaction with their devices and providing more comprehensive information, thereby improving therapy management.
Implementation Method 1
Two coils (antennas) are generally present in the IPG 10: a telemetry coil 30 used to transmit/receive data via a bi-directional wireless communications link 55 to/from the external controller 40
Implementation Method 2
a charging coil 32 for recharging the IPG's rechargeable battery 14 using an external charger (not shown), which may also be incorporated with the external controller 40
Data Source
AI summary
A Medical Device Application (MDA) is disclosed for an external device (e.g., a cell phone) that can communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The MDA receives data logged in the IMD, processes that data in manners reviewable by an IMD patient, and that can control the IMD based on such processed data. The MDA can use the logged data to adjust IMD therapy based on patient activity or posture, and allows a patient to learn optimal therapy settings for particular activities. The MDA can also use the logged data to allow a patient to review details about IMD battery performance, whether such battery is primary or rechargeable, and to control stimulation parameters based on that performance. The MDA also allows a patient to enter medicine dose information, to review the relationship between medicinal therapy and IMD therapy, and to adjust IMD therapy based on the dosing information.