Mobile Patient Programmer for Implantable Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable drug delivery devices require dedicated electronic devices for programming and control, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility and user accessibility.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablets to program and control implantable drug delivery devices through a telemetry unit, allowing for patient-initiated modifications within predefined parameters, leveraging their flexibility, processing power, and networking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated electronic device with customized telemetry system is used for programming the implantable drug delivery device, then reliable wireless communication and precise programming control are achieved, but device complexity and user accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling commonly-used mobile computing devices (smartphones, tablets) to perform the programming function traditionally reserved for dedicated electronic devices. The mobile device's existing processing power, display, and communication capabilities are leveraged to provide programming functionality, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated programmer device while maintaining reliable wireless communication through the telemetry unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated electronic device is used for programming, then precise control over drug delivery parameters is achieved, but ease of operation and patient accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables universally-available mobile computing devices to perform precise drug delivery programming. The mobile device's existing interface and processing capabilities provide ease of operation for patients, while the telemetry unit ensures precise control parameters are transmitted accurately to the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the dedicated programmer's capabilities within commonly-used mobile devices. The mobile device replicates the programming interface and control functions through software applications, allowing patients to access and modify drug delivery parameters using a device they already possess and are familiar with.
3Adaptability or versatility
If commonly-used mobile computing devices are used for programming, then flexibility and user accessibility are improved, but device complexity and communication reliability may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telemetry unit as an intermediary between the mobile computing device and the implantable drug delivery device. The telemetry unit receives programming parameters from the mobile device via wireless communication, processes and validates the data, then transmits controlled instructions to the implantable device. This intermediary layer ensures communication reliability while allowing flexible use of common mobile devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for programming an implantable drug delivery device using a mobile computing device that include establishing a connection with a telemetry unit configured for wireless communication with the implantable drug delivery device, displaying user-selectable drug delivery settings for the implantable drug delivery device, receiving at least one selection of a drug delivery setting, translating the received selection into a signal format readable by the telemetry unit, and sending the translated signal to the telemetry unit to program the implantable drug delivery device. Further embodiments include telemetry units for communication with an implantable drug delivery device, and patient programmers and a method for patient modification to a programmed drug delivery regimen.