Pacing generator programmer with transmission checking circuit

Abstract

A programmer is disclosed for programming with encoded signals selected parameters and modes of operation for the control of a pacing generator including a memory for receiving and storing the encoded signals for the control of its operation. The programmer includes a keyboard for receiving upon selected of its keys the designation of the parameter or the mode of operation, as well as the value of the parameter to be so encoded, a display for indicating the mode or parameter to be programmed as well as the value thereof, a transmitter for encoding and transmitting signals via an antenna or coil to the pacing generator which has a receiving coil therein for detecting the transmitted signal. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, there is included a secondary coil inductively coupled to the antenna to sense the generation of signals therein. The secondary coil is coupled to an amplitude detection circuit for determining whether the amplitude of the detected signal in the secondary coil is equal to or greater than a predetermined minimum level. If so, a signal is generated indicating that a successful transmission of the program parameter or mode of operation was made from the primary coil to the pacing generator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.