US 4,432,360 A · Interactive programmer for biomedical implantable devices

Abstract

A computer-controlled programmer having a user-interactive display is designed to control the parameters of a wide variety of implantable devices with different programming requirements. During programming, screen messages prompt the user to perform required actions by pressing lighted targets on the display screen. The programmer includes a console and a lightweight cable connected programming head. When the console is turned on, a self test routine automatically tests the programmer's batteries, memory banks and communications systems. For the communications test, the programmer employs a self-contained telemetry system which mimics the response of an implant. With certain implants, the programmer automatically changes programming options in response to information received from an implant as well as in response to selection of certain modes and lead configurations. The programmer software is designed to limit access to certain values and parameters which require the attendance of an authorized physician. Access to these non-routine programming functions is provided via a combination lock on the console. With implants having data telemetry, the programmer software is designed to confirm programming by comparing a stored replica of the originally transmitted programming data to an automatic echo of the programming data received by the implant.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An interactive programmer console for programming implantable biomedical devices by enabling the operator to select among a number of parameter options including parameters and parameter values and then executing the reprogramming of the implant in accordance with the selected parameter options, comprising

a display screen,
a transparent switch matrix sheet covering said screen and having a plurality of transparent touch sensitive switch locations of undefined functionality distributed over the surface of the screen,
means for displaying on said screen a selectable set of parameter options by simultaneously generating a plurality of parameter option messages on the screen with juxtaposed targets over corresponding arbitrary switch locations so as to define the functionality of the corresponding set of switch locations,
means responsive to operator actuation of any switch location for ignoring such actuation unless a target is present at such location,
means responsive to operator actuation of a switch location at a target on said screen for registering the selected parameter option indicated by the juxtaposed message on the screen,
memory means for addressably storing and retrieving parameter data, and
means responsive to an operator command for encoding and transmitting parameter data from said memory means corresponding to at least one parameter option selected by actuation of the temporarily corresponding switch, in a form capable of being received and decoded by said implant for executing the reprogramming of said implant in accordance with the selected parameter option,
whereby individual switch locations in said switch matrix can be redefined under control of the screen to designate different functions to accommodate different sets of programmable options.

5 more elements

An interactive programmer console for programming implantable biomedical devices having telemetry systems by enabling the operator to select among a number of programming choices and then executing the reprogramming of the implant in accordance with the selected parameter data, comprising

memory means for addressably storing and retrieving parameter data,
operator interface means for specifying desired parameter data,
means responsive to said operator interface means for obtaining corresponding data from said memory means,
means responsive to an operator command for encoding and transmitting said parameter data in a form capable of being received and decoded by said implant for executing the reprogramming of said implant to the desired parameters and values,
means for receiving telemetry data from said implant indicative of the parameter data presently controlling the implant,
means in said console for automatically testing both the transmitting and telemetry receiving means in a two-way communications sequence,
a tabletop console and a movable handheld programming head containing said transmitting means and said telemetry receiving means and electrically coupled to said console, said console having a programming head cradle, and
a self test module mounted in said console adjacent to said cradle for performing two-way communication with said programming head.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Interactive programmer for biomedical implantable devices

Life of this patent

Interactive programmer for biomedical implantable devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16