Wireless pacing system analyzer in a programmer system

[0001] This document pertains generally to implantable devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to isolation for a pacing systems analyzer in a programmer system.

[0002] Programmers and other remote devices are typically used by physicians for telemetry with an implantable device. Telemetry allows testing, programming and interrogation of an implantable device. Such remote devices include safety mechanisms to assure that the patient is protected from exposure to hazardous electrical levels. Safety standards for a remote device that is to be connected with an implantable device typically include specifications for voltage isolation and current leakage.

[0003] The financial costs associated with providing medical grade electrical isolation systems in a programmer are burdensome. In addition, failures of electrical isolation can lead to severe injury or death.

[0010] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The examples may be combined, other examples may be utilized, or structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0011] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0012] In one example, an external interface device is coupled to an implantable apparatus by a wired connection. The interface device is non-implantable and, in one example, includes a battery powered wireless transceiver. A wireless communication link between the interface device and an external programmer allows telemetry with the implantable apparatus.

[0013] The term implantable apparatus includes any implantable component (including an implantable lead or electrode and an implantable connector block) as well as an implantable device. An implantable device, in various examples, includes a therapy circuit or a monitor circuit. Exemplary therapy circuits include a pulse generator (such as a pacemaker, a cardiac rhythm therapy device, a heart failure or cardiac resynchronization device, a cardioverter/defibrillator, a pacer/defibrillator) and a drug delivery device (such as an implantable drug pump). In one example, an implantable device includes a processor and one or more telemetry systems. Examples of telemetry systems include near field telemetry (such as an inductive telemetry) and far field telemetry (such as far field radio frequency telemetry). In various examples, each telemetry system includes at least one of a receiver, a transmitter and a combined receiver/transmitter sometimes referred to as a transceiver. A power supply for an implantable device, in one example, includes a battery.

[0014] An example of a remote device, sometimes referred to as a programmer, includes a keyboard and a display. The remote device is powered by a battery or a connection to a metered line service sometimes referred to as AC mains. In one example, the power supply of the remote device complies with medical standards for isolation and safety.

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates telemetry system 100A including implantable apparatus 50A, interface 105A and remote 155A. Electrical signals between implantable apparatus 50A and interface 105A are conducted by link 55A. Link 130A allows wireless communication between interface 105A and remote 155A, thus eliminating a corded connection between interface 105A and remote 155A.

[0016] At the time of implantation, sterile field 10 is maintained around body 20. Interface 105A, in one example, is positioned within sterile field 10 which extends some distance beyond body 20 and wireless link 130A provides a coupling to remote 155A positioned beyond sterile field 10. Interface 105A is sometimes referred to as a pacing system analyzer or PSA. Interface 105A is non-implantable.

[0017] Link 55A is illustrated as a connection between implantable apparatus 50A and interface 105A. In the figure, implantable apparatus 50A includes a connector block coupled to an electrode set. Implantable apparatus 50B, shown implanted in body 20, represents an implantable device. The figure illustrates link 55A coupled to implantable apparatus 50A, however, at another time, link 55A is coupled to implantable apparatus 50B or coupled to both implantable apparatus 50A and implantable apparatus 50B.

[0018] Remote 155A, in one example, includes a programmer for use by a physician or other medical personnel at the time of implantation as well as during follow-up visits. In various examples, remote 155A allows interrogation as well as programming of implantable apparatus 50A, and accordingly, includes a user-accessible interface such as a touch-sensitive display screen. Remote 155A, in one example, includes a remote interrogation device (sometimes referred to as a repeater) which allows connecting with a bi-directional communication network such as a local area network (Ethernet), a wide area network (such as the Internet) or telephone lines in a home (plain old telephone service via the public switched telephone network). In various examples, remote 155A includes a display monitor, a printer, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a cursor control, a speaker, a microphone, a storage device and a network interface device.

[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of system 100B. System 100B includes implantable apparatus 50C, interface 105B and remote 155B. Implantable apparatus 50C is connected to interface 105B by link 55B. Link 55B, in various examples, includes a wired or wireless connection. In one example, implantable apparatus 50C includes a cardiac lead which is coupled to interface circuit 110 of interface 105B by a wired electrical connector. In one example, implantable apparatus 50C includes an implantable device having a near field or far field telemetry system and link 55B represents a wireless connection.

[0020] Interface 105B includes interface circuit 110, controller 115, transceiver 125 and battery 120. Interface circuit 110, in various examples, includes a circuit for establishing a coupling with implantable apparatus 50C. In various examples, interface circuit 110 includes a wireless receiver, transmitter or transceiver.

[0021] Interface circuit 110 is coupled to controller 115 by a wired connection. Controller 115, in various examples, includes analog or digital circuitry to allow communication between implantable apparatus 50C and remote 155B. In one example, controller 115 includes a processor and memory having instructions stored thereon to allow bi-directional communication of analog and digital data.

[0022] Controller 115 is coupled to battery 120 by a wired connection. Battery 120, in various examples, includes a power supply that is isolated from a metered line service. Battery 120, in various examples, include a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery. Battery 120, in various examples, provides power for interface circuit 110, controller 115, transceiver 125 or other circuitry. In one example, battery 120 provides power for analyzing implantable apparatus 50C. In one example, battery 120 includes circuitry to provide a charging current to a rechargeable electrical power source. Controller 115 exchanges data or information with interface circuit 110.

[0023] Transceiver 125 is coupled to controller 115 by a wired connection. Transceiver 125 is denoted as including a transmitter as well as a receiver, however, in various embodiments, transceiver 125 includes a discrete transmitter or receiver. Transceiver 125 exchanges data or information with controller 115 and allows wireless communication with remote 155B.

[0024] Remote 155B includes, in one example, data interface 160, controller 165, transceiver 175 and power circuit 170A. Remote 155B exchanges data with a communication network or provides and receives user-accessible data.

[0025] Transceiver 175 is coupled to controller 165 by a wired connection. Transceiver 175 is denoted as including a transmitter as well as a receiver, however, in various embodiments, transceiver 175 includes a discrete transmitter or receiver. Transceiver 175 exchanges data or information with controller 165 and allows wireless communication with implantable apparatus 50C via link 130B.

[0026] Controller 165, in various examples, includes analog or digital circuitry to allow communication between implantable apparatus 50C and remote 155B. In one example, controller 165 includes a processor and memory having instructions stored thereon to allow bi-directional communication of analog and digital data. Controller 165 exchanges data or information with implantable apparatus 50C.

[0027] Controller 165 is coupled to power circuit 170A by a wired connection. Power circuit 170A, in various examples, includes a power supply that is isolated from a metered line service. In various examples, power circuit 170A includes a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery. Power circuit 170A, in various examples, provides power to controller 165, data interface 160, transceiver 175 or other circuitry. In one example, power circuit 170A provides power for evaluating implantable apparatus 50C. Controller 165 exchanges data or information with data interface 160.

[0028] Data interface 160, in various examples, includes an interface to allow connecting remote 155B with a bi-directional communication network such as a local area network, a wide area network or a telephone line (not shown). In various examples, data interface 160 includes a display monitor, a printer, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a cursor control, a speaker, a microphone, a storage device and a network interface device.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of interface 105C and remote 155C. Interface 105C includes housing 240 and coupler 245. Link 55C represents a wired connection between interface 105C and an implantable apparatus (not shown).

[0030] Coupler 245, in various examples, includes a wireless device (such as a magnetic device, an optical device or an acoustical device) or a wired electrical connector. Coupler 245 provides data communication on link 130B between an implantable apparatus and remote 155C and in one example, coupler 245 also provides electrical isolation. A magnetic device provides data communication and isolation using modulated magnetic signals. An optical device provides data communication and isolation using modulated light. An acoustical device provides data communication and isolation using modulated acoustical signals. A wired connection provides data communication using modulated electrical levels. In one example, coupler 245 includes one or more electrical contacts that are protected or otherwise guarded in a manner to reduce the risk of dangerous electrical levels to a patient.

[0031] In one example, coupler 245 is connected to battery 120 and conveys power from remote 155C to interface 105C for battery charging. Housing 240, in various examples, provides a containment structure for at least one of any combination of interface circuit 110, controller 115, battery 120 and transceiver 125. In various examples, housing 240 is fabricated of plastic, metal or other materials including conductive and non-conductive materials.

[0032] Remote 155C includes housing 230, display 220 and keyboard 205. Remote 155C is powered by a connection to a metered line service via electrical connector 225A. In one example, power circuit 170A includes electrical connector 225A and a medical grade isolated power supply. Power circuit 170A, in one example, includes an isolation transformer and other circuitry. Power circuit 170A provides isolation to prevent electrical signals appearing on the metered line service from appearing at implantable apparatus 50C.

[0033] In various examples, housing 230 is fabricated of plastic, metal or other materials including conductive and non-conductive materials. Housing 230 provides containment for at least one of any combination of data interface 160, controller 165, power circuit 170A and transceiver 175.

[0034] Display 220 provides a visual display for data. The data, in various examples, corresponds to a communication session, device identification or data entered by means of keyboard 205. Keyboard 205 is illustrated as a multi-key keyboard, however other data entry devices are also contemplated, including, for example, a mouse, trackball, touch-sensitive screen or other devices.

[0035] In FIG. 2, remote 155C is coupled to printer 210. Printer 210 provides a printed version of data available at remote 155C. Other external or internal peripheral devices are also contemplated for remote 155C, including, for example, a memory or storage device, a network interface and an audio transducer such as a microphone or speaker.

[0036] In one example, housing 230 includes a feature tailored to mate with housing 240. In FIG. 2, housing 230 includes receiver 235 having dimensions and a configuration to mate with and receive housing 240. Housing 230 serves as a docking station for interface 105C. When interface 105C is docked to remote 155C, coupler 245 is aligned to allow communication using link 130B. In one example, coupler 245 includes an electrical connection with corresponding electrical contacts on housing 230 (not visible in the figure) when docked. In one example, coupler 245 provides a connection whereby battery 120 can be recharged. Other features or configurations for mating housing 240 with housing 230 are also contemplated, including, for example, an alignment pin, slot or guide.

[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate wireless link 130C and 130D, respectively. In FIG. 3A, interface 105D includes array 305 having six light emitting diodes and remote 155D includes array 310 of light emitting diodes or LEDs. In the figure, some of the light emitting diodes are configured to transmit and others are configured to receive optical signals. Other types of optical devices are also contemplated, including, for example, infrared light emitting diodes and laser devices. More or less than six individual optical elements are contemplated.

[0038] In FIG. 3B, interface 105E includes for field radio frequency (RF) antenna 325 in wireless communication with far field radio frequency antenna 330 of remote 155E.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of power circuit 170B. Electrical connector 225B is configured to provide power from a metered line service (not shown) and is connected to isolation transformer 405. Isolation transformer 405 is an iron core inductively coupled transformer, however, other types of isolation components or circuits are also contemplated. Transformer 405 is coupled to charging circuit 410 which includes circuitry for delivering a charging current to battery 120 using electrical contacts 415. In one example, contacts 415 are in communication with coupler 245 when interface 105C is docked with remote 155C. Transformer 405 is also coupled to nodes 420 which are connected, in one example, to controller 165 by a power supply circuit.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates method 500 for communicating with an implantable device. At 505, implantable apparatus 50 is coupled to interface 105A by a wired or wireless link. At 510, interface 105A is powered by an electrical battery. At 515, data is wirelessly communicated between interface 105A and remote 155A. As such, data is sent to, and received from, implantable apparatus 50 using data interface 160 of remote 155B.

Exemplary Alternatives

[0041] In one example, interface 105A is connected by link 55A with a portion of an implantable apparatus. For example, an implantable electrical lead can be analyzed using the present system. Testing of an electrical lead may entail determining placement of an electrode tip, measuring impedance and checking mechanical or electrical integrity.

[0042] In one example, a mechanical connection is established between interface 105A and remote 155A. An electrical connection between interface 105A and remote 155A, in one example, is limited to a battery charging function. In one example, a lock-out circuit or device interrupts a battery charging current during an active communication session between implantable apparatus 50A and remote 155A.

[0043] In one example, link 130A includes a magnetic interface (or coupling), an inductive link, an acoustical link or an optical link. A low level magnetic coupling provides data communication and provides electrical isolation.

[0044] In addition to implantable apparatus 50A, other external devices can also be coupled to remote 155A using the present system. For example, a blood pressure cuff, a weight scale and other wireless modules can be configured to communicate with remote 155A via interface 105A.

[0045] In one example, interface circuit 110 is configured to connect with more than one implantable apparatus 50B or external device. For example, multiple leads of an implantable apparatus can be separately coupled to interface 105B and each such lead can be diagnosed and analyzed using remote 155B.

[0046] In one example, remote 155A executes a program sometimes referred to as a pacing system analyzer software application. The software application includes instructions for communicating with implantable apparatus 50A via interface 105A. In one example, data exchanged using the software application includes control information or instructions, test results and real-time data including markers and electrograms.

[0047] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.