Interrogation of an implantable medical device using audible sound communication
US5891180A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37258
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for interrogation of implantable medical device (IMD) information, including programmed parameter values, operating modes and programmed changes thereof and data stored in the IMD, by emission of audible sounds by the IMD are disclosed. The IMD includes an audio transducer that emits audible sounds including voiced statements or musical tones stored in analog memory correlated to a programming or interrogation operating algorithm or to a warning trigger event. The audible sounds can comprise the sole uplink transmission or may augment the contemporaneous uplink RF transmission of stored data, and/or programmed operating modes and parameters and/or device operations and states in an interrogation or during programming. To conserve energy, the audible sounds accompanying interrogation and programming of the IMD are at a low volume that preferably cannot be heard without use of an external audio amplifier or stethoscope. Voiced statements warning of battery energy depletion or imminent delivery of a therapy are emitted at a higher volume that is sufficient to be heard by the patient, so that the patient can take appropriate action. The volume of audible sounds co…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.