Worldwide patient location and data telemetry system for implantable medical devices

TLDR: In this paper, a system for communicating with a medical device (10) implanted in an ambulatory patient and for locating the patient in order to selectively monitor device function, alter device operating parameters and modes and provide emergency assistance to and communications with a patient (10).

Abstract: A system for communicating with a medical device (10) implanted in an ambulatory patient and for locating the patient in order to selectively monitor device function, alter device operating parameters and modes and provide emergency assistance to and communications with a patient (10). The implanted device (10) includes a telemetry transceiver for communicating data and operating instructions between the implanted device and an external patient communications control device (20) that is either worn by or located in proximity of the patient within the implanted device transceiving range. The control device preferably includes a communication link with a remote medical support network (50), a global positioning satellite (80) receiver for receiving positioning data identifying the global position of the control device, and a patient activated link for permitting patient initiated personal communication with the medical support network (50). A system controller (24) in the control device (20) controls data and voice communications for selectively transmitting patient initiated personal communications and global positioning data to the medical support network (50), and for receiving and initiating re-programming of the implanted device operating modes and parameters in response to instructions received from the medical support network (50). The communications link between the medical support network and the patient communications control device may comprise a worldwide satellite network, hard-wired telephone network, a cellular telephone network (82) or other personal communications system.