Ambulatory medical apparatus with handheld communication device

Abstract

A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.

1 .- 17 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         18 . A medical system, comprising: 
 a) an ambulatory medical device (MD) comprising MD electronic control circuitry that further comprises at least one MD telemetry system and at least one MD processor that controls, at least in part, operation of the MD telemetry system and operation of the medical device, wherein the medical device is configured to provide a treatment to a body of a patient or to monitor a selected state of the body; and    b) a communication device (CD) comprising CD electronic control circuitry that further comprises at least one CD telemetry system and at least one CD processor that controls, at least in part, operation of the CD telemetry system and operation of the communication device, wherein the CD telemetry system sends messages to or receives messages from the MD telemetry system,    wherein the communication device is configured to receive status information on an MD battery via telemetry from the medical device.    
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein a first portion of the MD telemetry system is incorporated into the MD processor and a second portion of the MD telemetry system is external to the MD processor, or wherein a first portion of the CD telemetry system is incorporated into the CD processor and a second portion of the CD telemetry system is external to the CD processor.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18  wherein (1) the MD electronic control circuitry comprises at least one external MD functional module, other than the second portion of the MD telemetry system, that is external to the MD processor, (2) the CD electronic control circuitry comprises at least one external CD functional module, other than the second portion of the CD telemetry system, that is external to the CD processor, (3) the MD processor comprises an comprises an internal CD CPU and at least one other internal CD functional module.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the medical device provides a periodic indication of the MD battery voltage when the MD battery is experiencing a current load that is closer to the minimum load during normal operation of the medical device than a maximum load during normal operation.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the medical device provides a periodic indication of the MD battery voltage when the MD battery is experiencing a current load which is closer to the maximum load during normal operation than a minimum load during normal operation.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the medical device provides an indication of MD battery status at least once a week.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the medical device provides an indication of MD battery status at least once every two days.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 23  wherein MD battery status is provided using both a lower current load and a higher current load at least once a week.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25  wherein MD battery status is provided using both a lower current load and a higher current load at least once a every two days.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the MD battery is rechargeable.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the MD battery is not rechargeable.  
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the communication device provides an auditory, visual, or tactile warning when the MD battery is estimated to be capable of powering the medical device for less than a predetermined additional amount of time.  
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the predetermined time is less than about six months.  
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30  wherein the predetermined time is less than about three months.  
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31  wherein the predetermined time is less than about one month.  
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the medical device comprises at least one of (1) an implantable infusion pump for selectively dispensing a selected drug, (2) an implantable infusion pump for selectively dispensing insulin, (3) an implantable sensor for sensing a selected state of the body, (4) an implantable sensor for sensing glucose level, or (5) an implantable electrode for selectively stimulating a portion of the body of the patient.  
     
     
         34 .- 39 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         40 . A method of conserving power in a medical system having an ambulatory medical device (MD), for delivering a substance to a body of a patient or for monitoring the body of the patient, with at least one MD processor and at least one MD functional module, the method comprising the steps of: 
 enabling clock signals used by the at least one MD functional module when the module is needed for operation of the medical device; and    disabling clock signals used by the at least one MD functional module when the module is not needed for operation of the medical device.    
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the MD functional module is a synchronous serial interface module, an alarm interface module, a pump interface module, an analog-to-digital converter module, or a timer module.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the MD functional module is a telemetry module.