Patent ID: 8319631
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61B,A61N,G08C,G16H,H04L

Abstract:
1. A modular portable patient communicator (PPC) for communicating with a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) and facilitating connectivity with a central authority (CA) via an unsecured network, the PPC comprising: a housing configured for portability by an ambulatory patient; a processor; a user interface coupled to the processor; a radio configured to effect communications only with the PIMD in accordance with program instructions of medical firmware executable by the processor; a universal communications port supported by the housing and coupled to the processor, the communications port comprising a connector configured to detachably engage and establish signal connectivity with at least one module of a plurality of disparate modules; the PPC devoid of a facility to effect external communications other than by way of the radio and the universal communications port, at least some of the plurality of disparate modules configured to provide the PPC with an external communications facility and having disparate communication protocols; memory provided in the housing and coupled to the processor, the memory storing the medical firmware and life critical network (LCN) software comprising program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor in cooperation with the at least one module of the plurality of disparate modules to transmit a request to a network access facility for a connection to the unsecured network, authenticate the PPC to the CA, and facilitate secured communication between the PPC and CA upon successful PPC authentication; and a power source configured to supply power for components of the PPC.