Abstract:
A system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions. A medical device system has a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of icons is defined, wherein the plurality of icons includes a first icon, a second icon and a third icon, wherein the first icon indicates correctness, wherein the second icon warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third icon warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the plurality of icons. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the icon associated with the parameter interaction is displayed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/378,405, filed on Aug. 20, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,248 the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to medical device programming, and more particularly to a system and method for detecting and displaying parameter interactions arising during the programming of a medical device. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     As medical device feature sets become richer and more complex, medical devices are getting increasingly complicated to program. This is especially the case in situations where modification of one feature ripples through and interacts with other selected features. 
     For devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators it can be very difficult for physicians to deal with non-compatibilities with programming. Such devices may have many features to program and, when physicians go in to program, there may be some inconsistencies that are not allowed by logic or by concerns for safety of the patient. In the past, these inconsistencies were displayed as error messages and the physician often had to wade through a series of screens to determine the nature of the inconsistency and how to resolve it. 
     In addition, physicians were frustrated by error messages which noted an interaction but did not tell them what to do to resolve the problem. They were often reduced to trial and error programming which might create a second parameter interaction while resolving the first. 
     What is needed is a more intuitive way for the physician to resolve parameter interactions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions is described for use in a medical device system having a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of icons is defined, wherein the plurality of icons includes a first icon, a second icon and a third icon, wherein the first icon indicates correctness, wherein the second icon warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third icon warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the plurality of icons. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the icon associated with the parameter interaction is displayed. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a system and method of detecting and displaying parameter interactions is described for use in a medical device system having a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. A plurality of messages is defined, wherein the plurality of messages includes a first type of message, a second type of message and a third type of message, wherein the first type of message indicates correctness, wherein the second type of message warns of a parameter interaction and wherein the third type of message warns of impermissible parameter settings. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified and each of the parameter interactions is associated with one of the message types. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, the message of the message type associated with the parameter interaction is displayed. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system and method of detecting and correcting parameter interactions is described for use in a medical device system having a medical device and a programming interface, wherein the medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. Parameter interactions between feature parameters are identified. A parameter value is accepted and examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. If the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, a message representative of the parameter interaction is displayed. The message includes a description of the parameter interaction and one or more parameters. One or more of the displayed parameters is modified and the modified parameter value is examined to determine if it causes a parameter interaction. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a medical device system is described. The medical device system includes a medical device and a programming interface. The medical device includes a plurality of features which can be programmed via the programming interface. The programming interface includes a display for displaying a plurality of icons and rules identifying parameter interactions between feature parameters and rules associating each of the parameter interactions with one of the plurality of icons. The programming interface accepts a parameter value, examines the parameter value to determine if it causes a parameter interaction and, if the parameter value causes a parameter interaction, displays the icon associated with the parameter interaction. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, where like numerals refer to like components throughout the several views: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a medical device system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a medical device system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator medical device system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a display for use in a implantable cardioverter defibrillator; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates another display for use in a implantable cardioverter defibrillator; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a display for modifying detection enhancement parameters in a implantable cardioverter defibrillator; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates another display for modifying detection enhancement parameters in a implantable cardioverter defibrillator; and 
     FIGS. 8-10 are examples of parameter interaction warning displays. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a medical device system  10  with the inventive parameter interaction detection and display feature. Medical device system  10  includes a medical device  12  and a programmer  14 . Programmer  14  includes an input device  16  and a display  18  and is connected to medical device  12  via communications link  20 . Communications link  20  may embody any form of communications protocol, including wired, wireless, optical and other forms of communication protocols. Input device  16 , display  18  and the underlying hardware and software make up the programming interface. 
     Features of medical device  12  are displayed on display  18  and may be modified through the use of input device  16 . Parameter interactions between these features are also displayed on display  18  in the manner described below. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a medical device system  30  with the inventive parameter interaction detection and display feature. Medical device system  30  includes a medical device  32  with a built-in programming interface  34 . Programming interface  34  includes an input device  36  and a display  38 . Features of medical device  32  are displayed on display  38  and may be modified through the use of input device  36 . Parameter interactions between these features are also displayed on display  38  in the manner described below. 
     In one embodiment, medical device system  10  is an implantable shock therapy system. Such a medical device system  10  is shown in FIG.  3 . In FIG. 3, medical device system  10  includes a defibrillator  40 , a power supply  42  and a programmer  44 . Power supply  42  is connected to defibrillator  40  and supplies power to defibrillator  40 . Defibrillator  40  is connected to programmer  44  via communications link  20 . 
     In one such embodiment, defibrillator  40  includes a telemetry system  46  for communicating with programmer  44 . In addition, defibrillator  40  supplies the requisite therapy to the heart via leads  48 . 
     Programmer  44  includes an input device  52  such as a keyboard or mouse, a display  54  a telemetry system  55 . Features selected or programmed by physicians into programmer  44  are communicated through telemetry to defibrillator  40 , where they control shock and pacing therapy applied to the patient&#39;s heart. 
     In one embodiment, systems  10  and  20  include interactive programming feedback. Interactive programming feedback is a feature that is designed to assist the user in programming the medical device appropriately. In one such embodiment, a set of rules govern the universe of possibilities that the various parameters may be programmed to. The rules ensure that incompatibilities among features are caught and prevented and that programming conflicts cannot exist. In one such embodiment, if a user programs a parameter in such a way that an incompatibility exists, programmer  14  or  44 , or programming interface  34 , provides a visual indication on the respective display to inform the user of the situation, and provides on-screen guidance as to how to correct the situation. In addition, when the user attempts to correct the programming error, systems  10  and  20  provide immediate feedback as to the success of the correction. 
     A display which could be used to control systems  10  and  20  is shown in FIG.  4 . The display in FIG. 4 is geared toward the defibrillator system shown in FIG. 3 but can be generalized to control of any medical device  12  or  32 . 
     Representative three zone configurations are shown in FIG.  4 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, system  10  includes up to three tachyarrhythmia zones (labeled as VT- 1 , VT, and VF). In one such embodiment, such as is shown in FIG. 4, each zone is identified on display  24  with its label  70  and its rate threshold  72 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, label  70  and its associated rate threshold  72  are displayed within a zone rate bar  74 . In addition, a detection summary for each zone is displayed within detection button  76  for that zone and a therapy summary for each zone is displayed within therapy button  78  for that zone. 
     In one embodiment, the user accesses the detection parameters for a zone by selecting the respective detection button  76  and accesses the therapy parameters for a zone by selecting the respective therapy button  78 . If a zone&#39;s detection button  76  has been selected, the initial and redetection parameters  88  are displayed for that zone. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the initial and redetection parameters associated with the VT- 1  zone, while FIG. 5 illustrates the initial and redetection parameters associated with the VT zone. Detection enhancement rhythm discrimination categories  90  (see FIGS. 4 and 5) are displayed as well for those zones in which enhancements are available. In one embodiment, the user selects rate threshold value  72  in order to change the rate threshold for that zone. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the number of zones tachyarrhythmia zones can be modified by selecting one of the number buttons beneath the “# Zones” label. 
     In one embodiment, if parameter settings have changed but have not yet been programmed into the pulse generator, hatch marks (////) will appear in the summary area. When the values are programmed, the hatch marks disappear. 
     In one embodiment, a subset of zone configuration information is displayed when the system summary and quick check screens are visible, which allows a shortcut to the detection and/or therapy parameters screens. (Only presently programmed values are displayed; it does not display changed data that has not yet been programmed into the device nor hatch marks.) In one embodiment, the user selects a shortcut icon to navigate to the Tachy Parameters screen, which displays detailed information. If a shortcut icon appears dim, it indicates that a change to the number of zones has not been programmed; thus a shortcut is not available to the parameter screens. 
     A brady therapy summary  80  is also visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. This area displays the normal and post-shock bradycardia modes and rates. Additional bradycardia parameter settings may be viewed and changed by selecting the brady summary button when a shortcut icon is visible, or the Brady Parameters tool. Depending on which toolbox screen is visible, this summary button may show just the rate/zone bar or may include additional information as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 
     Toolbox  82  displays various features depending on the chosen toolbox button. The features allow interaction with the pulse generator as well as a review of data in pulse generator memory. Only one tool may be selected at a time. (In one embodiment, the System Summary tool is selected when the application is initially accessed. However, if an episode is in progress at initial interrogation, the EP Test screen will be displayed.) 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, windows contain information relevant to a particular function. They may include names of pulse generator parameters and functions, value boxes to accommodate value changes, buttons to open additional windows, and buttons to cancel changes or close the window. To remove the window from the display, select the button that initiates activity or select the Close or Cancel button. 
     Message windows are used to provide feedback during communication sessions. Some require action as indicated in the window before continuing the session, while others simply relay information without requiring further action or show status of an activity. Many message windows have a Cancel or Close button; select the desired button to cancel the action being performed as explained in the message and/or close the window. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, ECG display  84  is always visible. ECG display  84  shows real-time surface ECG traces, as well as real-time electrograms (EGMs) and event markers, which are useful in ascertaining system performance. In one such embodiment, a 20-second snapshot of the ECG trace, electrograms, and markers can be printed automatically; when the cursor is positioned over the ECG display the cursor changes to a camera icon; click the left trackball key to “capture” the trace. The printed trace shows 10 seconds before and 10 seconds after the moment of command. 
     In one embodiment, annotated event markers identify certain intrinsic cardiac and device-related events, and provide information such as sensed/paced events, decision of detection criteria, and therapy delivery. The markers are displayed on ECG display  84 . 
     In one embodiment, real-time electrograms can be transmitted from the pace/sense or shocking electrodes to evaluate lead system integrity such as lead fractures, insulation breaks, or dislodgments. 
     The number of zones, the zones&#39; rate thresholds, and values for detection, redetection, and detection enhancement parameters can be programmed from the Zone Configuration display in FIGS. 4 and 5 in the following manner. 
     First, select Tachy Parameters button  86  from toolbox  82  to display the zone configuration area and the selected zone&#39;s parameters. Next, change the number of zones by selecting the desired number (1, 2, or 3) from the #Zones column. The zone configuration will display the selected number of zones with hatch marks overlaying the new zones, which have not been programmed into the device yet. Third, change the rate threshold using either select box  72  from zone/rate bar  74  or via the zone&#39;s detection button  76 . 
     Next, change any of the desired initial or redetection parameters. In one embodiment, hatch marks overlay the zone&#39;s detection button  76  until the changed parameters have been programmed into the pulse generator. Note: As parameter values are changed, the information icon and/or stop sign icon may appear at the top of the main application screen to inform of potential parameter interactions. Modify parameters as required to get around these objections. Detection and display of parameter interaction will be further discussed below. 
     Magnifying-glass icon  94  can be used ro display feature parameters. In addition, a number of details are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For instance, detection enhancement details for VT- 1  zone are shown in FIG. 4 while detection enhancement details for VT zone are shown in FIG.  5 . 
     Detection enhancement parameters can be more easily programmed by identifying the type of rhythm discrimination desired and associating the clinical rhythms with particular detection enhancements. In one embodiment, the types of clinical rhythms include: atrial tachyarrhythmia, sinus tachycardia, and polymorphic VT. See “System And Method For Detection Enhancement Programming,” filed herewith, for more information on detection enhancement programming through the use of clinical rhythms. 
     When a rhythm discrimination is selected, preselected values are displayed for the parameters that are suitable for discriminating that rhythm. From a zone&#39;s detection screen (window  92  in FIGS.  6  and  7 ), detection parameters can be turned On by selecting the Detection Enhancements On or Off value box, or by selecting the individual rhythm types. Window  92  is closed when the parameters values are as desired. 
     As noted above, systems  10  and  20  provide almost immediate feedback of parameters interactions and how to correct them. In one embodiment, once the user has attempted to program an incompatible setting, systems  10  and  20  display a written message that describes the problem to the user. The written description of the programming conflict describes why the programming change is not allowed, and what specific parameters need to be changed in order to correct the problem. If more than one option is available to correct the incompatibility, all choices are displayed. 
     In one embodiment, systems  10  and  20  list each of the parameters in question that may need to be adjusted, and a status icon for each. In one such embodiment, the visual display of the interactive feedback includes the use of icons to signify the status of the programming change. If a red stop sign is displayed, the programming change violates a rule of programming, and thus needs to be corrected before the system will allow programming of the medical device. If a yellow warning sign is displayed, the programming change is allowable, but caution should be used as to the limitations that may occur when the device is programmed as such. On seeing a red stop sign or a yellow warning sign, the user has the opportunity to change one or more programming parameter values. If the user does so and a green check mark or exclamation point is displayed, the programming change has corrected the issue, and thus no further programming is necessary. 
     One visual display which can be used to provide such feedback is shown in FIG.  8 . The example in FIG. 8 is based on the defibrillator example of FIG. 3 but could be extended to other medical devices. 
     In display  100  of FIG. 8, feedback is provided to the user in the form of a warning  102 , an icon  104  and one or more parameters  106 . In addition, display  100  may include parameters  108 . Warning  102  gives the reason why the suggested programming settings are not allowed. Icon  104  designated the status of the suggested programming change (in this scenario, icon  104  is a yellow warning icon as described above). Parameters  106  are the parameters in question while parameters  108  are the additional parameters which may need to be adjusted. Finally, there is a present value  110  and a change box  112  for each parameter  106  and  108 . 
     In one embodiment, changes to parameters  106  and  108  are displayed immediately, with a visual confirmation of the success or failure of the change in programming. An example of a successful change in programming is shown in FIG.  9 . In FIG. 9, a change to the Post-shock Brady Max Tracking Rate (from 140 ppm in FIG. 8 to 120 ppm in FIG. 9) results in an acceptable Post-shock Brady Minimum Dynamic VRP parameter  116 . As a result, a positive icon  114  is displayed next to parameter  116 . (In this scenario, icon  114  is a green check icon as described above. Other symbols of correctness could also be used.) Note that the possible problem with Normal Brady Minimum Dynamic VRP parameter  106  remains uncorrected at this time. 
     Another example of parameter interaction is shown in FIG.  10 . In FIG. 10, feedback is provided to the user in the form of a warning  102 , an icon  104  and one or more parameters  106 . In addition, display  100  may include parameters  108 . As in FIG. 8, warning  102  gives the reason why the suggested programming settings are not allowed. Icon  104  designated the status of the suggested programming change (in this scenario, the first icon  104  is a red stop sign icon while the second icon  104  is a yellow warning icon). Parameters  106  are the parameters in question while parameters  108  are the additional parameters which may need to be adjusted. Finally, there is a present value  110  and a change box  112  for each parameter  106  and  108 . 
     In one embodiment, when a new parameter is entered in the Change column of display  100 , it is immediately checked for interactions with other parameters. This may be done, for example, by a review of the set of rules discussed above. If the new value violates interactive limits within the application, a parameter interaction stop sign is displayed as discussed above. In one such embodiment, this icon can be selected to access a parameter interaction screen such as is displayed in FIGS. 8-10. Once the parameter interaction screen is accessed, the user can make changes directly from within the window. 
     Similarly, if the new value creates a situation where the value is not forbidden but more information should be presented to the clinician, the warning sign icon is displayed. In one such embodiment, this icon can be selected to access a parameter interaction screen such as is displayed in FIGS. 8-10. Changes to the affected parameter or parameters need not be made in order to proceed. Physician discretion is, however, advised depending on the type of patient or on other circumstances relating to the device. 
     One should be careful when writing the rules which detect and display parameter interactions. Each warning should include a description of the present clinical situation, the present equation at issue and suggestions for resolving the issue. The rules and the warnings must be coordinated to present meaningful warnings for all combinations of parameter interactions. 
     In contrast to previous devices, this method of handling parameter interaction provides a more intuitive approach coupled with the capability to provide the user immediate feedback on the choices they have made. This saves time for the user. In addition, by allowing the user to make all necessary changes from one screen, rather than having to navigate through multiple screens, ease of use is improved. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.