Universal Pacemaker Programmer
USC Center for Body Computing
Medical: Exploring New Business Opportunities
We demonstrated how connected wireless technology could improve patient care with a device that simplifies pacemaker programming.
Dr. Leslie Saxon, an interventional cardiologist and executive director of the USC Center for Body Computing, works frequently with wireless implantable devices and was frustrated with the fragmented system for managing them. Today, health care facilities must store and maintain up to five distinct programmers in order to adjust pacemakers. Each of these systems is operated by off-site manufacturers’ representatives at a cost of up to $400 million per year. Dr. Saxon enlisted Karten Design to define a solution to simplify this process.
The Universal Programmer is designed to replace manufacturers’ proprietary programmers with a single interface. We envisioned a device that allows nurses the option to handle programming with remote assistance from technicians and physicians instead of waiting for technicians to arrive on site. Incorporating familiar ceremonies from consumer electronics to improve communication between care providers, the programmer becomes a communication portal with dual web cameras, microphones and speakers.
Two touch screen panels simplify user interface and guide users step by step through the process of programming pacemakers for invasive procedures. The cloud-connected device also allows users to view a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) on screen without the need for additional devices.
Karten Design presented this concept at the USC Body Computing Conference. Dr. Saxon is currently using this concept to start a conversation between the major manufacturers of pacemaker programmers.
