Container for storing a parameter settings report for an implantable medical device and a method for using the container

Abstract

A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device from a medical facility; folding the parameter settings report is folded into a compact size; opening a container, wherein that container includes a base piece and a cover piece with the base piece including a plurality of side walls, an open top side defined by the plurality of sidewalls, and an internal storage volume; placing the folded parameter settings report into the container; and closing the container.

1 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device comprising the steps of: 
 receiving a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device from a medical facility;    folding the parameter settings report into a compact size;    opening a container, wherein the container includes a base piece and a cover piece, wherein the base piece has a plurality of sidewalls, an open top side defined by the plurality of sidewalls, and an internal storage volume;    placing the folded parameter settings report into the internal storage volume of the container; and    closing the container.    
   
   
       2 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cover piece is connected to the base piece by a living hinge.  
   
   
       3 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cover piece is selectively removable from the base piece.  
   
   
       4 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the container is molded plastic.  
   
   
       5 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the molded plastic is of sufficient rigidity to prevent the parameter settings report from being folded when the parameter settings report is inside the internal storage volume of the container.  
   
   
       6 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the open top side of the base piece of the container is defined by an inner surface of a lip that projects from the plurality of sidewalls.  
   
   
       7 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the cover piece includes a rim that extends around the perimeter of the cover piece and encloses the lip of the base piece.  
   
   
       8 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cover piece includes at least one recess sized to receive a corresponding tab on the base piece.  
   
   
       9 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the base piece includes an exterior finger recess to facilitate opening the cover piece.  
   
   
       10 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the container includes exterior indicia for identification.  
   
   
       11 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the exterior indicia are on a sticker affixed to the container.  
   
   
       12 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the exterior indicia are molded into an exterior surface of the container.  
   
   
       13 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the exterior indicia include patient identification.  
   
   
       14 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the exterior indicia include physician identification.  
   
   
       15 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the exterior indicia include identification of contents within the container.  
   
   
       16 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the container is rectangular.  
   
   
       17 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the length of the container is less than 4 inches, the width is less than 3 inches, and the thickness is less than 0.75 inches.  
   
   
       18 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the medical facility is a hospital.  
   
   
       19 . A method for protecting a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the containers are distributed by a member selected from the group consisting of physicians, hospitals, and implanted medical device manufacturers.  
   
   
       20 . A method for a medical facility to encourage a patient to carry a parameter settings report for an implanted medical device comprising: 
 providing the patient with a pocket sized container for holding and protecting a folded parameters setting report, wherein the container includes a base piece and a cover piece, wherein the base piece has a plurality of sidewalls and an open top side defined by the plurality of sidewalls.