Intelligent joint prosthesis

Abstract

Medical devices coupled to a sensor, and systems including such devices, can generate data and analysis based on that data, which may be used to identify and/or address problems associated with the implanted medical device, including incorrect placement of the device, unanticipated degradation of the device, and undesired movement of the device. Also provided are medical devices coupled to a sensor, and devices and methods to address problems that have been identified with an implanted medical device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable medical device, comprising:
 at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal; and   a control circuit configured to cause the at least one sensor to generate the sensor signal at a frequency that is related to a telemedicine code.   
     
     
         2 . An implantable medical device, comprising:
 at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal; and   a control circuit configured to cause the at least one sensor to generate the sensor signal at a frequency that allows a doctor to qualify for payment under a telemedicine insurance code.   
     
     
         3 . An implantable medical device, comprising:
 at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal; and   a control circuit configured to cause the at least one sensor to generate the sensor signal at a frequency that allows a doctor to qualify for full payment under a telemedicine insurance code.   
     
     
         4 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein the implantable medical device is an artificial joint. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable medical device of  claim 4  wherein the implantable medical device is an artificial knee or a component thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable medical device of  claim 4  wherein the implantable medical device is an artificial hip or a component thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable medical device of  claim 4  wherein the implantable medical device is an artificial shoulder or a component thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one sensor obtains kinematic data. 
     
     
         9 . The implantable medical device of  claim 8  wherein the at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer. 
     
     
         10 . The implantable medical device of  claim 8  wherein the at least one sensor comprises a gyroscope.