Implantable cardiac monitor featuring a locator function

Abstract

Implantable cardiac monitor (1), comprising: - a light source (10) designed such that its light is visible through the skin in an implanted state of the monitor (1); or - a loudspeaker (11) designed such that a sound produced by it is audible through the skin in an implanted state of the monitor (1); or - a communication interface comprising an antenna (12) designed such that, upon detection of the antenna (12) by a query device, a message can be generated on the query device; or - an anchor (13) attached to the implantable cardiac monitor (1), wherein the anchor (13) is designed to be fixable at a markable location.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an implant, in particular an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), which is especially suitable for ensuring the position of the implant after implantation and facilitating its retrieval. Implantable cardiac monitors are generally implanted subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat tissue or in adjacent tissue layers to enable continuous monitoring of cardiac activity. However, a major challenge with such implants lies in ensuring stable positioning and the ability to quickly and reliably locate the implant in the event of dislocation or during necessary medical interventions.

[0002] Known solutions include implantable monitors with so-called suture holes (eyelets) that allow the implant to be fixed by suturing it to the surrounding tissue. However, these solutions have several disadvantages. Suturing to the tissue requires an additional surgical step, which prolongs the minimally invasive procedure and increases the burden on the patient. Furthermore, fixation by ligation is only possible to a limited extent when the implant is placed in subcutaneous fat tissue, as this requires sufficiently stable tissue, such as muscle tissue. Without reliable fixation, there is a risk of the implant becoming dislocated, which can not only impair the diagnostic function of the monitor but also significantly complicate its retrieval.There are also known cases in which implantable monitors migrated through the body, further complicating the localization and, if necessary, removal of the implant. An example of this is monitors that lack suture holes and therefore cannot be fixed by suturing.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims to provide an implantable cardiac monitor that enables retrieval after implantation.

[0004] To solve this problem, an implantable cardiac monitor is proposed that has one or more of the following features: - a light source (preferably in the form of an LED) designed so that its light is visible through the skin when the monitor is implanted (so that the position of the implanted monitor is recognizable from the outside, e.g. in a darkened room), or - a loudspeaker designed so that a sound produced by it is audible through the skin in an implanted state, or - a communication interface comprising an antenna (e.g., an NFC antenna, an RFID antenna, or a Bluetooth antenna) designed such that, upon detection of the antenna by a query device, a message is generated on the query device, or - an anchor attached to the implantable cardiac monitor, wherein the anchor is designed to be fixed at a markable location in order to locate the position of the implanted monitor.

[0005] The respective localization function ensures reliable relocatability of the implantable cardiac monitor, thereby supporting both preventive and curative measures to ensure the diagnosis and therapy of the patient.

[0006] The following section will explain embodiments and variants of the invention, as well as further features and advantages of the invention, with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of an implantable cardiac monitor with an integrated light source, in particular LED, designed so that its light is visible through the skin in order to locate the position of the implant in a darkened room, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an implantable cardiac monitor with an integrated loudspeaker designed so that a sound produced by it is audible through the skin to acoustically signal the position of the implant, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an implantable cardiac monitor with a communication interface comprising an NFC antenna, an RFID antenna or a Bluetooth antenna, designed such that when the respective antenna is detected by a query device, a message is generated on the query device, Fig. 4 A schematic representation of an implantable cardiac monitor with an anchor attached to the monitor and designed to be fixed at a point and to mark that point in order to locate the position of the implant. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an implantable cardiac monitor 1 according to the invention, comprising a light source, preferably in the form of an LED 10, which is designed such that its light is visible through the skin of a recipient of the implant or monitor 1. The LED 10 can be integrated into a metal housing of the monitor 1, with its light being guided to the outside through a glass window, a ceramic element, a glass feedthrough, or a translucent resin or TPU element. Alternatively, the LED 10 can be mounted externally on the housing of the monitor 1 and passively powered by means of an RFID antenna, thus eliminating the need for a feedthrough into the interior of the housing. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an implantable cardiac monitor 1 according to the invention, comprising a loudspeaker 11 configured to emit a signal tone audible through the skin of a recipient of the implant 1. The loudspeaker 11 can be located on the circuit board inside the monitor 1 and is powered by the monitor 1's internal battery. Alternatively, the loudspeaker 11, together with a power-supplying antenna, can be mounted externally on the housing of the monitor 1 and passively powered, thus eliminating the need for a connection to the interior of the housing. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an implantable cardiac monitor 1 according to the invention, comprising an antenna 12 configured as an RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth antenna. The antenna 12 is located externally on the housing of the monitor 1 and can be printed on (e.g., using Oreltech technology), embedded in plastic (e.g., TPU) and heat-pressed, or integrated into a resin or ceramic header body. The antenna 12 can be passively powered, thus eliminating the need for a connection to the interior of the housing. Fig.Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an implantable cardiac monitor 1 according to the invention, with an anchor 13 attached to a fixing cord for securing the monitor 1 to body tissue. The cord can consist of a thin but tear-resistant metal cable welded to the housing of the monitor 1 at several points to ensure redundant attachment. Alternatively, the cord can be attached to an eyelet with a snap-in window on the housing of the monitor 1, similar to a cable tie, so that it cannot be removed once snapped into place.

[0007] The present invention offers numerous advantages compared to previous solutions. While conventional implantable cardiac monitors require an additional surgical step, such as suturing the monitor in place, this step is completely eliminated with the present invention. Particularly in the case of ICMs, where fixation by suturing is not possible, the invention represents a significant improvement. The proposed solutions enable rapid and reliable retrieval of the implant, which not only saves time but also increases the safety and efficiency of medical procedures.

[0008] Furthermore, the technology used offers potential for additional applications. For example, the LED used for localization could also serve as a tissue glucose sensor and collect relevant data. The antennas that contribute to relocatability could simultaneously be used to passively power sensors, for instance, to record vital signs. This dual functionality of the antennas increases efficiency and reduces the need for additional components.

[0009] A further advantage of the invention lies in the possibility of electronically querying the ICM's serial number, potentially eliminating the need for physical device marking. Integrating an X-ray detection function into the RFID antenna also saves components and enhances the system's functionality. Finally, the technology could also find applications in other areas, such as locating patients in emergencies or assisting crematoria, which are required to remove active implants before cremation. The invention thus represents a versatile and innovative solution that significantly improves both medical applications and related fields.

Claims

[1] Implantable cardiac monitor (1), comprising: - a light source (10) designed such that its light is visible through the skin in an implanted state of the monitor (1); or - a loudspeaker (11) designed such that a sound produced by it is audible through the skin in an implanted state of the monitor (1); or - a communication interface comprising an antenna (12) designed such that, upon detection of the antenna (12) by a query device, a message can be generated on the query device; or - an anchor (13) attached to the implantable cardiac monitor (1), wherein the anchor (13) is designed to be fixable at a markable location.

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