Acoustic Implant Assist Device for IMD Positioning and Link Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in accurately delivering and positioning within the body and maintaining effective acoustic communication links, which can be affected by changing physiological conditions and anatomical factors, impacting sensor accuracy and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a catheter and an implant assist device with acoustic transducers for wireless communication, allowing for the delivery, positioning, and periodic evaluation of IMDs within the body, ensuring optimal acoustic signal strength and quality through control/processing circuitry and user feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IMD is delivered and positioned within the body using a catheter, then the IMD can be placed at the desired location, but the acoustic communication link between the IMD and external device may be insufficient due to anatomical factors and dynamic physiological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors acoustic communication link quality between the IMD and external device, providing real-time feedback about signal strength and communication adequacy. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when the acoustic link becomes insufficient due to physiological changes or positional shifts, enabling timely corrective actions to maintain reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter delivery system is designed to position the IMD at the desired location before final deployment. By establishing the correct position preliminarily during delivery, the system optimizes the acoustic communication path before the IMD begins its monitoring function, reducing the need for post-implantation adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If the IMD position is adjusted to improve acoustic communication, then signal strength may be enhanced, but the delivery and positioning process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time acoustic link quality monitoring provides feedback on communication effectiveness, guiding position adjustments only when necessary. This feedback-driven approach prevents unnecessary complex positioning maneuvers while ensuring optimal sensor accuracy and communication reliability are achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs position adjustments only to the extent necessary to achieve adequate acoustic communication, rather than optimizing every parameter to maximum precision. This partial action approach balances sensor accuracy requirements with procedural simplicity, avoiding excessive complexity in the delivery process.
3Reliability
If periodic evaluation of the acoustic communication link is performed, then communication adequacy can be confirmed, but the device operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic evaluation system automatically monitors acoustic communication link quality and provides feedback when communication becomes inadequate. This automated feedback mechanism maintains high communication reliability without requiring complex manual evaluation procedures, as the system self-monitors and alerts only when intervention is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMD and external device automatically perform periodic acoustic link evaluations without requiring complex external intervention. The system self-monitors communication quality using built-in capabilities, reducing the operational complexity burden on clinicians while maintaining reliable communication through continuous self-assessment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise delivery and positioning of IMDs, maintains reliable acoustic communication links, and ensures continuous data transmission by adjusting the IMD's position based on signal strength and quality, addressing the dynamic changes within the body.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic transducer configured to transmit and receive acoustic signals to and from the implant assist device
Implementation Method 2
at least one acoustic transducer adapted to receive the acoustic signal transmitted by the implantable device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for delivering and positioning an implantable medical device and for evaluating an acoustic communication link are disclosed. An illustrative system includes a catheter adapted to contain an implantable device with a biosensor and an acoustic transducer configured to transmit an acoustic signal, and an implant assist device in acoustic communication with the implantable device via an acoustic communication link. The implant assist device includes an acoustic transducer adapted to receive the acoustic signal transmitted by the implantable medical device, and control/processing circuitry configured to evaluate a performance of the acoustic link.