Acoustic Sensor Pacing Device Cardiac Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ECG sensing electrodes often fail to accurately determine cardiac function, leading to inadequate discrimination between cardiac anomalies that significantly impair cardiac function and those that do not, which can result in inappropriate treatment.
Innovation Solution
A pacing device that combines electrode and acoustic sensor data to enhance cardiac anomaly detection, using a processor to deliver pacing pulses and analyze acoustic signals during a blanking interval to determine capture, thereby adjusting pulse energy levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ECG sensing electrodes are used to detect cardiac function, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of cardiac anomaly detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (ECG electrodes and acoustic sensors) into a unified cardiac monitoring system. The processor integrates electrical signals from electrodes with acoustic signals from sensors to detect cardiac anomalies, achieving superior measurement precision through multi-parameter analysis while managing system complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pacing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it delivers pacing pulses through electrodes, detects cardiac electrical activity via ECG electrodes, and simultaneously monitors acoustic signals from acoustic sensors. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive cardiac assessment without requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Reliability
If only ECG sensing electrodes are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to discriminate between impairing and non-impairing cardiac anomalies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges electrical signal detection (ECG) with acoustic signal detection to create a more reliable cardiac function assessment. By analyzing both electrical and acoustic parameters simultaneously, the system can better distinguish between cardiac anomalies that substantially impair function versus those that do not, achieving higher reliability through complementary sensing modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously analyzes both ECG and acoustic signals to provide feedback on cardiac function status. This feedback mechanism enables real-time discrimination between different types of cardiac anomalies, allowing the system to adjust pacing parameters or alert clinicians based on the severity and nature of detected abnormalities.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are added to the pacing device, then the cardiac anomaly detection precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates acoustic sensors with existing ECG electrodes in a unified cardiac monitoring system. The processor combines analysis of electrical signals from electrodes with acoustic signals from sensors to detect cardiac capture and anomalies, achieving enhanced measurement precision through multi-modal signal processing while managing integration complexity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pacing device is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs electrical pacing, ECG monitoring, and acoustic signal detection. This universal design allows a single device to execute multiple cardiac assessment functions, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while improving overall detection precision.
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
This approach improves the accuracy and precision of cardiac anomaly detection, allowing for tailored treatment by distinguishing between impairing and non-impairing anomalies, ensuring appropriate energy delivery and minimizing discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor configured to detect an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured to deliver the pacing pulse and analyze the acoustic signal to determine whether the pacing pulse resulted in capture
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one example, a medical device is provided. The medical device includes at least one therapy electrode, at least one acoustic sensor, and at least one processor coupled with the at least one therapy electrode and the at least one acoustic sensor. The at least one processor is configured to deliver at least one pacing pulse via the at least one therapy electrode and to analyze processed acoustic data to determine whether the at least one pacing pulse resulted in capture.