Adaptive AV Conduction Time Sampling Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardiac therapy devices measure intrinsic atrioventricular (AV) conduction time at a fixed rate, which may not adapt effectively to changes in a patient's activity level or heart rate, potentially leading to inefficient cardiac pacing and increased patient discomfort due to predictable measurement intervals.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device that adjusts the sampling rate of intrinsic AV conduction time measurements based on monitored physiological parameters such as activity level and heart rate, increasing the rate during changes and decreasing it during stability to optimize pacing and reduce measurement frequency when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sampling rate is used for measuring intrinsic AV conduction time, then the measurement schedule is simple and predictable, but the device cannot adapt to changes in patient activity level or heart rate, leading to inefficient cardiac pacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed sampling rate to a variable sampling rate that automatically adjusts based on detected changes in AV conduction time. The system monitors physiological parameters and modifies the measurement interval dynamically, increasing the rate when changes are detected and decreasing it when stability is confirmed, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device continuously monitors AV conduction time and uses this information to adjust the sampling rate. When changes in AV conduction time are detected, the system increases the sampling rate to track changes more closely. When stability is confirmed over a threshold period, the sampling rate is decreased, creating a closed-loop system that balances adaptability with operational simplicity
2Speed
If the intrinsic AV conduction time is measured frequently, then the device responds quickly to changes in AV conduction time, but the number of measurements increases, potentially increasing patient discomfort and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing interval-based sampling where the measurement frequency is adjusted based on the detection of changes. Instead of continuous or fixed-frequency measurement, the system uses variable intervals - increasing frequency when changes are detected and decreasing frequency when stability is confirmed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining rapid response capability when needed while minimizing unnecessary measurements during stable periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter dynamically based on the operational state of the AV conduction time. When the system detects changes in AV conduction time, it increases the sampling rate parameter to improve response speed. When stability is confirmed, the parameter is decreased to reduce the number of measurements. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between response speed and measurement quantity
3Reliability
If the sampling rate is increased during stable periods, then the responsiveness to changes is maintained, but the measurement frequency increases unnecessarily, reducing therapy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling rate adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors AV conduction time and adjusts the sampling rate based on detected changes, increasing it when changes occur and decreasing it during stable periods. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability (responsiveness) when needed while improving productivity (therapy efficiency) during stable periods by reducing unnecessary measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting changes in AV conduction time and adjusting the sampling rate without external intervention. The device monitors its own performance metrics and modifies its measurement strategy accordingly, increasing sampling when changes are detected and reducing sampling when stability is confirmed. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliability when needed while maximizing therapy delivery efficiency during stable periods
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and/or devices for modifying the sampling rate for measuring a patient's intrinsic AV conduction time during cardiac therapy. For example, the sampling rate for measuring a patient's intrinsic AV conduction time may be modified (e.g., decrease or increased) based on one or more monitored physiological parameters, such as activity level and/or heart rate.