Integrated Cardiac Pacing Device for Atrial Appendage Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardiac pacing devices are cumbersome to implant and limited in functionality, failing to effectively regulate cardiac rhythm in cases of severe bradycardia or cardiac pauses, which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and syncope.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac pacing system comprising a blocker to occlude the atrial appendage and a regulator to contact the heart, with a control device capable of communicating with multiple pacing devices to sense and regulate heart rate, including a first device between an atrium and atrial appendage and a second device in the ventricle, allowing for coordinated stimulation to maintain optimal cardiac rhythm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional artificial pacemaker with separate pulse generator, electrode, and lead is used, then the device can deliver electrical impulses to regulate cardiac rhythm, but the implantation procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulse generator, electrode, and lead into a single integrated pacemaker unit. This merging of previously separate components simplifies the implantation procedure while maintaining the device's ability to deliver electrical impulses for cardiac rhythm regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pacemaker unit serves multiple functions simultaneously - it generates electrical impulses, delivers them through the electrode, and monitors cardiac rhythm, all within a single device structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed during implantation.
2Reliability
If a conventional pacemaker is implanted under the clavicle with leads extending into the heart, then cardiac pacing can be achieved, but the device causes foreign body sensation and limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pacemaker function from the traditional subclavicular implantation site and relocates it to the atrial appendage region. This extraction from the conventional location reduces foreign body sensation and improves patient comfort while maintaining effective cardiac pacing through the electrode contact with heart tissue.
3Loss of energy
If the heart rate is allowed to slow down naturally with aging or disease, then the heart can operate with lower energy consumption, but severe bradycardia leads to insufficient blood flow and symptoms like dizziness and syncope
Solution Approach 1:
The pacemaker incorporates a sensor that continuously monitors heart rate and provides feedback to the control circuit. When bradycardia is detected, the system automatically delivers electrical stimulation to increase heart rate, ensuring adequate blood flow while allowing natural low-energy operation during normal heart rate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pacemaker delivers electrical impulses periodically only when necessary to correct bradycardia, rather than continuously stimulating the heart. This periodic intervention maintains adequate blood flow during needed moments while allowing the heart to operate naturally during normal conditions, optimizing energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cardiac pacing device (10) to be disposed in a heart between an atrium (4) and an atrial appendage (5) protruding from the atrium includes a blocker (1) and a regulator (2) attached to the blocker (1) . The blocker (1) is configured to occlude the atrial appendage. The regulator (2) is configured to contact the heart when the blocker (1) is positioned between the atrium (4) and the atrial appendage (5) to occlude the atrial appendage (5) in order to regulate a cardiac rhythm of the heart accordingly