Batteryless Cardiac Pacing Device with Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart pacing systems rely on batteries, which can limit their functionality and longevity, and lack advanced anchoring mechanisms for stable implantation within blood vessels, posing challenges in treating irregular heartbeats effectively.
Innovation Solution
A batteryless implantable device with a stent-like anchoring element and multiple pacing electrodes, powered by wireless energy transmission, and equipped with an AI algorithm to determine therapy needs, allowing for stable implantation and prolonged operation within blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used in the implantable device, then the device can operate independently and continuously, but the device size increases and longevity is limited by battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the implantable device entirely, extracting the power source component. The device is redesigned to be powered wirelessly through the skin from an external source, eliminating the need for internal battery storage and thus reducing device size while enabling continuous operation without battery lifespan limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external power transmission system as an intermediary between the power source and the implantable device. Energy is transmitted through the skin via electromagnetic coupling or inductive charging, serving as a mediator that delivers power without requiring physical contact or internal battery storage.
2Reliability
If traditional anchoring mechanisms are used, then the device can be implanted, but stable positioning within blood vessels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring mechanism is divided into multiple independent elements or struts that can individually engage with the blood vessel wall. This segmentation allows each element to provide localized anchoring force while collectively achieving stable positioning, and simplifies the overall structure compared to monolithic anchoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring elements utilize curved or spherical geometries that conform to the cylindrical shape of blood vessels. This curvature enables the device to nestle securely within the vessel lumen, providing stable positioning through geometric interlocking rather than complex mechanical fastening systems.
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
The solution enables continuous and efficient heart pacing without battery constraints, providing stable anchoring and advanced therapeutic capabilities for treating irregular heartbeats, improving patient outcomes by ensuring reliable and long-term heart rhythm regulation.
Implementation Method 1
an external device comprising a transceiver configured to transmit energy to the implantable device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems for providing therapy to the heart of a patient. The systems include an implantable device for implantation proximate the heart of the patient. The implantable device includes: an anchoring element for maintaining the position of the implantable device after implantation in the patient, at least one sensing electrode for sensing the electrical activity of the heart, at least three pacing electrodes for delivering electrical energy to the tissue of the heart, and a controller including an algorithm for determining when the patient requires therapy. The systems further include an external device having a transceiver for transmitting energy to the implantable device.