Biphasic Pulse Wireless Communication via Interstitial Tissues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication techniques for leadless implantable medical devices face challenges such as high energy consumption, limited data rates, one-way communication, and interference risks when using acoustic waves, radiofrequency waves, or electrical pulses through the body, especially when transmitting data through myocardial tissues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless intracorporeal communication method using biphasic electrical pulses conducted by interstitial tissues, where a generator circuit produces a pulse train with modulated biphasic pulses, allowing for bidirectional high-data-rate communication with minimal energy consumption and reduced interference risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If acoustic waves are used for wireless communication between implantable devices, then communication can be established through body tissues, but energy consumption increases and data transmission rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic wave-based mechanical communication with electrical pulse-based communication through the body's interstitial fluid. This substitution enables faster data transmission rates while reducing energy consumption, as electrical signals propagate more efficiently through conductive bodily fluids compared to acoustic waves through tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of communication from acoustic frequency to electrical pulse characteristics. By utilizing the body's natural electrical conductivity and interstitial fluid pathways, the system achieves optimal balance between energy efficiency and transmission speed, overcoming the limitations of acoustic wave propagation.
2Productivity
If radiofrequency waves are used for communication, then data transmission rate can be increased, but energy consumption increases and interference with myocardial signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the body's interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of using radiofrequency waves that directly penetrate tissues and cause interference, the system uses electrical pulses that travel through the conductive interstitial fluid, naturally isolating the signal path from sensitive myocardial tissues and eliminating interference risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes radiofrequency electromagnetic wave transmission with electrical pulse transmission through conductive pathways. This replacement achieves high data transmission rates while the pulses naturally follow conductive paths through interstitial fluid, avoiding direct interaction with and interference to myocardial electrical activity.
3Productivity
If electrical pulses are used for communication through body tissues, then data transmission rate can be maximized, but risk of tissue disturbance and interference with myocardial signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the body's interstitial fluid as a natural intermediary and conductive pathway. Electrical pulses for communication travel through this fluid-filled extracellular space, which acts as an isolated transmission channel. This intermediary approach maximizes data transmission rate while the pulses naturally confine to conductive pathways, minimizing tissue disturbance and avoiding interference with myocardial signals.
4Device complexity
If leadless capsules are used for implantation, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability through body tissues becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wireless communication systems (acoustic or radiofrequency) with a simpler electrical pulse transmission system. Leadless capsules use electrical pulses conducted through interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for complex antennas, transducers, or signal processing hardware while achieving reliable communication. This substitution maintains device simplicity while ensuring robust communication reliability.
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 safe, efficient, and high-rate data transmission between implantable medical devices without interfering with myocardial signals, compatible with leadless capsules and suitable for various types of medical devices, ensuring low energy usage and reduced risk of tissue disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
wireless communication via electrical pulses conducted by the interstitial tissues of the body
Data Source
AI summary
An active implantable medical device having wireless communication of data via electrical pulses conducted by the interstitial tissues of the body. This device (12, 14) includes a pair of electrodes (22, 24) and generates pulse trains consisting of a series of electrical pulses applied to the electrodes. The pulse train is modulated by digital information (data) that is produced by the device. A regulated current or voltage source (42) is used to generate (44, 48) current or voltage pulses to form the pulse train. Each current or voltage pulse is a biphasic pulse comprising a positive and negative alternation. The biphasic current or voltage modulated by the digital information, is injected between the electrodes (22, 24) and wirelessly communicated.