Implantable Blood Pump Protocol Adjustment via Cardiac Rhythm Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart treatment systems, such as Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) and implantable cardiac rhythm management devices, lack interoperability, leading to challenges in communicating information effectively between devices, which can result in reduced battery life and increased frequency of invasive replacement procedures due to high power demands for communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables communication between an implantable blood pump and an implantable cardiac rhythm management device by sensing electrical pulses from the cardiac rhythm management device, encoding information about abnormal heart rhythms, and adjusting the pumping protocol of the blood pump based on analyzed pulse frequencies, durations, or voltages, thereby reducing power requirements and improving device coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Medical Implant Communications Services (MICS) band radio transceivers are used for communication between CRM devices and VADs, then information communication capability is improved, but battery life is drastically reduced and invasive replacement procedures become more frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing electrical connection infrastructure (leads and canals) as an intermediary medium for communication between the CRM device and VAD, replacing the need for separate radio transceiver communication. This allows information to be transmitted through electrical signals along the existing power and signal paths, eliminating the need for high-power wireless communication while maintaining full bidirectional communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing electrical connection system serve multiple functions: it continues to provide power delivery and signal transmission while simultaneously serving as a communication channel for exchanging physiological data and control commands between the CRM device and VAD. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated communication hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MICS band radio transceivers are used for communication between implanted devices, then device coordination capability is improved, but power consumption increases requiring more frequent battery recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing electrical connection system. The same leads and canals that deliver power and signals are used to transmit communication data, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate communication transceivers and their associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection infrastructure acts as an intermediary that enables low-power communication by transmitting encoded data signals through the existing electrical pathways between devices, replacing high-power radio frequency communication with efficient electrical signal transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication protocols are implemented between non-interoperable heart assist devices, then therapy coordination is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication approach by using the standardized electrical connection interface already present in all implantable cardiac devices. This allows different device manufacturers and device types (pacemakers, ICDs, VADs) to communicate with each other through their existing electrical leads and canals, eliminating the need for proprietary communication protocols and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to heart treatment systems. In some aspects, methods and systems are provided for facilitating communication between implanted devices. For example, an implantable cardiac rhythm management device may be configured to communicate with an implantable blood pump. The implantable cardiac rhythm management device may deliver heart stimulation rate information in addition to information associated with any detected abnormalities in heart function. In response, the pump may be configured to adjust pumping by the pump to better accommodate a patient's particular needs.