Implantable Cardiac Device Optimizing AV Pacing via Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices may not fully address cardiac conduction diseases or abnormalities, particularly in patients with AV dyssynchrony or tachycardia, as they lack dual chamber sensing and pacing functions.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device with a plurality of electrodes, including a first electrode in the atrium and a second electrode in the septal wall of the heart, along with a motion detector to sense mechanical activity, a therapy delivery circuit, and a sensing circuit. The device adjusts the atrioventricular (AV) pacing interval based on electromechanical intervals determined from electrical and mechanical activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing CRT devices are used, then ventricular dyssynchrony can be addressed to some extent, but dual chamber sensing and pacing functions are lacking, reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both atrial and ventricular sensing and pacing capabilities into a single device. The device includes atrial electrodes and ventricular electrodes that can independently sense and respond to cardiac signals, enabling dual-chamber CRT while treating various arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If accelerometer is added to detect mechanical activity, then electromechanical interval measurement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer serves as an intermediary sensor that detects mechanical cardiac activity and converts it into electrical signals for processing. This mechanical-to-electrical transduction enables precise measurement of electromechanical intervals without requiring direct mechanical sensors in the cardiac tissue, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
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 device optimizes cardiac resynchronization therapy by ensuring effective cardiac therapy delivery and heart remodeling over time, improving cardiac efficiency and synchrony in patients with ventricular dyssynchrony.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer to detect mechanical activity of a patient's heart
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes a plurality of electrodes to detect electrical activity, a motion detector to detect mechanical activity, and a controller to determine at least one electromechanical interval based on at least one of electrical activity and mechanical activity. The activity detected may be in response to delivering a pacing pulse according to an atrioventricular (AV) pacing interval using the second electrode. The electromechanical interval may be used to adjust the AV pacing interval. The electromechanical interval may be used to determine whether cardiac therapy is acceptable or whether atrial or ventricular remodeling is successful.