Implantable Cardiac Device Automatic Pace and Sense Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable cardiac devices require manual programming and external instruments for determining pace and sense configurations, which can be time-consuming and inflexible, especially for patients who are refractory to drug therapy or have limited exercise tolerance.
Innovation Solution
An implantable cardiac device equipped with an impedance sensor and a controller that automatically determines and confirms pace and sense configurations based on impedance measurements, allowing for self-configuration and communication with an external programmer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming is used to determine pace and sense configurations, then safety and ease of operation are maintained through external verification, but implantation time is increased and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device automatically determines pace and sense configurations using internal impedance measurements without requiring external programming instruments. The device performs self-configuration during implantation by measuring impedance across different lead combinations and automatically selecting optimal configurations, eliminating the time-consuming manual programming process while maintaining safety through verified measurement protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs impedance measurements and configuration determination in advance during the implantation procedure itself, rather than requiring post-implantation programming. By conducting the configuration determination preliminarily during the surgical procedure using automated algorithms, the system reduces overall implantation time while ensuring proper setup before the device begins therapeutic operation
2Measurement precision
If external programmer instruments are required for programming, then accurate configuration determination is achieved through external verification, but device flexibility and implantation speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical external programming instrument with an automated internal measurement and determination system. The implantable device uses its own integrated impedance sensor and controller to perform configuration determination autonomously through electrical impedance measurements, eliminating the need for external programmer instruments while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled measurement sequences and verification algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance sensor serves multiple functions: it measures lead integrity, determines lead configuration type (unipolar/bipolar), identifies optimal pacing polarities, and verifies lead placement. This multi-functional use of the same sensor infrastructure enables the device to perform comprehensive configuration determination internally without requiring specialized external programming equipment, thereby increasing device flexibility
3Productivity
If automated determination is implemented, then implantation time is reduced and flexibility is improved, but measurement complexity and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration determination process is divided into distinct measurement phases: initial impedance sensing, configuration type identification (unipolar vs. bipolar), polarity determination, and verification. Each phase processes specific measurements and transitions to the next phase based on predetermined criteria, breaking down the complex automated process into manageable segments that reduce measurement complexity while maintaining implantation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where impedance measurement results from one phase inform the next phase of configuration determination. The controller continuously monitors impedance values and adjusts subsequent measurements based on preliminary findings, creating a self-correcting measurement process that reduces errors while maintaining automated speed. Verification measurements provide feedback to confirm proper configuration before therapeutic operation begins
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 faster and more flexible implantation procedures by allowing the device to automatically determine and confirm lead configurations, reducing the need for external programming and improving cardiac support for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a pace and sense configuration is determined by an implantable cardiac device with an impedance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatically determining pace and sense configurations for an implantable cardiac device. A method of operating an implantable cardiac device includes automatically determining, during a detection phase, a pace and sense configuration for the implantable cardiac device based on a plurality of first impedance measurements. The method further includes confirming, during a confirmation phase, the pace and sense configuration based on a plurality of second impedance measurements, and operating the implantable cardiac device in accordance with the pace and sense configuration.