Cardiac Lead Waveform Conversion for Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are sub-optimal, with conventional methods like anticoagulants being ineffective and cardioversion procedures costly and potentially harmful, necessitating a more effective and cost-effective treatment approach.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising leads with electrodes, an energy delivery device, and a converter device that converts a first waveform into a multi-pulse therapy waveform to treat atrial fibrillation, using a converter device to deliver energy via electrodes to the patient's heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments like anticoagulants are used for post-operative atrial fibrillation, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the electrical waveform parameters (converting from a first waveform to a multi-pulse therapy waveform with specific pulse widths, amplitudes, and intervals) to achieve effective treatment of atrial fibrillation. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing treatment effectiveness through precise parameter control while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the delivery of multi-pulse therapy waveforms consisting of multiple electrical pulses delivered in sequence at specific intervals. This periodic pulse delivery pattern enhances treatment effectiveness for atrial fibrillation while keeping the device operationally simple, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If cardioversion procedures are used to treat atrial fibrillation, then rhythm restoration is achieved, but patient harm and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by delivering electrical energy with optimized waveform parameters (multi-pulse therapy with specific pulse widths of 5-20ms, amplitudes, and intervals) that are less invasive than conventional cardioversion. This achieves rhythm restoration while minimizing patient harm and potential complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering a series of smaller electrical pulses rather than a single high-energy shock. The multi-pulse waveform delivers energy in controlled increments, achieving the therapeutic effect of rhythm restoration while avoiding the excessive energy delivery that causes harm in conventional cardioversion procedures.
3Reliability
If multi-pulse therapy waveform is delivered via converter device, then treatment effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter device as an intermediary component that transforms the first waveform into a multi-pulse therapy waveform. This intermediary device enables effective atrial fibrillation treatment through waveform conversion while maintaining modular system architecture, thus managing device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the treatment system into distinct functional modules: an energy delivery device and a converter device. The converter device is specifically responsible for waveform transformation, allowing the system to achieve complex treatment functionality while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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 system effectively treats atrial fibrillation by delivering a multi-pulse therapy waveform, reducing the need for costly and harmful conventional treatments, and minimizing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
The converter device is configured to: receive the energy comprising the first waveform from the energy delivery device; convert the energy comprising the first waveform into energy comprising a second waveform
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for providing post operative treatment of atrial fibrillation to a patient are described. The system includes: one or more leads, each lead having one or more electrodes for delivering energy to the heart of the patient; an energy delivery device for providing energy comprising a first waveform; and a converter device electrically connected to the energy delivery device. The converter device receives the energy comprising the first waveform from the energy delivery device, converts the energy having the first waveform into energy having a second waveform, and delivers the energy having the second waveform to the patient's heart via the one or more electrodes of each of the one or more leads. The energy having the second waveform delivered by the converter treats atrial fibrillation of the patient.