Cardiac Pacing Signal Bypass Line for DAC-Free Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac procedure systems are limited by the inability to efficiently handle a high number of simultaneously acquired electrocardiac signals while allowing for uninterrupted pacing signals, as they are designed to accept a limited number of signals and require processing through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that pacing signals cannot pass through.
Innovation Solution
A switching system with a switch unit positioned along a bidirectional line, featuring a main and bypass line, where switches enable the bypass line to transmit pacing signals directly to the catheter, bypassing the DAC, ensuring uninterrupted electrical connection and immediate switching between signal types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all signals are routed through the switch unit and DAC for processing, then signal manipulation and filtering can be performed, but pacing signals are blocked and cannot reach the catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional signal line is segmented into two separate pathways: a main line for acquired signals that passes through the switch unit and DAC, and a bypass line for pacing signals that circumvents the switch unit. This segmentation allows each signal type to be handled by the appropriate pathway, ensuring pacing signals are not blocked while maintaining the processing capability for acquired signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line acts as an intermediary pathway that mediates the transmission of pacing signals around the switch unit. This intermediary route allows pacing signals to reach the catheter without being subject to the switch unit's processing and state changes, while the main line continues to handle acquired signals through normal processing.
2Productivity
If the system processes a high number of simultaneously acquired signals through the switch unit, then signal routing flexibility is improved, but switching delays occur when transitioning to pacing signals
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line is pre-configured and ready to carry pacing signals immediately when needed. By having this dedicated pathway prepared in advance, the system can transition to pacing mode without the delays associated with reconfiguring the main line or switching components, thus eliminating switching delays while maintaining high signal handling capacity during acquisition phases.
3Device complexity
If the console is designed to accept a limited number of acquired signals, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to handle multiple simultaneous signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional line is designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes: the main line handles acquired signals through the switch unit for processing and manipulation, while the bypass line handles pacing signals for direct transmission. This universal design allows the same physical infrastructure to accommodate both signal types with different processing requirements, effectively increasing signal acceptance capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Switching systems are positioned along a bidirectional signal carrying line, typically between an electrode in a catheter at the heart of a patient, and an external console. The switching system provides for switching the bidirectional signal carrying line between: a main line, which carries acquired electrocardiac signals from the electrode of the catheter at the heart of the patent to the external console, via a switch unit; and, a bypass line, which carries pacing signals, directly from the external console to the electrode of the catheter. The bypass line provides an uninterrupted electrical connection between the electrode and the external console, thus avoiding the switch unit.