Cardiac Pacing Device Mechanical Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac pacing devices lack the ability to easily switch between bipolar and unipolar pacing configurations without reconfiguring the circuitry, limiting clinical flexibility and increasing device complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable cardiac pacing devices that can be mechanically configured to operate in either bipolar or unipolar modes by affixing or removing a plug from the outer housing, allowing for selection between pacing modes at the time of implantation without requiring circuitry changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cardiac pacing device is designed to support both bipolar and unipolar pacing configurations, then the device's adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple circuitry configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a removable portion that allows the electrical configuration to be dynamically changed from bipolar to unipolar mode by simply removing or attaching the housing portion, rather than requiring complex circuitry reconfiguration. This mechanical dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through a simple structural change.
Solution Approach 2:
The same housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, defines the electrical configuration (bipolar or unipolar), and houses the electronic circuitry. By making the housing itself configurable, the design achieves multi-functionality without increasing circuitry complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cardiac pacing device includes configurable circuitry for switching between bipolar and unipolar modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device size increases due to additional circuitry components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing portion is made removable to allow dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical path. This mechanical dynamic feature eliminates the need for additional switching circuitry, thereby maintaining a compact device size while providing adaptability between bipolar and unipolar pacing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurable element (housing portion) is extracted as a separate removable component rather than being integrated into the main device body with complex internal switching mechanisms. This extraction approach reduces device size by eliminating unnecessary internal circuitry while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the circuitry is reconfigured to switch between bipolar and unipolar pacing modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed for quick mechanical reconfiguration during implantation. The removable portion can be rapidly attached or detached without requiring time-consuming circuitry reconfiguration or complex procedural steps, thus reducing implantation time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is pre-configured in a bipolar state during manufacturing, and the removable portion is designed to be easily detached or attached during implantation based on clinical needs. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex in-procedure reconfiguration, saving implantation time.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes an electrically conductive first housing, a conductive feedthrough extending through the first housing, electronic circuitry positioned within the first housing, a device electrode, and a second housing. The electronic circuitry is electrically coupled to the first housing and the feedthrough, and senses electrical signals of a patient and/or delivers electrical stimulation therapy to the patient via the first housing and the feedthrough. The device electrode is configured to electrically connect with tissue and/or a fluid at a target site in the patient. A lead connector is configured to connect to a proximal end of an implantable medical lead. The lead connector includes a first connector contact electrically coupled to the feedthrough and a second connector contact electrically coupled to the first housing.