Cardiac Device Programmer Accelerated Test Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing external programmers for active implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacing and defibrillation devices, require a lengthy testing phase to verify parameters like sensing sensitivity and lead impedance, which is inefficient and disrupts normal device operation, posing safety concerns due to prolonged non-physiological device settings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmer with a telemetry system and user interface that allows for simultaneous execution of multiple test steps, automatic linking of test sequences, and overlap of ventricular and atrial tests, reducing the overall testing duration by executing tests in parallel and automatically processing results without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tests are performed sequentially with manual intervention, then each test can be thoroughly executed, but the total testing duration is lengthy (at least 2 min 15 sec)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process into distinct test steps (sensing sensitivity test, lead impedance test, capture threshold test, etc.) that can be independently defined and executed. Each test step has specific predetermined settings for operating mode, pacing rate, and AV delay, allowing systematic organization and efficient execution of multiple tests without manual intervention between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically configuring the implanted device with predetermined settings before each test step without requiring practitioner intervention. The programmer automatically adjusts operating mode, pacing rate, and AV delay to appropriate values for each test, eliminating manual configuration time and enabling seamless transition between tests.
2Productivity
If the implanted device is adjusted with test-specific predetermined settings, then tests can be performed, but the device operation is not adapted to the patient's physiology during the testing phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly transitioning through test phases with automatic configuration, minimizing the duration during which the device operates with non-physiological settings. The automated execution of multiple test steps in sequence reduces the time the device is in test mode, thereby reducing potential safety concerns while maintaining testing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple tests are executed sequentially with manual triggering, then each test can be controlled by the practitioner, but the testing phase constitutes a dead time during practitioner visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the programmer to automatically execute multiple test steps in sequence without requiring continuous practitioner intervention. The system autonomously configures device settings, executes tests, and collects results, allowing the practitioner to initiate the testing process and then continue with other tasks while the tests run automatically, thereby eliminating dead time during practitioner visits.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmer for cardiac implantable medical devices, including an accelerated test mode of the operating parameters. The programmer includes a user interface (10) that is used to define the tests to be performed on the implant and display the results thereof. These tests includes: ventricular and atrial sensing sensitivity, ventricular and atrial lead impedance, and ventricular and atrial capture threshold. Each test step involves (i) a predetermined setting of the operating mode, pacing rate and atrio-ventricular delay of the implantable device, (ii) collection of the operating data of the implantable device according said predetermined settings, and (iii) processing and display of thus collected data. There further exists one test step of time compression along which at least some of the ventricular and atrial tests for a same parameter are executed simultaneously during a common step, preferably the tests of sensing sensitivity and lead impedance. The user interface allows for a preliminary selection of the tests to be performed, and the programmer is operated to execute these tests, linked in sequence, without any intervention by the user.