Implantable Cardiac Stimulation Device Dynamic Fast Discharge Pathway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardiac stimulation devices face challenges in achieving charge neutrality during multi-site pacing due to short time intervals between pacing pulses, leading to charge redistribution and suboptimal fast discharge pathways, which can result in residual charges affecting system performance and patient safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implantable cardiac stimulation device that measures voltage characteristics at multiple nodes and identifies the optimal pair of nodes for a fast discharge phase, connecting them to a fast discharge pathway to ensure charge neutrality between pacing pulses, using a controller and measurement circuitry to determine the polarity and amplitude of voltage potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the same pair of nodes used for pacing pulse delivery are connected to the fast discharge pathway, then the discharge pathway is simple to implement, but charge neutrality cannot be achieved when there are short time periods between pacing pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of node pairs for fast discharge based on real-time voltage characteristics. The system transitions from a static, fixed discharge pathway to a dynamic one that adapts to the specific charging state of capacitors following each pacing pulse, ensuring optimal discharge performance for each interval regardless of duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the fast discharge pathway by selecting different node pairs based on measured voltage characteristics. Instead of using the same nodes, the system varies the discharge pathway configuration to match the specific charging state, thereby optimizing discharge efficiency across different pacing intervals
2Productivity
If multiple pacing pulses are delivered per cardiac cycle, then the productivity of cardiac stimulation is improved, but charge redistribution occurs leading to incomplete discharge of nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where voltage characteristics at multiple nodes are measured after each pacing pulse, and this information is used to determine the optimal fast discharge pathway for the next interval. This closed-loop control ensures that charge neutrality is actively maintained even during multi-site pacing with multiple pulses per cardiac cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of voltage characteristics at multiple nodes before selecting the fast discharge pathway. By anticipating the charging state following each pulse and pre-determining the optimal discharge nodes, the system ensures complete charge neutralization is achieved before the next pacing pulse, enabling safe delivery of multiple pulses per cycle
3Productivity
If the time period between pacing pulses is short, then the pacing therapy is more effective, but the conventional fast discharge technique may not fully discharge the nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discharge pathway parameters by selecting different node pairs based on the specific charging state following each pulse. This allows the system to optimize the discharge path for short intervals, ensuring complete energy dissipation even when the time between pulses is minimal, thereby eliminating residual charge that would otherwise accumulate
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
This approach effectively achieves charge neutrality by identifying the nodes with the greatest voltage potential and connecting them for the fast discharge phase, ensuring efficient discharge of residual charges and maintaining system performance and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more voltage characteristics are measured at each of a plurality of different nodes within the cardiac stimulation device
Implementation Method 2
the pair of nodes, identified as being the preferred pair of nodes that are to be used for performing the fast discharge phase, are connected to a fast discharge pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable cardiac stimulation devices configured to deliver more than one pacing pulse per cardiac cycle, and methods for use therewith, are described herein. A method can include delivering a first pacing pulse using a first pair of electrodes. Thereafter, between delivery of the first pacing pulse and delivery of second pacing pulse using a second (different) pair of electrodes, one or more voltage characteristics are measured at each of a plurality of different nodes within the cardiac stimulation device. A preferred pair of nodes for use during a fast discharge phase are identified based on the measured voltage characteristic(s). Switches within the implantable cardiac stimulation device are controlled so that the pair of nodes, identified as being the preferred pair of nodes that are to be used for performing the fast discharge phase, are used for performing the fast discharge phase to thereby achieve charge neutrality in an improved manner.