Ceramic Header Antenna Integration for Compact Leadless Biostimulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leadless biostimulators face challenges in integrating an antenna without increasing the device's size, which is crucial for maintaining compactness and implantation efficacy.

Innovation Solution

The antenna is integrated into the insulator of the header assembly, specifically embedded within a ceramic material, allowing for wireless communication without enlarging the biostimulator's form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an antenna is integrated into the biostimulator to enable wireless communication, then communication capability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidbiostimulator size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is merged with the insulator of the header assembly, combining two previously separate components into one integrated structure. The insulator serves dual functions: electrical insulation and antenna support, eliminating the need for separate antenna housing and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulator is given multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation between conductive parts and simultaneously serves as the structural support and embedding medium for the antenna. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the antenna is embedded within the insulator material, then device compactness is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidantenna integration manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is embedded within the insulator material during the insulator manufacturing process itself, rather than attempting to install a pre-formed antenna into a finished insulator. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining two steps into one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insulator is made of ceramic material that provides both electrical insulation properties and a suitable matrix for embedding the antenna elements. The composite structure of ceramic insulator with embedded antenna conductors creates an integrated component that is both functionally effective and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250339697A1Biostimulator header assembly having integrated antenna

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, having a header assembly that includes an antenna, is described. The antenna can be integrated into an insulator that separates an electrode of the header assembly from a flange of the header assembly. The antenna includes an antenna loop embedded in a ceramic material of the insulator. The antenna loop is located distal to the flange to reduce the likelihood of signal interference and increase communication range of the antenna. The header assembly is mounted on a housing have an electronics compartment, and an antenna lead extends from the antenna loop to electronic circuitry contained within the electronics compartment. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.