Configurable Implantable Device Hardware Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ambulatory physiological monitors implanted in the body are limited by their inability to provide flexible and extensible monitoring capabilities, are constrained by power and storage resources, and require invasive procedures for hardware upgrades, which restricts their ability to continuously monitor patient physiology effectively, especially for sporadic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A configurable hardware platform within a hermetically sealed implantable medical device that allows continuous heartbeat monitoring with flexible sensor activation and extended service life, featuring a rechargeable power source, inductive charging, and wireless data transmission, enabling real-time or delayed data offloading for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous per-heartbeat monitoring is implemented in implantable monitors, then measurement precision and data completeness are improved, but power consumption and resource demands increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring strategies where the device adapts its sampling rate and processing intensity based on detected physiological events. During stable conditions, monitoring operates at lower power modes, while triggering on detected anomalies activates high-precision continuous monitoring only when needed, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling at variable intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The monitoring frequency is adjusted dynamically - using longer intervals during stable physiological states and shorter intervals when events are detected, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing overall power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types and configurations are provided, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sensor interface and signal processing architecture that can accommodate multiple sensor types (ECG, temperature, activity, blood pressure) through a common hardware platform. This multi-functional design allows the same device to perform various monitoring functions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each sensor type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements dynamic sensor activation where not all sensors operate simultaneously but are activated based on clinical needs and detected physiological events. The system can selectively enable specific sensor types and monitoring modes, providing versatility while managing hardware complexity through selective operation rather than permanent full-configuration activation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If extended service life is achieved through larger battery, then duration of action is improved, but device volume and implantation invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends service life by optimizing power consumption parameters rather than simply increasing battery size. The system implements variable voltage operation, dynamic clock frequency adjustment, and selective sensor activation that collectively reduce average power demand, thereby extending battery life without proportionally increasing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic power management that adjusts its operational state based on physiological conditions and clinical priorities. During stable periods, the device enters low-power modes with reduced sampling rates, while maintaining the capability for high-resolution monitoring when events occur, thereby extending service life without requiring oversized battery capacity
4Reliability
If purpose-built hardware is used for single sensing function, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hardware platform with standardized signal acquisition circuits that can process multiple sensor types through common analog-to-digital conversion and processing pathways. This universal architecture maintains reliability through proven circuit designs while achieving adaptability by supporting various sensor configurations through software programming rather than hardware redesign
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
Enables continuous, flexible, and extended monitoring of patient physiology with improved power management and sensor capabilities, reducing the need for invasive upgrades and providing comprehensive data analysis without onboard processing limitations.
Implementation Method 1
A receiving coil and a charging circuit are operable to charge an onboard power source for the microcontroller circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable medical device (10) is disclosed. A housing includes a hollow body (11) forming a first electrode (62, 46) on an outer surface with end caps (12, 13) affixed to opposite ends, one end cap (12) forming a second electrode (61, 45). A microcontroller circuit is provided and includes a microcontroller (41) operable under program instructions stored within a non-volatile memory device (53). An analog front end (44) is interfaced to the electrodes (45, 46, 61, 62) to sense electrocardiographic signals. A transceiver circuit (42) is operable to wirelessly communicate with an external data device. The program instructions define instructions to continuously sample the electrocardiographic signals into the non-volatile memory device (53) and to offload the non-volatile memory device to the external data device. A receiving coil (33, 47) and a charging circuit (48) are operable to charge an onboard power source (49) for the microcontroller circuit.