Implantable Diaphragm Stimulator for Cardiac Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for affecting cardiac function through diaphragmatic stimulation lack optimization in terms of timing and parameters, leading to suboptimal cardiovascular performance and potential discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device that includes electrodes and sensors to deliver electrical stimulation to the diaphragm, optimizing therapy by scanning through variations of stimulation parameters to identify the most effective timing and pulse parameters for improving cardiac performance while minimizing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diaphragmatic stimulation is delivered to affect cardiac function, then cardiovascular performance is improved, but timing and parameter optimization is lacking leading to suboptimal performance and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters including amplitude, pulse width, and timing relative to the cardiac cycle. The system continuously monitors physiological responses and adapts stimulation delivery in real-time to optimize cardiovascular effect while minimizing discomfort, transforming static stimulation protocols into dynamic, responsive therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor cardiovascular responses to diaphragmatic stimulation and use this information to adjust subsequent stimulation parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to learn optimal timing and intensity parameters for each patient, improving reliability of cardiovascular effect while reducing adverse sensations.
2Reliability
If stimulation parameters are varied to optimize therapy, then cardiovascular performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to automatically perform parameter optimization without requiring complex external programming or manual adjustment by clinicians. The system self-adjusts stimulation parameters based on monitored physiological responses, reducing the burden on healthcare providers while maintaining optimized therapy for improved hemodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system systematically varies stimulation parameters including amplitude, pulse duration, and timing relative to cardiac events to identify optimal settings. By implementing structured parameter exploration algorithms, the device can efficiently search the parameter space and converge on optimal values without requiring excessive computational complexity or hardware resources.
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
The device enhances cardiac function by optimizing diaphragmatic stimulation, improving hemodynamic performance and reducing patient discomfort through real-time adjustments based on physiological measures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electrodes configured for placement on or near a diaphragm of a patient... delivers an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm through the one or more electrodes, and obtains a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity from a pressure measurement source. The electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller obtains at least one additional signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity by changing at least one of the stimulation parameters, and delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm in accordance with the changed one of the plurality of stimulation parameters. The controller repeats the process of obtaining additional signals indicative of pressure based on a changing stimulation parameter by scanning through a range of values for the changing stimulation parameter. The controller derives a measure of interest from each of the obtained signals, and selects as an optimal stimulation therapy, the electrical stimulation therapy that results in a most acceptable measure of interest.