Dielectric Antenna Header for Compact Leadless Biostimulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leadless biostimulators face limitations in wireless communication due to tissue-conducted methods, which suffer from limited data exchange, sensitivity to external signaling, and inability to interrogate the device at a distance, necessitating an integrated antenna solution without increasing the device's size.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an antenna within a header assembly, specifically an antenna cap made from dielectric material like ceramic, which is compact and atraumatic, allowing for wireless communication of signals like Bluetooth Low Energy without enlarging the biostimulator's form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna is integrated into the biostimulator housing, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the header assembly structure, specifically integrated into the antenna cap that is already part of the header assembly. This combines the antenna function with an existing structural component rather than adding a separate antenna element, thereby achieving wireless communication capability without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is nested within the antenna cap structure, where the antenna element is positioned inside or within the boundaries of the cap. This nesting approach allows the antenna to occupy space already allocated for the header assembly, minimizing additional volume requirements while maintaining functional integrity.
2Reliability
If the antenna is made large enough for effective communication, then communication range is improved, but the device form factor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna cap is designed with specific local properties - it is formed from dielectric material with appropriate permittivity characteristics that enhance antenna performance. This local optimization of material properties at the antenna location improves communication effectiveness without requiring the antenna to be larger, thereby preserving the overall device form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dielectric material with specific electromagnetic parameters (permittivity) to enhance antenna performance. By changing the material parameters rather than increasing antenna dimensions, the communication range is improved while maintaining compact device form factor. The dielectric constant of the cap material is selected to optimize antenna radiation characteristics.
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 effective wireless communication from the biostimulator to an external device, enhancing data exchange and interrogation capabilities while maintaining the device's compactness and safety during implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric material of the antenna cap can therefore isolate the antenna from conductive components of the biostimulator, such as the electrode. The dielectric material can also reduce parasitic coupling and unwanted noise between conductive components of the biostimulator and the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, has a header assembly that includes an antenna. A header assembly includes an antenna cap having an antenna loop embedded in a cap body. The cap body includes a dielectric material, and the antenna loop extends about a central channel of the cap body. The central channel extends along a longitudinal axis over a cap length, and the cap body has a cap width transverse to the longitudinal axis. The cap body has an aspect ratio of the cap width to the cap length greater than 1. A header assembly includes an antenna loop of the antenna encased in a header body of the header assembly. The header assembly includes a fixation element. A proximal end of the fixation element is encased in the header body. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.