Dislocation Sensor for Cardiac Therapy Lead Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable cardiac therapy devices face challenges in reliably detecting and quantifying the dislocation of electrode leads, particularly in the coronary sinus region, due to minimal changes in signal amplitude, impedance, and stimulation threshold, which affects the accuracy of cardiac event detection and adaptation of CRT stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac therapy device equipped with a dislocation detection unit that evaluates the relative time relationships of detection times between sensing electrode poles, generating a dislocation signal when changes exceed a predetermined threshold, allowing for automatic adaptation of CRT stimulation based on the detected dislocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensing methods (amplitude, impedance, stimulation threshold) are used to detect electrode dislocation, then the detection method is simple, but the detection reliability is low due to minimal changes in these parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional amplitude/impedance/threshold measurements to time relationship measurements between cardiac events detected at different electrode poles. By measuring the time intervals between corresponding cardiac events (e.g., R-waves) at different electrodes and comparing their relative time relationships, the system can detect dislocations with high reliability even when traditional electrical parameters show minimal changes.
2Measurement precision
If signal amplitude, impedance, and stimulation threshold are monitored, then the measurement approach is straightforward, but the measurement precision is insufficient for detecting small dislocations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring the magnitude of electrical signals (amplitude, impedance) to measuring the temporal dimension - specifically the time relationships between cardiac events detected at different electrode poles. This dimensional shift from spatial/magnitude measurements to temporal measurements enables precise detection of dislocations by capturing changes in the timing of electrical propagation across the heart, which are more sensitive to positional changes than amplitude variations.
3Loss of time
If the electrode lead dislocation is detected late, then the therapy delivery may be suboptimal, but early detection requires more sensitive measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the time relationships between cardiac events at different electrode poles, compares these measurements against expected ranges, and generates dislocation signals when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds. This continuous feedback loop enables early detection of dislocations, allowing the system to alert clinicians or adjust therapy parameters before significant therapeutic degradation occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A cardiac therapy device and/or a cardiac monitoring device connected to at least one electrode lead that includes at least one first sensing electrode pole and at least one second sensing electrode pole. The at least one first and second sensing electrode poles move relative to one another during operation of the device. The device further includes a dislocation detection unit connected directly or indirectly to the at least one first and second sensing electrode poles. In order to detect dislocation, the dislocation detection unit evaluates detection times at the at least one first and second sensing electrode pole relative to one another. The detection times are ascribable to a cardiac event, such that the dislocation unit generates a dislocation signal if the relative time relationship of the detection times changes beyond a predetermined value, or a specifically determined value changes compared to a previously recorded reference value.