Dual-Mode Pacing Circuit for Shared Shock Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices (IMDs) for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to the heart require multiple components and larger sizes to effectively provide both cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and pacing pulses, leading to increased costs and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device system with a current generator circuit, switching circuit, and capacitors that can operate in both low and high voltage modes to deliver pacing pulses and shocks using the same circuitry, reducing the number of components and enabling smaller device sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for pacing pulses and shocks, then reliability of therapy delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal circuit design where the same circuit components (current generator, switching circuit, capacitors) perform both pacing pulse generation and shock delivery functions. The control circuit manages different operational modes (low voltage for pacing, high voltage for shocks) using the same hardware infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining therapeutic reliability through mode-specific control parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting voltage levels, capacitor charging states, and control circuit configurations to differentiate between pacing and shock functions. The same circuit operates in low voltage mode for pacing pulses and high voltage mode for shocks, with the control circuit modifying operational parameters dynamically to ensure reliable therapy delivery across different functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger device size is used, then capacity to deliver both pacing and shocks is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality through a shared circuit architecture where capacitors, switching circuits, and current generators serve dual purposes for both pacing and shock therapies. This universal design consolidates components that would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits, reducing overall device size while maintaining the capacity to deliver both therapeutic modalities, thereby improving patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pacing circuit and shock delivery circuit into a single integrated system. The same current generator and capacitor bank are used for both functions, with the control circuit directing energy delivery based on therapeutic requirements. This consolidation eliminates redundant components, reducing device volume and improving patient comfort without sacrificing therapeutic versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more components are used, then functionality for multiple therapies is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by implementing universal circuits that serve multiple therapeutic functions. The same current generator, switching circuit, and capacitor assembly are used for both pacing pulse generation and shock delivery, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits. This multi-functional approach reduces component count, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full therapeutic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines pacing and shock delivery functions into a single integrated circuit system, merging components that would traditionally be separate. The shared current generator, capacitors, and control logic reduce the total number of parts requiring manufacturing and assembly, thereby reducing production complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving the ability to deliver both pacing and shock therapies.
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 system efficiently delivers both high-energy shocks and low-energy pacing pulses using dual-use circuitry, reducing the number of components and device size, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
one or more capacitors coupled in parallel with the CG circuit and the switching circuit, and a control circuit coupled to the CG circuit and the switching circuit. The control circuit is configured to manage the CG circuit during a low voltage mode to generate the pacing pulses. The control circuit is also configured to control the CG circuit and the switching circuit during a high voltage mode to charge the one or more capacitors and use electrical energy stored in the one or more capacitors to deliver one or more shock pulses to the output.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
An IMD (104, 200, 302) comprises a case (105, 201) including an output (203, 308) configured to be connected at least to a lead (120, 304), a current generator (CG) circuit (280, 306) configured to generate pacing pulses at the output (203, 308), a switching circuit (226, 310) coupled between the CG circuit (280, 306) and the output (203, 308), one or more capacitors (312) coupled in parallel with the CG circuit (280, 306) and the switching circuit (226, 310) and a control circuit (220, 314) coupled to the CG circuit (280, 306) and the switching circuit (226, 310). The control circuit (220, 314) is configured to manage the CG circuit (280, 306) during a low voltage mode to generate the pacing pulses and control the CG circuit (280, 306) and the switching circuit (226, 310) during a high voltage mode to charge the one or more capacitors (312) and use electrical energy stored in the one or more capacitors (312) to deliver one or more shock pulses to the output (203, 308).