Dual-Use Communication Module for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in communicating effectively with each other to coordinate therapy delivery, particularly for managing tachyarrhythmias, as existing communication methods may not allow for efficient coordination of anti-tachyarrhythmia shocks and pacing therapies between devices implanted within a patient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a common communication module in IMDs that can modulate and transmit both radio-frequency (RF) telemetry signals and tissue conduction communication (TCC) signals within a predetermined frequency band, enabling efficient communication between IMDs, such as between an extravascular cardioverter defibrillator and a leadless pacing device, to coordinate therapies like anti-tachycardia pacing and post-shock pacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication modules are used for RF telemetry and TCC signals, then communication reliability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF telemetry and TCC communication functions into a single integrated communication module. The module includes a single transmitter that can operate in both RF and TCC modes, and a single receiver that can detect both RF and TCC signals. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the ability to perform both communication functions reliably through mode switching controlled by a processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is designed with multi-functionality to handle both RF telemetry and TCC signals using the same hardware components. The transmitter can be configured to operate in RF mode or TCC mode, and the receiver can detect and process both types of signals. This universal design allows the single module to perform multiple communication functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated modules.
2Volume of moving object
If a single communication module handles both RF and TCC signals, then device size is reduced, but signal differentiation and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module employs dynamic switching between RF and TCC operational modes. The processor controls the transmitter to dynamically switch between RF telemetry mode and TCC signal mode based on communication requirements. Similarly, the receiver dynamically configures its detection parameters to appropriately process whichever signal type is currently being transmitted, allowing the same hardware to handle different signal types effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of signal differentiation. It controls the transmitter to generate appropriately modulated signals for the selected mode (RF or TCC) and processes the received signals to distinguish between RF telemetry and TCC communication. This intermediary control layer simplifies the overall system by centralizing the decision-making logic for mode selection and signal processing.
3Speed
If TCC signal frequency is increased above 100 kHz, then communication speed is improved, but tissue stimulation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the TCC signal frequency parameter based on communication needs and safety considerations. The frequency can be varied within an appropriate range to optimize communication speed while staying below the 100 kHz threshold that would cause harmful tissue stimulation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve adequate communication speeds without crossing into the harmful frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The TCC communication uses periodic signaling with appropriate duty cycles to achieve effective data transmission at safer lower frequencies. By using periodic bursts of TCC signals rather than continuous high-frequency transmission, the system can maintain communication effectiveness while keeping the average power and frequency exposure within safe limits for cardiac tissue.
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
This solution allows for more efficient and coordinated delivery of therapies between IMDs, reducing the size of the IMD housing and enabling effective communication in confined implantation locations, such as within cardiac chambers, while minimizing the risk of stimulating tissue with TCC signal frequencies above 100 kHz.
Implementation Method 1
a communication module that can modulate and transmit both radio-frequency (RF) telemetry signals and tissue conduction communication (TCC) signals within a predetermined frequency band
Implementation Method 2
receive from the plurality of electrodes and demodulate a first tissue conductance communication (TCC) signal emitted by another implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device comprises a communication module that comprises at least one of a receiver module and a transmitter module. The receiver module is configured to both receive from an antenna and demodulate an RF telemetry signal, and receive from a plurality of electrodes and demodulate a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal. The transmitter module is configured to modulate and transmit both an RF telemetry signal via the antenna and a TCC signal via the plurality of electrodes. The RF telemetry signal and the TCC signal are both within a predetermined band for RF telemetry communication. In some examples, the IMD comprises a switching module configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of electrodes and the antenna to the receiver module or transmitter module.