Auto-Switching Electronic Switchbox for ECG and Cardioversion Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual electronic switchboxes used in cardiovascular procedures cannot quickly switch between cardioversion or electroporation transmit and ECG receive modes, preventing immediate ECG signal reception post-treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electronic switchbox with impulse detection circuitry and a switch matrix that automatically switches between ECG signal reception and cardioversion impulse transmission, using energy from the cardioversion pulse to power the switch matrix and protect the ECG monitor from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual electronic switchboxes are used to switch between cardioversion transmit and ECG receive modes, then the clinician can control the switching, but the switching speed is too slow to receive ECG signals immediately following cardioversion therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The switchbox automatically detects the cardioversion pulse and self-switches between transmit and receive modes without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the cardioversion pulse itself to trigger the mode transition, eliminating the need for clinician operation during the critical switching period.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchbox incorporates pulse detection circuitry that monitors for the presence of a cardioversion pulse and automatically triggers the mode switch in response to this detected signal, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual physiological events.
2Loss of time
If the switchbox switches immediately after cardioversion pulse, then ECG signals can be received without delay, but the ECG monitor may be damaged by the high-energy cardioversion pulse
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG monitor is electrically isolated from the cardioversion pulse pathway through the use of switches that disconnect the monitor during pulse transmission. The harmful high-energy pulse is extracted from the ECG signal path, allowing the monitor to safely observe ECG signals without being exposed to damaging energy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchbox acts as an intermediary device between the cardioversion pulse source and the ECG monitor. It controls the connection timing, allowing the pulse to reach the electrodes during transmit mode while preventing the pulse from reaching the monitor, then switching to allow ECG signals to reach the monitor safely.
3Extent of automation
If the switch matrix is powered independently, then switching can be controlled precisely, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cardioversion pulse serves multiple functions: it delivers therapeutic energy to the patient's heart and simultaneously acts as the trigger signal for the switchbox mode transition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate trigger circuitry and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining automatic switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse detection and switching control functions are merged into the existing cardioversion delivery system. The same pulse that performs the therapeutic function also provides the control signal for mode switching, combining what could be separate systems into a unified, simpler architecture.
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 continuous patient monitoring during procedures by reducing the time delay and energy draw, allowing for immediate ECG signal reception before and after cardioversion therapy without manual switching.
Implementation Method 1
The impulse detection circuitry is electrically coupled to the signal generator, and detects the electrical pulse emitted from the signal generator
Implementation Method 2
The charge collector circuitry stores energy from the cardioversion pulse and powers the driver circuitry during the pulse
Implementation Method 3
The switch matrix operates in one of two modes. In the first mode, the pulse is electrically isolated from an electrocardiograph monitor and a plurality of catheter electrodes. In the second mode, the pulse is electrically coupled to at least one of the catheter electrodes, and a high impedance state protects the electrocardiograph monitor from the cardioversion pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.