Subcutaneous ECG Electrode and RF Antenna Arrangement in Implantable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices with subcutaneous ECG signal collection and RF telemetry face challenges in electrode arrangement and antenna placement, requiring complex redesigns and specific structures, which are costly and not easily adaptable to existing models, and are sensitive to conductive case materials affecting radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electrode and antenna arrangement where ECG electrodes are coplanar and spaced apart on a planar face of the case, with an RF telemetry antenna located centrally or on a separate platelet, allowing for easy adaptation to existing devices without substantial design modifications, using insulating substrates and conductive deposits for efficient signal collection and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the connector head or embedded in the case with specific complex structures, then ECG signal collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: the connector head houses the ECG electrodes while the case contains the RF antenna. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining signal collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ECG electrode function with the existing connector head structure, and integrates the RF antenna within the case. This merging of functions into existing structural elements avoids adding separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If RF antenna is placed within the conductive case, then device integration is improved, but radiation pattern quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RF antenna is extracted from the conductive case and placed in a separate location (the connector head or an insulating mounting element). This extraction eliminates the harmful interaction between the conductive case and the antenna, preserving radiation pattern quality while maintaining device integration through coordinated placement.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating mounting element or the connector head structure serves as an intermediary between the antenna and the conductive case. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the antenna and conductive surfaces, thereby maintaining effective radiation patterns while allowing the antenna to be integrated into the overall device assembly.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are arranged far apart in orthogonal configuration, then ECG signal collection is improved, but available space on the case surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode arrangement utilizes three-dimensional space by extending onto the connector head structure, which provides additional surface area in a different spatial dimension. This allows electrodes to be positioned far apart for optimal signal collection while utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the connector head rather than being constrained to a single planar surface.
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 configuration enables efficient subcutaneous ECG signal collection and RF telemetry with reduced production costs and increased versatility, allowing for adaptation to various device models without significant design changes, while maintaining effective radiation patterns and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
an RF telemetry antenna... The electronic circuits of the device include an RF telemetry transmitter/receiver circuit
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of ECG electrodes for the collection of subcutaneous ECG signals... electrodes that directly collect these signals from within the body
Data Source
AI summary
An active implantable medical device with RF telemetry comprising subcutaneous ECG electrodes. The case (12) of the device comprises electrodes (20, 22, 24, 26) for collecting subcutaneous ECG signals coming into contact with the patient's tissues surrounding the case after implantation, as well as an RF telemetry antenna (30). These ECG electrodes are surface electrodes and the RF antenna is a surface antenna. The case (12) presents a significantly planar face (16) for mounting the ECG electrodes in an arrangement where these electrodes are significantly coplanar and spaced apart with each other, and receiving the surface RF antenna. A platelet (18) mounted onto the case comprises an insulating substrate comprising on its free face, conductive deposits (20, 22, 24, 26, 30) forming the ECG electrodes and the RF antenna.