Electrode Lead RFID Identification via Electromagnetic Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode lead identification methods for implants are complex, costly, and energy-intensive, often requiring additional devices or complex modular circuits, and struggle to reliably differentiate between electrode leads with similar properties.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a hermetically sealed passive RFID label within the insulating tube or plug of the electrode lead, utilizing an RFID chip and antenna electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductor, allowing for energy-efficient and cost-effective identification using a bipolar antenna configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex modular circuits or additional devices are used for lead identification, then identification reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead identification reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification function with the existing electrical conductor by integrating an RFID label that couples electromagnetically to the conductor. This merging eliminates the need for separate identification devices or complex modular circuits, achieving reliable lead identification while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductor serves dual functions: its primary function for electrical signal transmission and a secondary function as part of the antenna system for RFID communication. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform both therapeutic and identification roles, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional identification devices or complex circuits are integrated, then identification capability improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead identification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the identification function into the existing electrical conductor through electromagnetic coupling with an RFID label, the patent eliminates the need for separate identification devices or complex modular circuits. This approach uses off-the-shelf RFID components that can be integrated into the lead manufacturing process at minimal additional cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional RFID querying methods are used, then identification works, but energy consumption and SAR load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification functionVSAvoidpower consumption and SAR load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductor serves dual functions: its primary function for electrical signal transmission and a secondary function as part of the antenna system for RFID communication. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform both therapeutic and identification roles, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the identification function with the existing electrical conductor by integrating an RFID label that couples electromagnetically to the conductor. This merging eliminates the need for separate identification devices or complex modular circuits, achieving reliable lead identification while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable and unique identification of electrode leads with reduced power consumption and SAR load on the patient, allowing for specific querying of RFID labels near the lead, without the need to bypass EMI protective capacitors, and supports clear assignment of lead information to the implant socket.

Implementation Method 1

the inlay antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the at least one electrical conductor and the communication antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing an RFID chip and antenna electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductor, allowing for energy-efficient and cost-effective identification using a bipolar antenna configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10500400B2Electrode lead, implant, and method for identifying an electrode lead

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

AI summary

An electrode lead having a plug for connecting to an implant having a control device and a communication antenna connected to the control device, and having at least one electrical conductor and one insulating tube insulating the at least one electrical conductor. To simply/reliably transmit information of the electrode lead to the implant (with a low expenditure of energy), a hermetically sealed passive RFID label is embedded: in the insulating tube, and/or in the plug, or in an insulating body of a separate additional part connectable to the insulating tube or the plug. The RFID label has an RFID chip and an inlay antenna connected in an electrically conducting manner to the RFID chip. The inlay antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the at least one electrical conductor and the communication antenna. A corresponding method for identifying an electrode lead and a corresponding implant are also contemplated.