External Electrode Vector Selection for Implantable Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive communication between external devices and implantable medical devices, such as leadless pacemakers, is affected by orientation issues, fading, and noise, especially when multiple devices are involved, leading to reduced communication quality.
Innovation Solution
An external device uses at least three external electrodes to select optimal communication vectors through a tiered search process, including out-of-session and accelerated search windows, to establish stable conductive communication with implantable medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive communication is used between external device and IMD, then communication capability is enabled, but communication quality deteriorates due to fading and orientation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication vectors by testing different combinations of external electrodes and switching between them based on detected signal quality. The controller continuously monitors communication effectiveness and adjusts the electrode configuration in real-time during both out-of-session and active conductive communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by varying the electrode combination configuration to optimize signal transmission. Different electrode pairs create different current paths through the body, and the system selects the configuration that provides the best signal quality for communicating with the specific IMD orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IMDs are communicated with simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but communication quality deteriorates due to increased noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication process into distinct phases: out-of-session advertising sequence detection and active conductive communication. During out-of-session mode, the system tests different electrode vectors to identify optimal configurations for each individual IMD before establishing full communication sessions, thereby isolating and optimizing connections to multiple devices separately rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device acts as an intermediary that manages communication with multiple IMDs by sequentially establishing connections through optimized electrode vectors. The system mediates between multiple devices by selecting appropriate electrode configurations that minimize interference when communicating with each IMD, effectively managing the communication environment.
3Reliability
If electrode combinations are tested to optimize communication, then communication quality improves, but time consumption increases during search process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of electrode vectors during the out-of-session advertising sequence detection phase. By pre-identifying and storing the optimal electrode combination for each IMD during this initial search period, the system eliminates the need for extensive real-time testing during active communication, thereby reducing time loss during critical communication sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic searching with defined out-of-session and active conductive communication windows. During out-of-session periods, the system periodically tests electrode vectors to update optimal configurations, while during active communication windows, it uses the pre-determined configurations. This periodic approach balances thorough testing with efficient communication time.
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 method enhances communication quality and efficiency by identifying preferred electrode combinations, reducing interference and noise, and optimizing communication sessions with multiple implantable devices.
Implementation Method 1
Communication between an external device and one or more IMDs (e.g., one or more LPs) may be facilitated by conductive communication via patient tissue, whereby two or more skin electrodes (that are part of or communicatively coupled to the external device) are attached to or otherwise placed in contact with skin of a patient within which (i.e., in whom) one or more IMDs is/are implanted, and the two or more skin or electrodes are used to transmit information to and/or receive information from the IMD(s) via conduction through body tissue of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
While an external device is not in an active conductive communication session with one or more IMD(s), a test vector is selected and used to search for advertisement sequence(s) transmitted by the IMD(s) during an OOS search window. If the advertisement sequence(s) is/are not detected using the test vector during the OOS search window, another electrode combination is selected and used as the test vector. In response the advertisement sequence(s) being detected, an active conductive communication session is established with the IMD(s) and a respective score is determined. Then different combinations of other ones of the external electrodes are used as the test vector during an accelerated search window having a duration shorter than the OOS search window, and a respective score is determined for each of the other test vectors. Based on the scores, a preferred vector is selected and used to perform further conductive communication with the IMD(s).