External Induction Interface for Non-Invasive Fibrillation Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems lack the capability to induce fibrillation for defibrillation threshold testing without intracardiac leads, necessitating a method to non-invasively induce fibrillation for determining defibrillation thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing external pacing and shock sources coupled with electrodes to deliver synchronized T-wave shocks, employing an induction interface that mimics the impedance of intracardiac leads and synchronizes shock pulses with the cardiac cycle to induce fibrillation externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If subcutaneous ICD systems are used without intracardiac leads, then patient comfort and reduced invasiveness are improved, but the capability to induce fibrillation for defibrillation threshold testing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An external induction interface is introduced as an intermediary device that couples external pacing and shock sources to the patient's body. This interface enables fibrillation induction capability in subcutaneous ICD systems by providing the necessary external stimulation without requiring intracardiac leads, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced invasiveness and maintained functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: an implantable subcutaneous ICD for defibrillation and an external induction interface for fibrillation induction. This segmentation allows the implanted device to remain simple and minimally invasive while the external device provides the specialized induction capability when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If external pacing and shock sources are used for fibrillation induction, then fibrillation induction capability is restored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external induction interface is prepared in advance with all necessary pacing and shock delivery capabilities built into a dedicated external device. This preliminary preparation allows the complex induction functionality to exist outside the implantable system, keeping the implanted device simple while maintaining overall system capability
Solution Approach 2:
The external induction interface is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both pacing and shock delivery functions. This universality consolidates multiple capabilities into a single external device, reducing the need for multiple separate components and managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for delivering an external shock pulse receive pacing pulses generated by a first device and a shock pulse generated by a second device. An output of the apparatus is coupled to patient electrodes and the apparatus controls delivery of the received pacing pulses to the output and delivery of the received shock pulse to the output. A control module, pacing control and shock control included in the apparatus cooperatively control delivery of the received shock pulse to the output at a predetermined delay after one of the received pacing pulses.