External Sensing System Using Implantable Device Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-efficient and comfortable external sensing system for biological signals, particularly for short-term monitoring of cardiac signals, which can utilize existing implantable medical devices designed for implantation, allowing for reliable and easy application on a patient.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising an implantable medical device with adapter elements and fastening components that enable external attachment to the patient's skin, allowing biological signals to be conducted to the device for processing, using a casing for protection and potential reuse, and allowing the device to be adapted for external use without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an implantable medical device is used for external sensing, then the device can be easily applied and comfortably worn externally, but the device requires additional components (adapter elements, fastening components) to enable external attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the external sensing capability into separate modular components: adapter elements that interface with the implantable device, fastening components for attachment, and contact elements for skin contact. This segmentation allows the implantable device itself to remain simple while external functionality is added through attachable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter elements are designed to be universal interfaces that can connect the implantable medical device to various fastening components and contact elements. This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to work with different attachment methods and electrode configurations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If an implantable medical device is adapted for external use, then existing devices can be reused for short-term monitoring, but the device requires modification through additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Adapter elements serve as intermediary components that bridge the implantable medical device and external attachment systems. These adapters allow existing implantable devices to be adapted for external use without modifying the device itself, enabling cost-effective reuse while maintaining adaptability through interchangeable adapter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter elements, fastening components, and contact elements are designed as disposable external components that can be attached and removed. This allows the expensive implantable device to be reused while the external components are replaced, achieving cost-efficiency for short-term monitoring applications.
3Reliability
If contact elements are attached externally to the patient's skin, then biological signals can be received and conducted to the device, but the system requires multiple components (contact element, fastening component, adapter element)
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening component and contact element are designed to be integrally connected or pre-assembled as a unit, reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled during application. The adapter element similarly combines the electrical interface with the mechanical attachment interface, merging multiple functions into fewer components.
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 comfortable external monitoring of biological signals using existing implantable devices, providing a cost-effective solution for short-term monitoring while maintaining the device's integrity for potential reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a contact element mounted or mountable to the fastening component and configured to attach externally to the patient's skin for receiving biological signals and conducting said biological signals to the adapter element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for sensing biological signals externally on a patient comprises a medical device comprising at least one electrode for sensing biological signals on a patient. An adapter element is mountable on said at least one electrode to electrically contact with the at least one electrode. A fastening component is mountable on said adapter element and configured to attach the medical device externally to the patient. A contact element is mountable to the fastening component and configured to attach externally to the patient's skin for receiving biological signals and conducting said biological signals to the adapter element. A casing serves for encasing the medical device and the adapter element in a mounted state in which the adapter element is mounted on said at least one electrode.