Implantable Device Localization via Glitch-Modulated Acoustic Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leadless cardiac pacing systems face inefficiencies in energy transmission and localization of receiver-stimulators due to movement caused by cardiac motion, breathing, and body orientation, leading to wasted acoustic energy and the need for broad, inefficient beams.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a glitch generator within the implantable device to modify electrical outputs, allowing detectors to send focused locator signals to target specific locations, enabling precise localization and efficient energy transmission by distinguishing the characteristics of the glitches, and using phased arrays for beam steering and focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broad acoustic beam is used to accommodate receiver-stimulator movement, then the system can maintain operation during cardiac motion and breathing, but most of the transmitted acoustic energy passes by the receiver-stimulator and is not used efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the acoustic beam direction and focus in real-time to track the moving receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter continuously updates beam steering parameters based on receiver location feedback, transforming the static broad beam approach into a dynamic focused beam system that adapts to receiver movement while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the receiver-stimulator's location information to continuously adjust the acoustic beam targeting. The receiver's position data is fed back to the controller-transmitter, which then modifies the beam direction and focus parameters to maintain optimal energy transfer despite physiological movements.
2Loss of energy
If a focused acoustic beam is used to improve energy efficiency, then less acoustic energy is wasted, but the system requires continuous specific knowledge of the receiver-stimulator location to maintain focus on the moving target
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the receiver-stimulator transmits location information back to the controller-transmitter. This feedback mechanism provides the necessary location data to maintain focused beam targeting without requiring complex prediction algorithms, as the receiver actively reports its position in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver-stimulator actively participates in the localization process by transmitting its own location information and responding to locator signals. This self-service approach reduces the burden on the controller-transmitter, as the receiver provides its own positioning data rather than requiring the transmitter to perform complex active scanning and triangulation.
3Reliability
If multiple receiver-stimulators are implanted to provide redundant pacing, then system reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and target specific receivers without causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system directs unique local properties to each receiver-stimulator by steering the acoustic beam to specific locations and using location-based addressing. Each receiver is targeted with a focused beam at its specific anatomical position, allowing the controller-transmitter to selectively stimulate individual receivers or combinations of receivers based on their spatial locations without causing interference to other receivers.
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 approach allows for accurate targeting and efficient energy transfer to multiple receiver-stimulators, minimizing energy waste and enabling independent stimulation, while reducing the size and complexity of the receiver-stimulators and improving the longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The controller-transmitter has one or more piezoelectric transducers that convert electrical energy into acoustic energy creating the acoustic beam that is directed at the receiver-stimulator
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric receiver elements harvest energy from the acoustic field generated by the controller-transmitter and convert it into electric energy in the form of an AC voltage on the elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and systems for determining the location or identify of implantable devices are disclosed. An implantable device generates an electrical output and then modifies the output at a pre-configured interval for a pre-configured period. A sensor detects the modified output and locates or identifies the implantable device based on the modified output.