Hibernation Control Circuitry for Implantable Stimulator Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) for neurostimulation face significant power drain issues due to continuous stimulation therapies, leading to reduced battery life and increased energy consumption, which is particularly problematic for conditions like overactive bladder and urinary incontinence where therapy is not always needed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hibernation mode in IMDs that disconnects most electronics from the battery power during periods of non-stimulation, using a timer and hibernation control circuitry to reconnect power based on triggers such as magnetic switches, radio antenna energy, or physiological parameters, thereby reducing power consumption to less than 1 microwatt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous stimulation therapy is provided, then therapeutic effect is maintained, but battery life is reduced due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stimulation therapy with active therapy periods followed by hibernation periods. The device cycles between delivering neurostimulation therapy and entering a low-power hibernation mode, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness over time while significantly extending battery life through intermittent operation rather than continuous stimulation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If hibernation mode is implemented to reduce power consumption, then battery life is extended, but device functionality is reduced during non-therapy periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preserves device functionality by implementing preliminary action during active periods - the device performs all necessary sensing, processing, and therapy delivery functions while powered. During hibernation, the device enters a low-power state but maintains the capability to be quickly reactivated. This preliminary execution of functions during active periods allows the device to extend battery life through hibernation while preserving full adaptability and versatility when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electronics are disconnected from battery during hibernation, then power consumption is reduced to less than 1 microwatt, but power reconnection and system recovery require additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device electronics into two distinct groups: hibernation-critical circuitry that remains powered during hibernation mode (including the switch and basic control functions), and non-critical circuitry that is disconnected from the battery (including stimulation delivery and complex processing functions). This segmentation allows the device to achieve ultra-low power consumption during hibernation while maintaining the capability to reconnect power and restore full functionality through dedicated power connection circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical device includes a battery configured to provide power to the medical device and stimulation circuitry configured to generate an electrical stimulation signal. The medical device includes hibernation control circuitry configured to cause the medical device to enter a hibernation mode in response to a hibernation trigger and exit the hibernation mode in response to a wake-up trigger. The medical device includes a switch configured to open in response to the hibernation control circuitry causing the medical device to enter a hibernation mode and close in response to the hibernation control circuitry causing the medical device to exit the hibernation mode and isolation interface circuitry configured to prevent power leakage from the hibernation control circuitry to the stimulation circuitry when the medical device is in hibernation mode. The stimulation circuitry is not powered by the battery when the medical device is in the hibernation mode.