ICD Lead Antenna Layout for Reliable 2 GHz+ Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices face challenges in establishing reliable communication with external devices using higher frequency ranges, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, due to signal damping by body tissue and restrictions on implantation depth.
Innovation Solution
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator device incorporates a communication circuitry that establishes a communication connection to an external device in a frequency range above 2 GHz, with an antenna placed on the lead rather than the generator device, allowing for a shallower implantation depth and reduced signal damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy communication techniques are used at frequencies above 2 GHz, then data throughput is increased, but signal damping due to body tissue increases making communication unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is moved from the generator device to the lead, changing the spatial dimension of signal transmission. This allows the antenna to be positioned at a shallower implantation depth, reducing the path length through body tissue and minimizing signal damping at high frequencies above 2 GHz, thereby maintaining reliable communication while enabling high data throughput
2Ease of operation
If the generator device is implanted at the required location between musculus serratus anterior and musculus latissimus dorsi, then proper positioning is achieved, but implantation depth is restricted preventing shallow antenna placement
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is segmented from the generator device and assigned to the lead. By placing the antenna on the lead rather than the generator device, the communication component can be positioned at a different location (shallower depth) while the generator device remains at its required implantation site between the muscles
Solution Approach 2:
The lead acts as an intermediary carrier for the antenna. The antenna is operatively connected to the communication circuitry via the lead, allowing the communication function to be decoupled from the generator device's fixed implantation position and placed at an optimal shallower depth for high-frequency signal transmission
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 configuration enables efficient and reliable communication between the ICD device and external devices, even at higher frequencies, by minimizing signal loss through body tissue and accommodating the limitations of generator device implantation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one antenna operatively connected to the communication circuitry for transmitting communication signals to and/or receiving communication signals from the external device in said frequency range above 2 GHz
Implementation Method 2
At increased frequencies, however, a signal damping due to body tissue increases, such that a communication connection potentially cannot be easily and reliably established to an implanted device at a substantial implantation depth
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator device comprises a generator device comprising a shock generation circuitry for producing an electrical shock pulse for performing a defibrillation therapy and a communication circuitry for establishing a communication connection to an external device in a frequency range above 2 GHz. At least one lead comprises a shock electrode for emitting said electrical shock pulse. The at least one lead comprises at least one antenna operatively connected to the communication circuitry for transmitting communication signals to and/or receiving communication signals from the external device in said frequency range above 2 GHz.