Implantable Cardiac Monitor Electrode Pair Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices for monitoring cardiac activity often require multiple sensors and electrodes, leading to increased device size and power consumption, particularly when used in conjunction with leadless cardiac pacemakers and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators, which can complicate the detection of cardiac electrical signals and mechanical indications.
Innovation Solution
An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) with a configurable arrangement of three electrodes and a controller that selects optimal electrode pairs for sensing cardiac activity and communication, allowing for flexible deployment and reduced sensor requirements in other devices, utilizing a hermitically sealed metallic enclosure and a flexible polymeric tail portion with an embedded antenna for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and electrodes are used in implantable medical devices, then sensing and monitoring capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the ICM to perform multiple sensing functions (P-wave detection, QRS complex detection, T-wave detection) using a single set of electrodes through reconfigurable electrode pairs. The controller selectively activates different electrode combinations based on the specific cardiac parameter being measured, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor arrays for each function and thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the reconfigurable electrode system where the controller dynamically selects and switches between different electrode pairs based on the desired sensing function. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical electrodes to serve multiple purposes at different times, optimizing the balance between sensing precision and device compactness without requiring fixed dedicated sensors for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and electrodes are used in implantable medical devices, then sensing and monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through the reconfigurable electrode system where the controller dynamically selects and switches between different electrode pairs based on the desired sensing function. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical electrodes to serve multiple purposes at different times, optimizing the balance between sensing precision and device compactness without requiring fixed dedicated sensors for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the ICM to perform multiple sensing functions (P-wave detection, QRS complex detection, T-wave detection) using a single set of electrodes through reconfigurable electrode pairs. The controller selectively activates different electrode combinations based on the specific cardiac parameter being measured, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor arrays for each function and thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple medical devices are implanted together, then comprehensive cardiac monitoring and therapy delivery is improved, but detection of cardiac electrical signals becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the signal detection function into distinct electrode pairs dedicated to specific sensing tasks. The ICM controller segments the overall sensing process into separate P-wave detection, QRS complex detection, and T-wave detection operations, each using optimally configured electrode combinations. This segmentation reduces signal interference and simplifies the detection process when multiple devices are implanted together, as each device can focus on its specific sensing function without being overwhelmed by the complexity of simultaneous multi-parameter monitoring.
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
Enhances the ability to detect cardiac electrical and mechanical signals with reduced device complexity and power usage, enabling more precise monitoring and communication of cardiac activity data to other medical devices, such as leadless cardiac pacemakers and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna that is embedded in the polymeric body of the tail portion
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) may be configured to be deployed subcutaneous, submuscular, or substernal at a position that enables the ICM to detect cardiac activity. In some cases, the ICM includes a housing that includes a body portion and a tail portion. A first electrode may be disposed adjacent a first end of the body portion, a second electrode may be disposed adjacent a second end of the body portion and a third electrode may be disposed adjacent a tail end of the tail portion. A controller may be disposed within the housing and may be operably coupled to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode. The controller may be configured to select a pair of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode to use for sensing cardiac electrical activity and to communicate information about the sensed activity to a second medical device.