Implantable Medical Device Mode Switching via Biosensor Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in efficient power management due to limited and non-rechargeable power sources, leading to unnecessary power drainage from unintended communication connections before they are implanted.

Innovation Solution

The IMD uses biosensors to determine its status, switching from a dormant mode to an activated mode upon implantation, thereby reducing unintended communications and conserving power by activating sensors only when implanted, such as temperature and impedance sensors to confirm implantation status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the IMD operates in an activated mode with communication enabled before implantation, then the device can perform testing and diagnostics, but the power source is drained unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The IMD dynamically switches between dormant and activated modes based on implantation status detection. The device transitions from a low-power dormant state during shipping and storage to an activated state with full communication and sensing capabilities only after confirming implantation through sensor measurements (temperature, impedance, motion), thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption before implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters based on environmental conditions. By monitoring physical parameters such as temperature, impedance, and motion patterns, the IMD determines implantation status and adjusts its communication and power management parameters accordingly, enabling full functionality only when implanted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the IMD remains in a dormant mode with sensors inactive, then power is conserved, but the device cannot detect implantation status or perform necessary diagnostics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimplantation status detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The IMD performs preliminary sensing actions using temperature, impedance, and motion sensors to detect implantation status before activating full communication capabilities. This preliminary detection phase allows the device to transition from dormant to activated mode only when implantation is confirmed, preventing both premature activation and false negatives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses sensor feedback from temperature, impedance, and motion measurements to determine implantation status. This feedback mechanism enables the IMD to automatically transition between operational modes based on detected physiological conditions, ensuring accurate implantation detection while maintaining power efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the IMD switches modes frequently based on sensor readings, then accurate implantation detection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation detection accuracyVSAvoidoperational mode management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implantation detection process is segmented into multiple independent sensing phases using different sensors (temperature, impedance, motion). Each sensor provides a discrete measurement that contributes to the overall implantation determination, allowing the device to achieve high detection accuracy through multiple simple checks rather than one complex analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively prolongs the lifespan of the IMD's power source by minimizing power consumption before and after implantation, ensuring efficient operation and reducing the need for device replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The processing circuitry may have different wake-up schedules and may perform different tasks depending on the status... When in the packaged state, the IMD processing circuitry may be in a 'shipping mode' or dormant operating mode... When implanted, the processing circuitry may be configured to have more frequent wake-ups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The IMD may include a plurality of electrodes... The IMD may include one or more biosensors... The biosensor is configured to detect heart activity or impedance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230364435A1Implantable medical device using internal sensors to determine when to switch operational modes

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor a biosensor and other sensors. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from one of the sensors. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD has changed status, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD based on a second signal from the biosensor or some other sensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD has changed status.