IMD Electrosurgical Noise Detection via Frequency Band Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical procedures can interfere with the operation of implantable medical devices (IMDs) such as pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators, causing operational issues due to electrosurgical noise, which requires clinicians to reprogram these devices before and after the procedure.
Innovation Solution
An IMD that automatically detects electrosurgical noise by monitoring specific frequency bands for a threshold amount of signal content, transitioning to a safe operating mode to prevent misinterpretation of the noise as physiological signals, thereby eliminating the need for pre-procedure reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IMD is reprogrammed before electrosurgical procedures to prevent interference, then operational reliability during procedures is improved, but the workflow complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of electrosurgical noise using frequency band analysis before the IMD is affected by the noise. By monitoring N different frequency bands and detecting when a threshold number of bands contain electrosurgical noise, the system proactively identifies the presence of electrosurgical interference and transitions to a safe operating mode in advance, preventing the need for post-procedure reprogramming
Solution Approach 2:
The IMD automatically detects electrosurgical noise through its own electrodes and frequency analysis capabilities, and autonomously transitions to a safe operating mode without requiring external clinician intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring its own electrical signals, analyzing frequency content, and self-adjusting its operational mode based on detected noise levels
2Productivity
If the IMD transitions to a safe operating mode automatically upon detecting electrosurgical noise, then the workflow efficiency is improved, but the risk of missing physiological signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system divides the frequency spectrum into N different frequency bands and monitors each band separately for electrosurgical noise. By segmenting the frequency analysis, the system can identify the characteristic broad-spectrum nature of electrosurgical noise across multiple bands, distinguishing it from physiological signals that typically occupy specific frequency ranges, thereby reducing false transitions to safe mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from monitoring a single frequency or amplitude threshold to analyzing the distribution of signal content across N different frequency bands. This parameter change allows the system to detect the characteristic multi-band presence of electrosurgical noise while maintaining sensitivity to physiological signals that concentrate in specific frequency ranges
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequency bands are monitored for electrosurgical noise detection, then the accuracy of noise detection is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into N discrete bands, each monitored independently for signal content. This segmentation simplifies the analysis by breaking down the complex continuous frequency spectrum into manageable discrete segments, making the detection algorithm more straightforward while maintaining high detection accuracy through multi-band analysis
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 solution allows for a more efficient workflow by automatically detecting electrosurgical noise and adjusting the IMD's operating mode, preventing operational issues during and after electrosurgical procedures without the need for prior reprogramming.
Implementation Method 1
An IMD of the present disclosure may pick up electrosurgical noise generated by an electrosurgical device via electrodes, detect the electrosurgical noise
Implementation Method 2
The frequency bands monitored by the IMD may be selected such that the frequency bands may include electrosurgical noise but tend not to include physiological electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a plurality of electrodes and a detection module. The plurality of electrodes are configured to acquire an electrical signal in a patient. The detection module is configured to determine whether the acquired electrical signal includes signal content in each of N different frequency bands and detect operation of an electrosurgical device on the patient based on how many of the N different frequency bands include signal content. N is an integer that is greater than 1.