External IMD Positioning for Stable Implant Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external devices for implantable medical devices (IMDs) lack sophisticated mechanisms to assess when they have made contact with the IMD, leading to prolonged startup times and inefficient communication or power exchange due to rapid movement out of range, especially with low-power circuitry and reduced signal strength feedback.
Innovation Solution
An external device equipped with a processor, proximity sensor, and motion sensor to detect its position relative to the patient's body and the IMD, providing real-time guidance to establish a stable communication link by adjusting movement based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a loop structure is formed by connecting the proximal end of the stent to the distal end, then radial strength and structural stability are improved, but the ability to expand and contract for delivery is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is divided into multiple individual struts rather than forming a continuous loop, allowing each strut to independently expand and contract while maintaining structural integrity through inter-strut connections
Solution Approach 2:
The stent structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between compressed and expanded states, with the strut configuration enabling flexible deformation during delivery and deployment
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stent is made with a complex loop structure, then structural stability is improved, but the risk of thrombus formation and restenosis is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is segmented into discrete struts rather than forming continuous loops, creating a structure that provides stability while reducing surface area for thrombus attachment and preventing restenosis by eliminating closed circular configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful loop structure is extracted/removed from the stent design, retaining only the essential structural support elements in an open strut configuration that eliminates the conditions promoting thrombus formation and restenosis
3Volume of moving object
If the stent is made smaller for delivery through the catheter, then deliverability is improved, but the radial strength at the deployment site is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stent employs a dynamic structure that transitions from a compressed low-profile configuration during delivery to an expanded high-strength configuration at the deployment site, with the strut design enabling this transformation while maintaining radial support
Solution Approach 2:
The stent can be nested or compressed within the catheter delivery system in a compact form, then expanded at the target site to achieve full radial strength, similar to a nested doll structure that fits within itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising an external device (60) configured to communicate with an implantable medical device (40) implanted within a patient's (30) body using a communication unit (62) and the implantable medical device (40) is described. The external device (60) further comprises a processor (61), at least one proximity sensor (64) and at least one motion sensor (63), which is configured to detect whether the external device moves and to provide a respective motion signal, wherein the external device (60) is movable with regard to the patient's body to find and establish a communication connection (50) of the communication unit and the implantable medical device, wherein the communication unit (62), the at least one proximity sensor (64) and the at least one motion sensor (63) are electrically connected to the processor (61).