Implantable Medical Device On-Demand Data Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leadless implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in efficiently streaming body function data, such as IEGM data, due to limited power sources and higher energy consumption required for data transmission, which compromises their longevity and clinical functionality.
Innovation Solution
The IMD is designed with a processor and transceiver module that only transmit body function data when specifically requested by an external device, using a data state field to indicate the presence of data in response messages, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing unnecessary data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the IMD continuously streams body function data to the external device, then the data availability and clinical utility are improved, but the power consumption increases and device longevity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The IMD implements periodic action by transmitting body function data only at specific intervals when requested by the external device, rather than continuously streaming. The processor receives request messages from the external device and sends response messages with body function data only when requested, creating a periodic transmission pattern that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining clinical data availability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the IMD transmits data only when requested, then the power consumption is reduced and longevity is improved, but the data streaming capability and clinical functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through a request-response communication mechanism. The external device sends request messages to the IMD when data is needed, and the IMD responds with body function data contained in response messages. This feedback loop ensures that data streaming capability is maintained according to clinical needs while optimizing power consumption by transmitting only when requested, thereby extending device longevity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are used to extend IMD longevity, then the device longevity is improved, but the physical size of the IMD increases which is undesired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the unnecessary continuous data transmission function and retaining only the on-demand data transmission capability. This extraction of the continuous streaming requirement allows the IMD to use smaller battery capacity while extending effective longevity through optimized communication patterns, thereby avoiding the need to increase device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) comprising at least one sensor, a processor and a transceiver module, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to monitor at least one predefined body function of a patient, wherein the transceiver module is configured to bi-directionally exchange messages with an external device, namely, to receive request messages from the external device and to send respective response messages to the external device replying to the request messages. In order to best leverage the limited data communication throughput of IMDs to enable body function data streaming the processor is configured to receive signals of the at least one predefined body function detected by the at least one sensor. Further, a communication system comprising the IMD, a communication method as well as a computer program product and a computer readable data carrier is also provided.