Mobile Implant Data Retrieval via Short-Range Emergency Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retrieving data from medical implants is difficult, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring specialized equipment and internet access, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An active medical implant system with a first short-range communication module and a mobile terminal with a second short-range communication module for direct communication, enabling data retrieval via Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), allowing non-specialists to access patient health status information in emergency situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized external equipment and internet access are used to retrieve data from medical implants, then data retrieval accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retrieval accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary device between the medical implant and the data retrieval system. The mobile terminal runs a dedicated application that communicates with the implant via short-range wireless communication (Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi Direct), eliminating the need for complex specialized external equipment while maintaining data retrieval accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the mobile terminal serve multiple functions: it acts as a data retrieval device, a communication bridge, and a user interface. The same mobile terminal can be used by various users (patients, caregivers, doctors) in different situations, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized external equipment and trained personnel are required for data retrieval, then data retrieval reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retrieval reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables patients and their caregivers to retrieve data from the implant themselves using the mobile terminal application without requiring trained medical personnel. The application provides user-friendly interfaces and automated processes that allow non-experts to successfully retrieve and view their health data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal application serves as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between users and the implant. It handles complex communication protocols, data formatting, and error handling automatically, presenting a simple interface to users while maintaining reliable data retrieval

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional data retrieval methods are used, then data security is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata retrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pairing mode where the mobile terminal and implant establish secure connections in advance. Security credentials and communication parameters are pre-configured during the pairing process, enabling rapid data retrieval without time-consuming authentication steps during actual data access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic data synchronization where the mobile terminal can automatically retrieve data at scheduled intervals or trigger-based events. This reduces the time users need to wait for data retrieval while maintaining security through controlled access intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If internet access is required for data retrieval, then data transmission reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission process into two independent parts: (1) short-range wireless communication between the implant and mobile terminal for data transfer, and (2) optional cloud synchronization for long-term storage and access. This segmentation allows data retrieval to function independently of internet connectivity, enabling use in remote areas or during emergencies without internet access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4444410B1System and method for operating an active medical implant

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system (100, 200) for operating an active medical implant (110), comprising an active medical implant (110) configured to store information (D) related to a patient's health status in a memory (112) of the active medical implant (110), wherein the active medical implant (110) has a first short-range communication module (114); and a mobile terminal (120) having a second short-range communication module (124) configured to directly communicate with the first short-range communication module (114) of the active medical implant (110) via a communication link (10), wherein the active medical implant (110) is configured to transmit the information (D) related to the patient's health status to the mobile terminal (120) via the communication link (10).