Implantable Battery Disconnection for External-Power Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges with the limited lifespan of rechargeable batteries, which often require surgical replacement when they reach end-of-life, and lack mechanisms for monitoring battery health or permanently disconnecting faulty batteries, leading to premature device explantation and reduced calendar life.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for the selective disconnection of implantable rechargeable batteries, enabling continued operation of implantable components using external power signals, with a battery disconnection module monitoring battery health and sending status data to external devices for control signals to disconnect the battery, thereby extending the calendar life and allowing safe operation even when the battery is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the implantable rechargeable battery is continuously used and recharged, then the device can operate independently without external power, but the battery reaches end-of-life requiring surgical replacement or device explantation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of battery health parameters (voltage, temperature, charge cycles) and proactively disconnects the battery before it reaches a dangerous state. The controller continuously assesses battery condition and executes disconnection commands in advance of potential failure, extending the safe operational life of the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary between the implantable battery and the implantable medical device. This external device serves as a mediator that can charge the battery, monitor its health, and control its disconnection, allowing the battery to be safely managed without requiring surgical intervention for replacement.
2Reliability
If the battery is permanently disconnected when faulty, then device safety is maintained, but the implantable component can no longer operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the implantable device based on battery health status. When the battery is healthy, the device operates independently using internal power. When the battery is disconnected due to faults, the system dynamically transitions to external power mode, allowing the device to adapt its operation to maintain safety while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple power modes. It can function using internal battery power for independent operation, or switch to external power delivery when the battery is disconnected. This universal design ensures the device maintains therapeutic functionality regardless of battery status.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery health monitoring and disconnection capability are added, then calendar life is extended and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system operates autonomously, with the controller continuously monitoring battery parameters and automatically making disconnection decisions based on pre-established safety criteria. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external monitoring systems or frequent surgical interventions, simplifying the overall system while extending device life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery voltage, temperature, and charge cycle parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to assess battery health in real-time and execute disconnection commands when safety thresholds are approached, providing a simple yet effective method for extending device calendar life without requiring overly complex management systems.
4Productivity
If surgical replacement of end-of-life batteries is performed, then device functionality is maintained, but patient risk and treatment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery replacement function from the implantable device itself and relocates it to an external device. Instead of requiring surgical removal and replacement of the implantable battery, the system allows external charging and monitoring, separating the battery management function from the implanted component and eliminating the need for invasive surgical intervention.
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 extends the calendar life of implantable batteries, prevents premature explantation, and ensures safe operation by allowing implantable components to continue functioning with external power, while monitoring battery health to prevent unsafe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil configured to receive power signals from an external device
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for selectively disconnecting an implantable rechargeable battery of an implantable component configured to be implanted in a recipient. The implantable rechargeable battery can be temporarily disconnected to extend the calendar life of the implantable rechargeable battery and/or the implantable rechargeable battery can be permanently disconnected. While the implantable rechargeable battery is disconnected (either temporarily or permanently), the implantable component is configured to continue operation using only power signals (power) received from an external device.