Implantable Dipole Using Fixation Mechanism Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in intra-body communication due to the limited distance between electrodes, which restricts the strength and directionality of communication signals, especially when implanted within the vasculature.

Innovation Solution

The IMD utilizes a portion of its fixation mechanism as part of the communication dipole electrodes, increasing the distance between electrodes and allowing for control over the orientation of the dipole by offsetting the axis of the communication dipole from the central axis of the vasculature during implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If electrodes are placed at opposite ends of the IMD housing, then the device structure is simple, but the distance between electrodes is limited and communication signal strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between electrodesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fixation mechanism (stent) with the communication dipole electrode structure. The stent serves dual purposes: providing mechanical fixation in the vasculature and acting as one of the electrodes for intra-body communication. This merging allows the electrode distance to extend beyond the housing length without adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support for implantation, mechanical anchoring in the vasculature, and electrical conduction for communication. By making the fixation mechanism electrically conductive and integrating it into the dipole configuration, the same structure serves both mechanical and electrical purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes are placed at opposite ends of the housing, then manufacturing is simple, but communication signal directionality and orientation control are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dipole configuration creates an asymmetric electrode arrangement relative to the housing centerline. One electrode is formed by a portion of the stent structure while the other is a separate electrode on the housing, creating an offset axis that provides directional control for communication signals while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the IMD is made small for vasculature implantation, then the device size is appropriate, but the electrode distance is restricted and communication effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the electrode separation in a dimensional sense by utilizing the stent's radial structure and extending elements that project beyond the housing. This allows the effective dipole length to be greater than the housing length without increasing the housing volume, thereby maintaining small device size while improving communication reliability through increased electrode distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances the strength and directionality of intra-body communication signals, improving the reliability and effectiveness of data transmission between IMDs and external devices.

Implementation Method 1

intra-body wireless communication exploits the transmission channel of electrolytic-galvanic coupling with the device electrodes and the ion medium (or other properties) of cellular fluids of the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolytic-galvanic coupling:

Implementation Method 2

The human body has dielectric properties that allow the body to act as a transmission medium for electrical currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric properties: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8515559B2Communication dipole for implantable medical device

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to an implantable medical device having a communication dipole configured in accordance with the techniques described herein. In one example, the disclosure is directed to an implantable medical device comprising a housing that encloses at least a communication module, a first electrode of a communication dipole electrically coupled to the communication module and an electrically conductive fixation mechanism that is electrically coupled to a portion of the housing and wherein a portion of the fixation mechanism is configured to function as at least part of a second electrode of the communication dipole. The electrically conductive fixation mechanism includes a dielectric material that covers at least part of a surface of the fixation mechanism. The communication module is configured to transmit or receive a modulated signal between the first electrode and second electrode of the communication dipole.