Implantable Loop Recorder for Periodic Breathing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack effective methods for monitoring periodic breathing patterns, particularly central sleep apnea, as an indicator of congestive heart failure, which is crucial for timely intervention and management of the condition.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize sensors to detect periodic breathing cycles and compute cycle lengths, producing a biomarker output indicative of congestive heart failure status, allowing for diagnosis, tracking, and treatment of periodic breathing disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current monitoring technologies are used, then general respiratory parameters can be detected, but periodic breathing patterns associated with congestive heart failure cannot be accurately identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of periodic breathing patternsVSAvoidability to distinguish central sleep apnea from other breathing disorders

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the breathing cycle into distinct phases (hyperpnea, apnea, hypopnea) and monitors specific parameters within each phase. By dividing the continuous breathing signal into discrete analyzable segments, the system can accurately identify periodic breathing patterns characteristic of central sleep apnea associated with congestive heart failure, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs oximetry to detect changes in blood oxygen saturation levels, which serve as a physiological indicator of breathing pattern abnormalities. These oxygen saturation changes provide a reliable biomarker that distinguishes central sleep apnea from other respiratory disorders, enhancing both measurement precision and diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive monitoring of multiple respiratory parameters is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracy of periodic breathing detectionVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a single implantable loop recorder that serves multiple functions: it monitors ECG parameters, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen saturation levels simultaneously. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require separate monitoring systems, achieving comprehensive diagnostic accuracy while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable loop recorder automatically stores and analyzes breathing pattern data without requiring external monitoring equipment or continuous physician intervention. The device self-monitors periodic breathing patterns and stores them for later analysis, reducing the complexity of external monitoring infrastructure while maintaining high diagnostic precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7896813B2System and method for monitoring periodic breathing associated with heart failure

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A system and method for monitoring in a patient includes producing sensor signals representative of a physiologic parameter associated with respiration. A periodic breathing cycle is detected based on the sensor signals. An output is produced as a function of the cycle length.