Implantable MRI Mode Switching After Programming Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in maintaining MRI compatibility after changes in settings, such as hardware or software configurations, which can lead to malfunctions due to electromagnetic interference from MRI devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical system comprising an implantable medical device with a switching function to an MRI compatible operating mode and an external device that prompts users to confirm continuing MRI compatibility after setting changes, ensuring the device operates safely in the presence of an MRI device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implantable medical device automatically switches to MRI compatible operating mode upon detecting MRI presence, then the reliability of the device during MRI is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable medical device automatically detects the presence of an MRI device through sensing mechanisms and autonomously switches to an MRI compatible operating mode without requiring external intervention or manual programming by a physician. This self-service capability improves reliability during MRI while managing the complexity through automated control logic.
2Reliability
If the physician programs MRI compatible mode before MRI examination, then the safety during MRI is improved, but the time consumption and burden on patients increases due to pre-MRI visits
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI compatible operating mode is pre-programmed and prepared within the implantable medical device before the actual MRI examination. When the device detects the presence of an MRI device, it automatically activates the pre-prepared safe operating mode, eliminating the need for pre-MRI physician visits while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously detects MRI presence and activates the appropriate operating mode without requiring prior manual configuration by a physician. This self-service functionality eliminates unnecessary pre-MRI visits and time consumption while maintaining safety standards.
3Reliability
If the external device prompts user confirmation after setting changes, then the MRI compatibility reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional user actions required
Solution Approach 1:
The external programming device provides feedback to the user after setting changes are made, prompting confirmation that the MRI compatible operating mode remains valid. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability by verifying compatibility while maintaining ease of operation through automated checking and clear user guidance.
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
Ensures that implantable medical devices maintain MRI compatibility after setting changes, preventing malfunctions and reducing the need for pre-MRI patient visits to physicians, thereby enhancing safety and reducing burdens on patients.
Implementation Method 1
If an implantable medical device is introduced into an electromagnetic field of an MRI device, it can be assumed that electrical signals are induced on leads and other conducting parts of the implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system for performing a therapeutic function on a patient comprises an implantable medical device having a switching function to switch from a normal operating mode to an MRI compatible operating mode in the presence of an MRI device, and an external device for programming at least one setting of the implantable medical device. The external device is configured, based on a programming event relating to said at least one setting, to generate a notification prompting a user to confirm a continuing MRI compatibility of said MRI compatible operating mode after the programming event and/or to amend said at least one setting for achieving MRI compatibility.