Implantable Neurostimulator MRI Exit Pairing via Bar Magnet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable neurostimulator devices face challenges in safely transitioning out of MRI mode after a scan, particularly when patients do not have immediate access to their remote controllers, leading to disrupted therapy delivery.

Innovation Solution

An external device, such as a remote controller, can be used to exit the MRI mode and resume normal operation by pairing with the implantable medical device using a bar magnet for reset and a programmed mode logic that enables pairing with previously unpaired devices, allowing therapy to resume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the IMD enters MRI mode to protect against magnetic fields, then safety during MRI scan is improved, but the ability to communicate and pair with external devices is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during MRI scanVSAvoidability to pair with external devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the MRI environment before full MRI mode engagement, and by preparing pairing capabilities in advance. The magnetic field sensor detects MRI conditions, and the system pre-configures the ability to exit MRI mode and pair with external devices before the patient may need them, ensuring seamless transition without therapy interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where magnetic field detection serves as a mediator between the MRI environment and the IMD's operational modes. The magnetic field sensor acts as an intermediary that detects MRI conditions and triggers appropriate mode transitions, while also enabling external device pairing as an intermediary step to exit MRI mode and restore therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the IMD remains in MRI mode after scanning, then protection from magnetic fields is maintained, but therapy delivery is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from magnetic fieldsVSAvoidtherapy delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the magnetic field sensor continuously monitors the MRI environment, and the system responds by transitioning out of MRI mode when the magnetic field is no longer detected. This feedback loop ensures that protection is maintained only when necessary, and therapy is automatically restored when the MRI environment is no longer present, eliminating manual intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The IMD performs self-service by automatically detecting when the MRI scan is complete through magnetic field sensing, autonomously exiting MRI mode, and resuming therapy without requiring patient action. The system serves itself by managing the transition from protective mode to therapeutic mode based on environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the patient loses access to their remote controller, then portability is improved, but the ability to exit MRI mode and resume therapy is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidability to exit MRI mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The IMD performs self-service by automatically detecting MRI conditions through its magnetic field sensor and autonomously managing mode transitions. When the magnetic field is detected, the system enters MRI mode; when it is no longer detected, the system automatically exits MRI mode and resumes therapy, eliminating the need for the remote controller entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field sensor serves as an intermediary that replaces the need for remote controller interaction. Instead of requiring the patient to manually control mode transitions, the magnetic field sensor detects environmental conditions and triggers appropriate system responses, making the system independent of the remote controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and timely exit from MRI mode without relying on the patient's remote controller, ensuring continuous therapy delivery and minimizing the impact of MRI-induced disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

using a bar magnet for reset and a programmed mode logic that enables pairing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4188536B1Programming of pairing and MRI modes in an implantable medical device system

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for use with Implantable Medical Devices (IMD) such as Implantable Stimulator Devices. The system includes a permanent magnet which can be used to reset the IMD (such as during an emergency) and to place the IMD in a pairing mode to establish communications with an external device. An external device paired to the IMD can be used to place the IMD in an MRI mode that renders the IMD safe during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. In the event that the external device is unavailable to cause the IMD to exit the MRI mode, the bar magnet can also be used in the MRI mode to pair the IMD with another external device.