Implantable Pulse Generator Adaptive Data Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable cardiac pulse generators face challenges in efficiently downloading data to remote monitoring units, leading to delayed alerts for critical events and unnecessary battery drain due to frequent data transfers, which can compromise patient safety and device longevity.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator that senses cardiac activity and transmits data only when significant changes occur, using a wireless transceiver to communicate with an external device and cancel scheduled downloads if no significant changes are detected, thereby conserving battery life and minimizing data overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data transfer frequency is increased to detect critical events timely, then patient safety monitoring is improved, but battery life is reduced due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the data transfer parameter (transfer frequency) based on the detected state of the patient. When a critical event is detected, the transfer frequency increases to ensure timely notification. When no critical events occur, the transfer frequency decreases to conserve battery power. This resolves the contradiction by making the monitoring system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system transitions from a static fixed-frequency download approach to a dynamic adaptive approach. The system continuously evaluates patient data and automatically adjusts download timing based on whether critical events are present. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize between patient safety and battery conservation in real-time.
2Speed
If data transfer frequency is increased to ensure timely event detection, then response time to critical events is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameter of data transfer based on event detection. Critical events trigger immediate high-speed data transfer to ensure rapid response. During stable periods, the system reduces transfer frequency to minimize energy consumption. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and energy use.
3Productivity
If scheduled downloads are performed at regular intervals, then data is systematically collected, but battery power is wasted when no meaningful events occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing complete scheduled downloads at all intervals, the system performs partial downloads only when necessary (when critical events are detected). This partial action approach collects sufficient data for patient safety without the excessive energy consumption of routine full downloads during stable periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the download parameter from a fixed scheduled interval to a variable interval based on event detection. When no meaningful events occur, downloads are postponed or cancelled. When critical events are detected, downloads are triggered immediately. This parameter change optimizes both data collection efficiency and energy conservation.
4Loss of information
If frequent data transfers are performed, then complete patient information is available to physicians, but server and RMU memory may become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the data transfer parameter from frequent scheduled transfers to event-triggered transfers. This ensures that complete patient information is available when critical events occur, while avoiding the data overload that would result from transmitting the same stable information repeatedly during periods without events.
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 enables efficient and timely data transfer during critical events while reducing unnecessary battery consumption, extending the device's lifespan and ensuring prompt medical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transceiver for establishing a communications link with an external computing device and for broadcasting data to and receiving data from the external computing device
Data Source
AI summary
An implanted device is equipped with a flag that indicates to a remote monitoring unit that an event such as a patient medical emergency or device failure has occurred. The remote monitoring unit is configured in some embodiments to maintain a low power communication link with the implanted device when they are within range. When the flag indicates an event has occurred, the remote monitoring unit quickly downloads sensed data collected by the implanted device and transfers it over a network so that it can be utilized by a medical practitioner. The remote monitoring unit is further configured in some embodiments to query the implanted device at regular intervals. The remote monitoring unit may read a subset of the data stored by the implanted device and, based on that data, determine whether to complete a full or partial download.