Implantable Device Telemetry Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices, such as cardiac rhythm management devices, face premature battery depletion due to energy-intensive wireless telemetry, which can lead to the need for costly and invasive re-implantation procedures.

Innovation Solution

A patient management system with a remote monitoring device that optimizes, limits, and monitors telemetry usage by scheduling interrogations, limiting the number of communications sessions, and managing power consumption to prevent excessive battery depletion, including features like noise level scanning and alert systems for excessive usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless telemetry is used for data transmission, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic telemetry transmissions at scheduled intervals rather than continuous transmission. The external device sends requests at predetermined times, and the implantable device responds accordingly, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining remote monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including data rate, packet size, and transmission power based on battery status and clinical needs. When battery level drops below thresholds, the system automatically reduces telemetry activity to extend battery life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If frequent interrogations are performed, then data collection frequency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection frequencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The interrogation schedule is dynamically adjusted based on clinical priorities and battery status. High-priority data collections occur more frequently, while routine monitoring uses extended intervals. The system adapts the frequency of interrogations to balance data needs with energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessments to determine whether full interrogations are necessary or if selective data sampling suffices. Based on trends and clinical context, the system pre-determines appropriate interrogation depth and frequency, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If telemetry usage is increased, then remote monitoring effectiveness is improved, but battery depletion accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring effectivenessVSAvoidbattery depletion rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors battery status and provides feedback to adjust telemetry usage. When battery levels drop below predetermined thresholds, the system automatically reduces transmission frequency and data volume. Clinicians receive alerts about battery status and are prompted to optimize monitoring schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements selective data collection that focuses on critical parameters rather than comprehensive monitoring. During periods of low battery, the system transmits only essential data while deferring less critical measurements, maintaining monitoring effectiveness while conserving energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS7769454B2Power management for implantable medical device during RF communications

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

In a patient management system, a remote monitoring device interrogates an implantable device on an intermittent basis over a wireless telemetry link, with interrogations being performed either according to a programmed schedule or upon receiving a command to do so via the user interface or the network interface. Described is a system and method for optimizing, limiting, and/or monitoring an implantable device's telemetry usage in order to avoid premature battery depletion and/or raise an alert if excessive battery depletion is beginning to occur.