Implantable Device Communication via Volume Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for communicating information between implantable medical devices using quasi electrostatic coupling are unreliable due to data signal contamination by electrical stimulation and require additional electronics and dedicated electrode pairs.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses volume conduction of electrical signals to transmit information between medical devices, where information is encoded into stimulation pulses or interlaced with non-therapeutic signals, allowing the reuse of existing circuitry and electrodes for both therapeutic and communication purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quasi electrostatic coupling is used for data transmission between implantable devices, then data can be transmitted wirelessly, but the data signals are contaminated by electrical stimulation signals resulting in unreliable transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the therapeutic stimulation function and data communication function into a single electrode system. The same electrodes used for delivering therapeutic stimulation pulses are also used for transmitting encoded data signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication electrodes and avoiding signal contamination between separate channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes in the implantable device are designed to serve multiple functions: they deliver therapeutic stimulation pulses and simultaneously transmit encoded data information. This multi-functionality reduces hardware complexity and eliminates the interference that would arise from having separate dedicated communication electrodes exposed to stimulation signals.
2Reliability
If dedicated transmit/receive electrode pairs are used for data communication, then data transmission can be achieved, but additional electronics and dedicated electrode pairs are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the therapeutic stimulation electrode system with the data communication electrode system. The same electrodes and associated circuitry used for therapy delivery are repurposed for bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for additional dedicated transmit and receive electrodes and their associated control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device electrodes are designed as universal components that can perform both therapeutic stimulation and data communication functions. The device can switch between delivering therapeutic pulses and transmitting encoded data using the same hardware resources, significantly reducing device complexity.
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 approach provides reliable and efficient data transmission between medical devices, avoiding contamination issues and eliminating the need for additional electronics, while maintaining the therapeutic functionality of the devices.
Implementation Method 1
System for communicating information between at least two medical devices implanted within the body of a subject using volume conduction of electrical signals as a means of communication
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for communicating information between at least two medical devices implanted within the body of a subject using volume conduction of electrical signals as a means of communication and wherein one of the implanted medical devices is configured to provide electrical stimulation to the tissue is disclosed. The system comprises a first implant device having at least two transmit electrodes configured to transmit electrical stimulation pulses, wherein one of the electrodes may be a common return electrode, an encoding means configured to employ a channel as a transmitter transmission medium for stimulation pulses and encoding the information into the stimulation pulses, a second implant device having at least two receive electrodes configured to receive the transmitted stimulation pulses with encoded information, and a decoding means configured to decode the information encoded into the stimulation pulses. The disclosed system provides reliable and efficient communication between implantable devices.