Implantable Medical Systems Using External Wireless Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices are large, invasive, and require frequent battery replacements, limiting their use due to high costs and complexity, and there is a need for miniaturized systems that can efficiently treat patients and record data with enhanced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus comprising an external system that transmits power and data to an implantable system, using antennas and controllers to facilitate communication and energy delivery, allowing for miniaturized devices that can treat conditions like pain and heart failure, and record patient parameters without the need for invasive procedures or battery replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If implantable devices use large batteries and long conduits to deliver energy, then power supply capability is improved, but device size and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an electromagnetic energy transmission system. An external antenna transmits electromagnetic energy that is received by an implantable antenna and converted to electrical energy, eliminating the need for large internal batteries and reducing device size significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary to transfer energy between the external power source and the implantable device. This mediator allows energy transmission through the skin without physical contact or large invasive components, reducing both device size and invasiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If implantable devices use large batteries, then power supply capability is improved, but frequency of battery replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous energy transmission from the external antenna to the implantable device, providing uninterrupted power supply. This eliminates the periodic interruption caused by battery replacement surgeries, achieving continuous useful action without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device can be recharged or powered continuously through the skin by the external antenna system, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacement. The system serves itself by receiving energy wirelessly, avoiding repeated invasive procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If implantable devices are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal battery power system with external electromagnetic energy transmission. This substitution allows miniaturization of the implantable device while maintaining adequate power supply, as the power source is moved externally where size constraints are less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the power source from the internal three-dimensional space constraint to the external space, transmitting energy through the skin. This dimensional transition allows the implantable device to be miniaturized while the external antenna provides sufficient power efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If implantable devices use complex configurations, then treatment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external antenna system can transmit both power and data signals, and can be configured for different treatment protocols. This universal interface simplifies the implantable device while maintaining treatment versatility through programmable external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic signals as an intermediary for both power transmission and data communication between the external system and implantable device. This unified communication channel reduces the complexity of the implantable device by consolidating multiple functions into a single interface.
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
The system enables efficient, flexible treatment and data recording with reduced invasiveness, supporting treatments for various conditions and parameters, including pain and heart failure, while minimizing device size and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an external antenna configured to transmit a transmission signal to the implantable antenna, the transmission signal comprising at least one of power or data
Implementation Method 2
an implantable antenna configured to receive the transmission signal from the external antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus for a patient comprises an external system configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal comprising at least power or data; and an implantable system configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system. The apparatus can be configured to treat a patient and/or record patient data. Methods of treating a patient and recording patient data are also provided.