Implantable Wireless Networks for Coordinated Multi-Site Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices operate individually or based on input from external devices, lacking the ability to coordinate therapy or share information, and are often large and limited to single-location stimulation or recording.
Innovation Solution
Implantable medical devices are configured to establish a wireless communication link, allowing them to coordinate therapy and share information, with miniaturized designs capable of high-fidelity stimulation and recording across multiple body locations, using advanced microelectronics and wireless connectivity for power and data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If implantable medical devices operate individually, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy coordination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication link as an intermediary mechanism that enables implantable medical devices to coordinate therapy with each other and with external devices. This mediator allows multiple devices to function as an integrated network without requiring direct physical connections between them, thus achieving therapy coordination while maintaining relative device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling implantable devices to perform multiple roles: they can operate independently as single devices or coordinate as part of a network with multiple devices. The same device hardware and basic software can support both independent operation and networked coordination, allowing the system to adapt to different therapeutic needs without requiring fundamentally different device architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If implantable medical devices are designed for single-location stimulation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to multiple body locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by distributing multiple stimulation and recording locations across different implantable devices placed at various body sites. Each device is relatively simple and handles a specific location, but the network of segmented devices collectively provides multi-location capability. This distributes the complexity across multiple simpler units rather than requiring one complex multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capabilities of multiple implantable devices through wireless communication to achieve coordinated multi-location stimulation and recording. By combining the functions of distributed devices via the wireless network, the system achieves adaptability to multiple body locations while each individual device maintains relative simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If implantable medical devices are made miniaturized, then ease of implantation is improved, but power and data transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power and data transmission methods (such as wired connections or larger battery compartments) with wireless transmission techniques. This substitution enables miniaturized implantable devices to maintain adequate power and data transmission capabilities without requiring larger physical structures, thus improving ease of implantation while preserving transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the wireless communication system to optimize performance in miniaturized devices. By adjusting transmission parameters such as frequency, modulation schemes, and power levels, the system achieves efficient power and data transmission from compact implantable devices, resolving the contradiction between device size and transmission capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of two or more implantable medical devices is configured to establish a wireless link between the two or more implantable medical devices and a device external to a body of a patient while the two or more implantable medical devices are implanted in the body of the patient.