Implanted Medical Device EMI Control via External-Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of external devices in a patient's environment can cause undesirable electromagnetic interference (EMI) with implanted medical devices, affecting their diagnostic and therapeutic functions and potentially rendering them inoperable in certain environments.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that receives a detection signal from an external device, identifies its unique identifier, and adjusts the medical device's operating mode to minimize EMI by selecting a predefined mode associated with that identifier, using a stored list of known identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the medical device operates in a standard mode without detection of external devices, then the device maintains full diagnostic and therapeutic functionality, but it becomes vulnerable to electromagnetic interference from external devices in the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of external devices in the environment before the medical device operates. By detecting the presence of external devices and identifying their types through detection signals and unique identifiers, the system proactively prepares appropriate operating modes to prevent electromagnetic interference, rather than reacting after interference occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The medical device dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on the detected external environment. The control unit selects from multiple predefined operating modes (first, second, third modes) depending on the type of external device detected, allowing the device to adapt its functionality and electromagnetic emission characteristics to match the environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the medical device uses a generic operating mode for all environments, then the device maintains simplicity in control, but it cannot optimize performance or reduce interference in specific environments with known external devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting from multiple predefined operating modes, each with different characteristics for electromagnetic emissions and functionality. Instead of creating a completely new complex control algorithm, the system utilizes discrete parameter sets (operating modes) that can be selected based on environmental conditions, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the detection unit and the medical device functions. It receives detection signals, identifies external devices, and mediates the selection of appropriate operating modes, thereby managing the complexity of environmental adaptation through a dedicated control layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the medical device manually switches operating modes in response to external devices, then the device can reduce electromagnetic interference, but it requires manual intervention which reduces ease of operation and may cause delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidinterference protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device performs self-service by automatically detecting external devices, identifying their types, and selecting appropriate operating modes without requiring manual intervention from the user. The detection unit and control unit work autonomously to monitor the environment and adjust device operation accordingly, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable interference protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250276188A1Method for controlling a medical device implanted in a patient in presence of an external device in the patient’s environment

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

AI summary

A method for controlling a medical device implanted in a patient in presence of an external device in the patient's environment includes: receiving a detection signal indicating the presence of the external device in the patient's environment, wherein the detection signal incudes a unique identifier for the external device; selecting an operating mode for the medical device by comparing the identifier to a list of known identifiers, wherein each known identifier is associated with a predefined operating mode for the medical device; and applying the selected operating mode to the medical device, thereby adjusting the medical device so that undesirable electromagnetic interaction between the medical device and the external device is reduced.