Implanted LVAD Battery Conditioning with Scheduled TETS Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), face challenges in efficiently performing battery conditioning due to user interactions and communication complexities within the transcutaneous energy transfer (TETS) system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of processing circuitry in both the internal controller and external power transmitter of the LVAD system, which enables automated and semi-automated mechanisms for coordinating battery conditioning. This includes scheduling conditioning based on signals from the external power transmitter, discontinuing TETS power transfer during conditioning, and counting failed conditioning attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If automated battery conditioning is implemented in implantable medical devices, then battery longevity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal controller automatically performs battery conditioning without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-manages the conditioning process by receiving signals from the external power transmitter, executing conditioning routines, and monitoring battery status autonomously, thereby extending battery life while minimizing the need for complex user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements bidirectional communication between the internal controller and external power transmitter. The external transmitter sends conditioning signals to the internal controller, which executes the conditioning and reports status back. This feedback mechanism enables automated battery management and longevity improvement without requiring complex manual oversight.
2Reliability
If TETS power transfer is discontinued during conditioning, then conditioning effectiveness is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic battery conditioning cycles rather than continuous operation. During conditioning periods, TETS power transfer is temporarily discontinued to allow the battery to be properly conditioned. Between conditioning cycles, normal power transfer resumes. This periodic approach ensures effective conditioning while minimizing overall energy loss by maintaining normal operation for most of the time.
3Ease of operation
If user interaction is reduced for automated conditioning, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains bidirectional communication between the internal controller and external power transmitter throughout the conditioning process. The external transmitter provides conditioning signals, and the internal controller reports battery status and conditioning progress back to the external system. This feedback loop ensures that no critical information is lost while minimizing user interaction requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power transmitter acts as an intermediary between the user and the internal battery conditioning process. It receives user preferences or automatic triggers, translates them into appropriate conditioning signals, and relays status information back. This intermediary role reduces the complexity of direct user-device interaction while maintaining complete information flow through the communication channel.
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 solution allows for efficient and automated battery conditioning in implantable medical devices, improving the longevity of internal batteries and reducing user interaction complexities, thereby enhancing the reliability of LVAD systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coils 18 and 20 transfer power via electromagnetic energy over the air and through the body
Data Source
AI summary
In an implanted medical device system, an internal controller, external power transmitter and methods for performing battery conditioning are disclosed. According to one aspect, an internal controller includes processing circuitry configured to cause conditioning of an internal battery of the internal controller responsive to a direction from an external power transmitter in radio communication with the internal controller.