Intermittent Multipoint Pacing for Cardiac Device Longevity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining the benefits of multipoint pacing (MPP), which increases left ventricular function but shortens device longevity due to higher power requirements.

Innovation Solution

An implantable cardiac device that alternates between multipoint pacing (MPP) and standard biventricular pacing (BiV) using a controller communicatively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, allowing for intermittent MPP delivery to reduce power consumption while maintaining therapeutic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multipoint pacing (MPP) is applied continuously to increase left ventricular function, then LV reverse remodeling and LV function are improved, but device longevity is reduced due to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleft ventricular functionVSAvoiddevice longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements intermittent multipoint pacing by alternating between MPP and standard biventricular pacing in periodic cycles. The device switches between MPP mode (which provides superior LV function improvement) and standard BiV mode (which consumes less power), allowing the therapeutic benefits of MPP to be maintained while reducing overall power consumption to extend device longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If multipoint pacing (MPP) is applied to convert non-responders to CRT into responders, then clinical response is improved, but power consumption increases reducing device longevity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical responseVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic alternation between MPP and standard BiV pacing modes. During MPP phases, non-responder patients receive the higher energy pulses needed to convert them into responders. During standard BiV phases, power consumption is reduced. This periodic application maintains clinical response effectiveness while managing overall power consumption to extend device longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If multipoint pacing (MPP) is applied to increase LV reverse remodeling, then structural heart improvement is enhanced, but device longevity is reduced due to increased power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLV reverse remodelingVSAvoiddevice longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a periodic pacing strategy that alternates between MPP and standard BiV modes. During MPP phases, the enhanced pacing pattern promotes LV reverse remodeling through coordinated contraction of multiple LV segments. During standard BiV phases, power consumption is reduced. This periodic alternation maintains the structural heart improvement benefits while extending device longevity through reduced overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10166397B2Systems and methods for intermittent multipoint pacing

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for applying intermittent multipoint pacing. An implantable cardiac device includes a plurality of electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to cause the plurality of electrodes to alternate between applying multipoint pacing (MPP) and standard biventricular pacing (BiV) to a patient's heart.