Electrical Coupling for Isolated Stimulator Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During electrophysiology studies, the concurrent use of cardiac stimulator systems, electrophysiology recording systems, and electrical mapping systems can lead to increased electrical loading, noise attenuation, and degraded detection of stimulator signals due to impedance coupling and amplifier noise, particularly when routing stimulator signals through these systems.
Innovation Solution
The system indirectly connects the cardiac stimulator and electrophysiology mapping systems with the electrophysiology recorder system, using a transformer or other coupling methods to communicate the stimulator signal without loading the recorder system, allowing real-time detection and display of the stimulator signal alongside the electrocardiogram without direct electrical connection to the recorder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stimulator signal is routed through the EP recorder and electrical mapping systems, then the stimulator signal can be detected and displayed, but the electrical loading on the stimulator system increases and noise attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism (such as a transformer or opto-isolator) between the stimulator system and the EP recorder/mapping systems. This intermediary allows the stimulator signal to be transmitted for detection and display while electrically isolating the stimulator system from the loading effects and noise of the recorder systems, thus resolving the contradiction between signal detection capability and system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the stimulator signal is routed through the EP recorder and electrical mapping systems, then the stimulator signal can be detected and displayed, but noise attenuation and degraded detection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary coupling device acts as a noise barrier, allowing the stimulator signal to pass through while blocking electrical noise and interference from the EP recorder and mapping systems. This resolves the contradiction by enabling signal detection while preventing noise attenuation and degradation of signal quality.
3Ease of operation
If the EP recorder system directly receives the stimulator signal, then the signal detection is simplified, but the impedance loading degrades the stimulator system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary coupling maintains signal detection capability while preventing direct electrical connection between the EP recorder and stimulator system. This eliminates the impedance loading problem that would otherwise degrade stimulator performance, while still allowing the recorder to detect and display the stimulator signal through the isolated coupling path.
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 configuration reduces impedance loading on the cardiac stimulator system, minimizes noise attenuation, and enables accurate real-time detection and display of stimulator signal delivery in conjunction with ECG acquisition, thereby improving the fidelity of signal detection and reducing the risk of electrical faults.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical coupling (e.g., using a transformer or other coupling techniques) between the stimulator system and the electrophysiology mapping system
Data Source
AI summary
A system in combination with a stimulator system and an electrophysiology recorder system in delivering a stimulator signal to a subject's heart is provided. The electrophysiology recorder system can be generally operable to acquire an electrocardiogram from the subject's heart. The system can include an electrical couple in electrical connection between the simulator system and the electrophysiology recorder. The electrical couple can be configured to communicate the stimulator signal without loading an impedance of the electrophysiology recorder system on the stimulator system.