Leadless Cardiac Stimulation via Acoustic Energy Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lead-based pacing systems are not well-suited for endocardial pacing in the left ventricle due to anatomical limitations and risks associated with implantation, which hinders optimal hemodynamic performance and synchronization in cardiac pacing therapies.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining an implantation site using a leadless stimulation electrode that converts acoustic energy to electrical energy, allowing for wireless delivery of energy to test locations within the heart, and selecting sites based on favorable hemodynamic responses to optimize cardiac activation and pacing efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lead-based electrodes are used for pacing, then electrical conduction can be established, but the electrodes cannot be safely placed in the left ventricle endocardially due to anatomical limitations and embolization risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacing site accessibilityVSAvoidsafety of lead placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic lead-based electrode system and replaces it with a leadless pacing device that uses acoustic energy transmission through the chest wall. This eliminates the need for invasive lead placement in the left ventricle while maintaining the ability to establish electrical conduction for pacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/invasive lead-based electrical stimulation system with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic waves transmitted through the chest wall generate vibrations that directly stimulate cardiac tissue, replacing the need for physical electrode insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If epicardial lead placement is used to access the left ventricle, then stimulation can be achieved, but the electrical current required is significantly higher and may stimulate unintended structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to left ventricleVSAvoidelectrical current magnitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical current-based stimulation with acoustic vibration-based stimulation. The acoustic receiver converts acoustic waves into mechanical vibrations that directly activate cardiac myocytes, eliminating the need for high electrical currents and avoiding stimulation of unintended structures like the phrenic nerve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the external controller and the cardiac tissue. The acoustic waves serve as a mediator that transmits energy through the chest wall to generate localized vibrations in the cardiac tissue, providing a safer and more targeted stimulation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If conventional pacing algorithms are used, then arrhythmia detection can be achieved, but they cannot account for dynamic changes in electrical conduction and mechanical function that lead to progressive heart failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrhythmia detection accuracyVSAvoidresponse to dynamic cardiac changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device continuously monitors cardiac response to pacing and adjusts the acoustic stimulation parameters accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to dynamic changes in electrical conduction and mechanical function, providing precise control that responds to real-time cardiac conditions rather than relying on fixed algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables effective and safe placement of leadless stimulation electrodes in the left ventricle, improving hemodynamic performance and reducing the need for high electrical currents, thereby enhancing cardiac synchronization and reducing risks associated with conventional lead-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

A method and apparatus for determining an implantation site using a leadless stimulation electrode that converts acoustic energy to electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy to electrical energy conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7702392B2Methods and apparatus for determining cardiac stimulation sites using hemodynamic data

Publication Date: 2010.04.20 EBR SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for determining an endocardial implantation site for implanting an electrode, such as a leadless stimulation electrode. An embodiment of one method in accordance with the invention includes delivering sufficient electrical energy for initiation of cardiac activation to a plurality of different test locations at the heart of a patient, and determining hemodynamic responses in reaction to that the stimulus delivered to the different test locations. This method further includes identifying an implantation site for implanting the electrode by selecting at least one of the test locations corresponding to a favorable hemodynamic response.