Leadless Epicardial Pacemaker Assembly for Orientation-Tolerant Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in efficiently receiving wireless power due to the movement of the device relative to the primary coil, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential tissue heating, especially when using conductive housings that block RF transmissions and induce eddy currents.
Innovation Solution
The use of a non-conductive, hermetically sealed housing with multiple secondary coils oriented in different directions and coupled with a ferrite core to enhance magnetic coupling, allowing efficient wireless power reception regardless of the device's orientation and minimizing tissue heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conductive housing is used to provide structural support and shielding, then mechanical strength and electromagnetic shielding are improved, but RF transmission is blocked and eddy currents are induced causing tissue heating
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is changed from conductive to non-conductive, fundamentally altering the electrical properties to eliminate eddy current formation and RF blocking while maintaining structural integrity through alternative design approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with a non-conductive housing material that provides both structural support and RF transparency, eliminating the need for conductive shielding while preventing eddy current-induced heating
2Device complexity
If a single secondary coil is used to receive wireless power, then device complexity is reduced, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates when the device moves or changes orientation relative to the primary coil
Solution Approach 1:
The single coil is divided into multiple segmented coils arranged in specific orientations, allowing each segment to capture power from different spatial directions and ensuring continuous efficient power transfer regardless of device movement or orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple coils are configured to perform the same power receiving function from different orientations, making the system universally effective across all spatial positions and angles relative to the external primary coil
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is implanted epicardially and moves frequently with heart beats, then adaptability to physiological movement is improved, but wireless power reception efficiency deteriorates due to random orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with multiple coils oriented in different directions to dynamically adapt to changing spatial orientations caused by heart movement, ensuring that at least one coil maintains optimal alignment with the external primary coil for efficient power transfer
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 enables efficient wireless power transfer to rechargeable IMDs, reducing the need for device replacement and extending the device's lifespan while maintaining functionality and safety by minimizing tissue heating and improving energy transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
coupled with a ferrite core to enhance magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
power receiving circuitry configured to receive wireless electrical energy from a primary coil of a power transmitting device
Implementation Method 3
conductive housings that block RF transmissions and induce eddy currents
Data Source
AI summary
A leadless implantable medical device (IMD) with electrodes near tissue of a patient and a rechargeable energy storage device. Power receiving circuitry receives electrical energy a wireless power transmitting device. The power receiving circuitry includes one or more secondary coils arranged to efficiently receive the wireless power when the primary coil is at any angle relative to the IMD. The IMD includes a non-conductive, hermetically sealed housing that encloses the device circuitry, including the rechargeable energy storage device, power receiving circuitry, processing circuitry, electrical stimulation circuitry and other components to perform the functions of the IMD. The housing may include one or more conductive ferrules which may provide the hermetic seal for the housing as well as act as an electrode to sense bioelectrical signals and/or deliver electrical stimulation therapy.