Implanted LVAD RF Session Prioritization for Power Transitions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LVAD systems face challenges in managing transitions between primary and backup external power transmitters, leading to confusion and improper display of data and system status when multiple transmitters are used interchangeably, as the RF communication sessions are not coordinated.

Innovation Solution

An internal controller with processing circuitry and radio interfaces is configured to select and manage communication sessions with external power transmitters based on power availability, ensuring coordinated power transmission and display by terminating or delaying communication sessions when power status mismatches are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the internal controller maintains RF communication sessions with multiple external power transmitters simultaneously, then the system can manage multiple transmitters, but confusion and improper display of data and system status occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage multiple power transmittersVSAvoiddata display accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks to determine which external power transmitter is actually providing power to the internal controller before establishing or maintaining an RF communication session. This preliminary action prevents confusion by ensuring the RF session is only maintained with the active power transmitter, thereby maintaining data display accuracy while still allowing management of multiple transmitters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the internal controller establishes RF communication sessions with external power transmitters that respond to advertisements, then communication can be established quickly, but sessions may be maintained with transmitters not providing power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication session establishment speedVSAvoidpower transmission status accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from power status checks to dynamically manage RF communication sessions. After quickly establishing a session with a transmitter that responds to an advertisement, the system continuously monitors whether that transmitter is actually providing power. If feedback indicates the transmitter is not providing power, the system terminates the RF session, thereby maintaining both fast establishment and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the system terminates RF communication sessions when power status mismatches occur, then data display accuracy is maintained, but communication sessions may be lost during legitimate power transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata display accuracyVSAvoidcommunication session continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Before terminating an RF communication session due to a power status mismatch, the system performs preliminary verification to ensure the mismatch is not due to a legitimate power transition. This preliminary action involves checking the current power delivery status and confirming the mismatch is genuine before terminating the session, thereby maintaining data accuracy while avoiding unnecessary session losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures proper display and data management by prioritizing communication with the active power transmitter, preventing confusion and ensuring seamless operation of the LVAD system.

Implementation Method 1

The internal radio interface is configured to broadcast an advertisement. The processing circuitry is configured to establish a radio frequency (RF) communication session with a first external power transmitter that responds to the advertisement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

power is supplied from the external power transmitter 21 to the i-controller 14 via mutual coupling of the coils 18 and 20, in order to charge the internal battery 16 of the i-controller 14 and to power the LVAD pump 12. The coils 18 and 20 transfer power by mutual induction of electromagnetic energy over the air and through the body.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250332402A1Method of prioritizing communication connections for a fully implanted LVAD system

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An internal controller implantable within the body of a patient as part of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system and a method therefore are provided. According to one aspect, the internal controller includes processing circuitry configured to establish a radio frequency (RF) communication session with a first external power transmitter that responds to the advertisement. The processing circuitry is also configured to determine when a power transmission status of the first external power transmitter does not match a power receipt status of the internal controller, and then terminate the RF communication session with the first external power transmitter and cause the radio interface to broadcast another advertisement.