Implantable Stimulator MRI Mode Pairing Without a Remote Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients with implantable neurostimulator devices face challenges in safely undergoing MRI scans due to the potential harm caused by AC magnetic fields, which can induce currents and uncontrolled stimulation, and may struggle to exit MRI mode without their remote controller, leading to disrupted therapy.

Innovation Solution

An implantable medical device system that allows another external device, not previously paired, to exit MRI mode and resume normal operation, using a bar magnet for emergency resets and a mode logic to automatically enter pairing mode after detecting specific magnetic fields, enabling communication with the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the IMD enters MRI protective mode to prevent harm from AC magnetic fields, then patient safety during MRI scans is improved, but the ability to perform pairing operations and resume therapy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharm from AC magnetic fieldsVSAvoidpairing operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bar magnet as an intermediary tool that patients can use to trigger mode transitions. The bar magnet serves as a simple, reliable mediator that activates the mode logic circuit to exit MRI protective mode and enter pairing mode, enabling patients to perform pairing operations without needing their remote controllers during or after MRI scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary programming of the IMD with mode logic that automatically transitions between operational modes based on detected magnetic field conditions. The device is pre-programmed to enter pairing mode when specific magnetic field patterns are detected, allowing automatic mode switching before the patient needs to perform pairing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the IMD requires the remote controller to exit MRI mode, then mode control precision is improved, but therapy continuity is worsened when the remote controller is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode control precisionVSAvoidtherapy continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the IMD to serve itself by automatically detecting magnetic field conditions and transitioning between modes without requiring external control from the remote controller. The mode logic circuit within the IMD autonomously monitors magnetic fields and triggers appropriate mode changes, making the device self-sufficient for mode control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the IMD continuously monitors magnetic field conditions and automatically adjusts its operational mode based on the detected environment. The mode logic receives feedback from magnetic field sensors and automatically transitions between MRI protective mode, pairing mode, and normal operational mode to maintain therapy continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the IMD uses complex mode logic to automatically transition between modes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mode transitionVSAvoidmode logic circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mode control functionality into a dedicated mode logic circuit that operates independently from the main IMD control system. This separate mode logic module handles specific mode transitions based on magnetic field detection, isolating the complexity from the core device functionality and making the system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 safe MRI scans by preventing harm to the device and ensuring timely resumption of optimal therapy without relying on the patient's remote controller, enhancing patient safety and therapy continuity.

Implementation Method 1

AC magnetic fields, which can induce currents and uncontrolled stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the potential harm caused by AC magnetic fields, which can induce currents and uncontrolled stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260000902A1Programming of Pairing and MRI Modes in an Implantable Medical Device System

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for use with Implantable Medical Devices (IMD) such as Implantable Stimulator Devices. The system includes a permanent magnet which can be used to reset the IMD (such as during an emergency) and to place the IMD in a pairing mode to establish communications with an external device. An external device paired to the IMD can be used to place the IMD in an MRI mode that renders the IMD safe during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. In the event that the external device is unavailable to cause the IMD to exit the MRI mode, the bar magnet can also be used in the MRI mode to pair the IMD with another external device.