Multi-Vector Conductive Communication for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive communication between external devices and implantable medical devices (IMDs) is often hindered by changes in the relative orientation and position of IMDs due to physiological and physical variables, leading to suboptimal communication quality, especially when multiple IMDs are involved, resulting in time-consuming and costly repositioning of skin electrodes and potential compromise of patient monitoring and therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A method and device configuration that utilize at least three electrodes to perform conductive communication using multiple vectors, with a controller that identifies a preferred vector based on patient posture, activity level, or physiological state, such as through impedance measurements or ECG/EGM signals, to optimize communication quality and avoid muscle stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If skin electrodes are repositioned to improve conductive communication signal quality, then communication quality improves, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic vector selection by continuously monitoring communication quality metrics and automatically switching between multiple available communication vectors. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual electrode repositioning while maintaining optimal communication quality, as the system automatically adjusts to changing physiological conditions and device orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication vector selection based on monitored signal quality. By evaluating multiple vectors and selecting the optimal one based on real-time communication metrics, the system maintains high signal quality without requiring physical repositioning of electrodes, thus saving time while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple conductive communication vectors are used, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating multiple communication vectors and selecting the optimal one without external intervention. The IMD autonomously monitors communication quality and switches vectors as needed, eliminating the need for complex external management systems while maintaining high reliability through multi-vector capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring communication quality metrics and using this information to automatically select the best communication vector. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies device management by allowing the system to self-optimize based on real-time conditions, maintaining reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive communication is performed with changing patient states, then communication adaptability improves, but communication quality deteriorates due to orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing patient states by continuously monitoring communication quality and automatically switching between multiple pre-configured communication vectors. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain reliable communication despite changes in patient orientation, posture, or physiological state, as the optimal vector is selected in real-time based on current conditions.
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 approach enhances conductive communication quality between external devices and IMDs, reduces the need for frequent electrode repositioning, and maintains effective patient monitoring and therapeutic efficacy by dynamically adjusting communication vectors in response to changing patient states.
Implementation Method 1
information indicative of the at least one of the physical or physiologic state of the patient comprises information indicative of impedance between communication vectors
Implementation Method 2
Communication between an external device and one or more IMDs (e.g., LPs) may be facilitated by conductive communication via patient tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for improving conductive communication are described herein. One of the devices involved in the conductive communication can be an external device while the other device is an IMD, or both of the devices can be IMDs. In certain embodiments, each of at least three different conductive communication vectors are used to produce a respective bitstream, and a valid bit stream is selected or produced based on the at least three bitstreams. Message data included in and/or decoded from the valid bitstream is then stored and/or used.