Multi-Vector Implantable Device for Cardiac and Respiration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable cardiac rhythm management devices typically detect cardiac electrical activity along a single vector, lacking complete information and unable to monitor multiple ECG leads or integrate multiple-lead ECG information, which limits their ability to detect pathological events and measure cardiac output and respiration effectively.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with at least two leads, one on each carotid sinus, measures physiological parameters along three distinct vectors, providing a more comprehensive reading of cardiac electrical activity and respiration, allowing for optimized baroreflex therapy by delivering therapy pulses based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single vector measurement approach is used in implantable devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and completeness of physiological information deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-vector to multi-vector measurement by adding spatial dimensions. Specifically, it measures ECG signals along three orthogonal vectors (X, Y, Z axes) and thoracic impedance along multiple vectors, creating a three-dimensional physiological monitoring system that captures complete cardiac electrical activity and respiratory mechanics without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device performs multiple functions using the same hardware infrastructure: it simultaneously measures ECG along three vectors, thoracic impedance along multiple vectors, and integrates these measurements to provide both cardiac and respiratory monitoring, plus therapy optimization, all through a single multi-functional platform rather than separate dedicated devices
2Reliability
If multiple ECG leads are monitored with an implantable device, then discrimination of pathological events is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ECG lead functions into a single integrated implantable device. It merges the capabilities of monitoring multiple ECG leads, measuring thoracic impedance, and integrating this information into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional complexity to measurement rather than lead quantity complexity. By measuring along three orthogonal vectors (X, Y, Z), it achieves complete ECG information from a single lead configuration, equivalent to multiple leads but with simpler integration and fewer connection points
3Measurement precision
If thoracic impedance is measured along a single vector, then device complexity is minimized, but respiration monitoring accuracy and therapy timing optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends thoracic impedance measurement from a single vector to multiple vectors by measuring impedance changes along different spatial paths through the thorax. This multi-vector approach captures the three-dimensional mechanics of respiratory motion, providing accurate respiration phase detection for optimizing therapy timing while maintaining a relatively simple implantable device architecture
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 provides a more accurate assessment of patient physiological parameters, enabling discrimination of pathological events and optimizing therapy delivery, such as baroreflex therapy, by considering multiple vectors of cardiac and respiratory activity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical potential along at least three distinct vectors
Implementation Method 2
monitoring thoracic impedance to detect respiration-related conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Physiological parameters of a patient can be used to monitor patient status and/or in conjunction with patient therapy. Physiological cycles may be monitored by implanting a monitoring system into the patient, the system including an implantable pulse generator operably connected to a lead implanted on a carotid sinus of the patient, measuring at least one signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient along at least two vectors selected from: a first vector defined between a first electrode of the lead and a second electrode of the lead, a second vector defined between the first electrode of the lead and an electrode integrated into an implantable pulse generator, and a third vector defined between the second electrode of the lead and the electrode integrated into the implantable pulse generator, and providing an output indicative of the at least one signal indicative of the physiological parameter.