Multilayer Field-Shaping Electrodes for Heart Pacemaker Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heart pacemakers fail to control the propagation of electric pulses effectively through the heart muscle, leading to inefficient pumping sequences and potential muscle damage due to uncontrolled current distribution and the lack of precise control over current injection in terms of direction, magnitude, and timing.
Innovation Solution
The use of field-shaping electrodes, which are electrically insulating and incapable of injecting charges, are placed under the surface of the supporting structure to control the electric field and guide the electric current, allowing for better control of the current path and propagation through the heart muscle, thereby optimizing the squeezing sequence and increasing the pumping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pacemaker electrodes are used to stimulate heart muscle, then electrical stimulation is achieved, but control over current distribution and propagation direction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into multiple layers with field-shaping electrodes at different depths. Each layer contains multiple electrodes that can be independently controlled, allowing precise segmentation of the stimulation zone and independent control of current propagation in different spatial directions through coordinated activation of specific electrode segments
Solution Approach 2:
Field-shaping electrodes serve as intermediary elements between the pacemaker and heart muscle. These electrodes are electrically insulating and cannot inject charges directly, but they modify the electric field distribution to guide current flow from active electrodes along desired paths, acting as mediators that shape the electrical stimulation pattern without direct electrical injection
2Reliability
If uncontrolled current distribution occurs in heart muscle, then stimulation is achieved, but muscle damage and inefficient pumping sequence occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the heart muscle receive customized electrical stimulation patterns tailored to local requirements. The multilayer electrode structure enables spatially varying current density and propagation characteristics, with each local zone stimulated according to its specific anatomical and functional needs, optimizing contraction sequence while preventing damage through localized control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical stimulation parameters including voltage, current density, pulse duration, and electrode activation sequences. By changing these parameters in real-time based on detected heart conditions, the system optimizes stimulation effectiveness while preventing muscle damage through controlled current magnitudes and durations
3Measurement precision
If multiple layers of field-shaping electrodes are added to improve control, then electric field control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple layers of field-shaping electrodes are nested within the supporting structure in a compact configuration. Each layer is positioned at different depths and contains electrodes arranged in specific patterns, with inner layers nested within the spatial envelope of outer layers, achieving three-dimensional electric field control while maintaining a compact overall device footprint
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 the control of the electric field within the heart, leading to a more efficient pumping sequence, increased blood volume pumped per unit of energy, and reduced muscle damage by directing the electric current effectively through the heart muscle.
Implementation Method 1
field-shaping electrodes, which are electrically insulating and incapable of injecting charges, are placed under the surface of the supporting structure to control the electric field and guide the electric current
Data Source
AI summary
An electric stimulator for heart (as in heart pacemakers), brain (as in DBS), organs and general cells, with a supporting structure where there exists a plurality of electrically isolated electrodes called passive electrodes or field-shaping electrodes that are located under the surface of the supporting structure. The passive electrodes are controlled by an appropriate electronics control unit and powered by some electric energy storage, as a battery. Passive or field-shaping electrodes are electrically insulated, being unable to inject current in the surrounding medium, but they are capable of shaping the electric field in the space surrounding the electrodes, which has consequence on the path of the stimulating currents injected by other devices or by the organism itself. The invention also discloses locating the passive electrodes at different depths from the surface of the supporting structure.