Optical Communication Lead for MRI-Safe Active Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are not safely usable during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions, especially with strong static magnetic fields, as they can be damaged or cause tissue injuries due to electromagnetic interactions, and current methods require switching them off, limiting the ability to optimize neurostimulation parameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A kit-of-parts including an AIMD with an encapsulation unit made of non-metallic materials, an optical communication system using optical fibres for remote control and feedback, allowing safe operation and visualization of brain activity during MRI, enabling precise control and analysis of stimulation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an AIMD is used during MRI sessions, then the ability to optimize neurostimulation parameters and visualize brain activity is improved, but the risk of device damage and tissue injury increases due to electromagnetic interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical communication and control systems with optical systems. Optical fibres transmit control signals and data between the external programming device and the implanted device, eliminating conductive electrical pathways that would otherwise be susceptible to MRI-induced electromagnetic interference and tissue heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibres as an intermediary medium for communication and power transfer. These fibres act as a bridge between external control systems and the implanted device, allowing signal transmission without direct electrical contact that would be vulnerable to MRI electromagnetic fields.
2Reliability
If the AIMD is switched off during MRI to avoid damage, then safety is improved, but the ability to control and monitor stimulation parameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical communication pathways with optical pathways using fibres. This allows the device to remain operational during MRI scans because optical signals are not affected by the electromagnetic fields generated during MRI, enabling continuous control and monitoring without compromising safety.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conductive wires are used for energy transfer, then electrical energy delivery is efficient, but RF-induced heating and tissue burns occur during MRI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical energy transfer through conductive wires with optical energy transfer through optical fibres. The fibres transmit optical energy that can be converted to electrical energy at the target site, avoiding the RF-induced heating problem that occurs with conductive wires during MRI while maintaining efficient energy delivery.
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 and reliable operation of AIMDs during MRI, allowing for the optimization of neurostimulation parameters and improved understanding of treatment mechanisms by ensuring consistent pulse delivery and monitoring biomarkers without tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communication lead (104) comprising an optical fibre (1040) for establishing an optical communication between the AIMD and the external communication unit (102)
Implementation Method 2
an implanted communication photodetector (20Pi) facing a portion of wall having a given transmittance to wavelength selected within the range comprised between 380 nm and 5 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A kit-of-parts for visualizing by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique including a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, regions of a central nervous system of a patient having an implanted active implantable medical device (AIMD) is provided. The kit-of-parts is provided and includes:the AIMD, which can be used exposed to the electromagnetic conditions for MR-images acquisition,an external processing unit for controlling the AIMD,an optical communication lead for establishing a two-way optical communication between the AIMD andan external communication unit which is controlled by the external processing unit.A patient having an implanted AIMD can be treated in a conventional MR-device for imaging, e.g., a brain region. The other elements of the kit-of-parts allow controlling the functions of the AIMD and following any effects of a stimulation on the brain region thus imaged.