Optical Electrode Adapter for Pacemaker Lead Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostimulation assemblies face challenges with high costs and reliability due to the complexity of electronic components for electrode identification, which increases the likelihood of failure and limits compatibility with standard devices.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a cable adapter that reads electrode identification directly from the electrode lead in a machine-readable, optically readable manner, eliminating the need for additional components in the implanted assembly and using standard electronic parts, allowing for cost-effective and reliable operation by reducing human input errors and time savings during preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrode identifiers are stored electronically on memory chips within the electrode lead, then electrode identification is automated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic identification components (memory chips, interfaces) from the implanted electrode lead and relocates them to an external cable adapter used only during implantation and device replacement. This removes the complexity and failure risk from the permanent implanted system while preserving automated identification functionality during critical phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable adapter serves as an intermediary device that temporarily bridges the electrode lead and electrostimulation device during implantation. It contains the electronic identification components and interfaces, acting as a mediator that enables automated identification without requiring the implanted electrode lead to contain these complex components.
2Extent of automation
If electrode identifiers are stored electronically on memory chips within the electrode lead, then electrode identification is automated, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting electronic identification components from the permanent implanted electrode lead and placing them in a temporary external cable adapter, the patent eliminates the reliability risk associated with having additional electronic components in the implanted system. The electrode lead becomes a simpler, more reliable component while automated identification is preserved during implantation and device replacement.
3Measurement precision
If an interface for reading out the memory chip is provided in the implantable device, then electrode identification can be read, but compatibility with standard devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable adapter is designed as a universal interface that can work with standard electrostimulation devices without requiring specialized modifications. It contains the memory chip interface and reading capability, enabling it to serve multiple functions: identifying different electrode leads, interfacing with standard devices, and providing a universal solution that maintains compatibility across various device models.
4Device complexity
If electrode identifiers are read manually from packaging during initial use, then no additional components are needed, but time and human input errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading identifiers from packaging with an automated optical or electromagnetic reading system. The cable adapter incorporates reading means (such as optical scanners or RFID readers) that automatically detect and read electrode identifiers from the electrode lead itself, eliminating manual entry and reducing both time and human error.
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 reduces system complexity, costs, and the likelihood of failure by enabling direct, machine-readable identification of electrode leads, improving the reliability and efficiency of electrostimulation assemblies without increasing the complexity of implanted components.
Implementation Method 1
the cable adapter is designed to read this bar code and to transmit appropriately recoded data via a telemetry interface
Implementation Method 2
transmit appropriately recoded data via a telemetry interface to the control unit of the pacemaker
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable electrostimulation assembly, including an electrostimulation device and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrostimulation device when in use, wherein the electrode lead has an optically readable electrode identification and a cable adapter is provided for the temporary insertion between the electrostimulation device and the electrode lead, the adapter comprising an optical pick up device for reading the electrode identification and an electrode identification transmission stage for transmitting the same to the electrostimulation device and/or to an assembly-external receiver.