Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Diaphragmatic Mass Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting edema, such as excess fluid buildup in the lungs, are inadequate for early and accurate detection, particularly in ambulatory settings, as they rely on traditional weight monitoring that may be inconsistent and fail to directly measure fluid accumulation in critical areas.
Innovation Solution
An implanted medical device with an accelerometer is used to stimulate the phrenic nerve and measure diaphragmatic responses, allowing for the determination of body mass attributes, including fluid composition, to indicate edema through ambulatory monitoring, providing real-time and accurate data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weight monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of edema detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight monitoring systems with a bioelectrical impedance analysis system. Instead of using external scales to measure body weight, the implantable device measures electrical impedance across the diaphragm to detect fluid accumulation. This substitution of measurement methodology improves precision while managing device complexity through integration of the sensing capability within the existing implantable pulse generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device performs self-monitoring by continuously measuring diaphragmatic impedance without requiring external intervention. The device autonomously detects changes in fluid accumulation by monitoring electrical properties of the diaphragm tissue, eliminating the need for patients to use external weighing devices and providing continuous, reliable edema detection.
2Loss of time
If continuous ambulatory monitoring is implemented, then detection timeliness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic impedance measurements rather than truly continuous monitoring. The implantable pulse generator performs diaphragmatic impedance assessments at scheduled intervals, allowing fluid accumulation to be detected over time without requiring constant energy expenditure. This periodic measurement approach balances timely detection with conservative power usage in the implantable device.
3Measurement precision
If phrenic nerve stimulation is used to induce diaphragmatic response, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies phrenic nerve stimulation at sub-threshold or threshold levels that are sufficient to elicit a measurable diaphragmatic response for impedance measurement, but not so intense as to cause significant patient discomfort. By using minimal effective stimulation, the system achieves adequate measurement precision while minimizing harmful effects such as hiccups or patient distress.
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 enables early and efficient detection of edema by continuously monitoring body mass and fluid composition, reducing the risk of missed diagnoses and improving response times to potentially life-threatening conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable or other ambulatory accelerometer configured to sense an acceleration signal. The sensed acceleration signal is indicative of a response to a stimulation of a phrenic nerve
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain examples, an implanted medical device is used to determine a mass attribute of a patient. The patient's phrenic nerve is stimulated, and the diaphragmatic response is measured by an accelerometer. The measured response is analyzed in certain embodiments to determine a mass attribute. This information can help in the diagnosis of, and efficient response to, edema.