Implantable Pulse Generator Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices for neuromuscular and neuromodulation stimulation are limited by their size, portability, power supply, and ease of use, requiring frequent recharging and surgical replacement, and they often provide only a single dedicated stimulation function, which restricts their application and patient acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A compact implantable pulse generator with a rechargeable battery that can be wirelessly recharged through a transcutaneous radio frequency magnetic field, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging and capable of suspending stimulation at low battery levels to conserve power, and featuring wireless telemetry for remote control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable battery is used in the implantable pulse generator, then the device can be reused without frequent replacement, but the device requires a transcutaneous recharging mechanism that adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A transcutaneous recharging mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external power source and the implanted battery. The mechanism includes a rechargeable battery coupled to a coil that can be inductively coupled to an external charger, enabling wireless power transfer through the skin without requiring physical access to the implant site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connection methods (such as physical ports or cables) with electromagnetic induction for recharging. The coil-based inductive coupling allows power transfer through tissue without mechanical contact, reducing surgical complexity and improving patient comfort.
2Volume of moving object
If the pulse generator is made compact for improved portability, then patient quality of life improves, but the battery capacity and operational duration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by recharging the battery before it becomes fully depleted. The transcutaneous recharging capability allows patients to recharge the device at home or during medical visits, ensuring the battery is fully charged before the next surgical replacement, thereby maximizing operational duration from a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in battery management, including suspending stimulation at low battery levels to conserve power and entering a dormant mode to minimize power consumption. These control strategies extend operational duration from the available battery capacity without increasing device volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides multiple stimulation functions to increase versatility, then application range expands, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable pulse generator is designed as a universal device capable of providing multiple stimulation functions including neuromuscular stimulation, neuromodulation, and brain stimulation. The device can be programmed to treat diverse conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pain management through a single unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic programming capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters based on patient needs and battery status. The system can dynamically switch between different stimulation modes and functions, adapting to varying therapeutic requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex surgical revisions.
4Ease of operation
If wireless telemetry is implemented for remote control, then ease of operation improves, but power consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless telemetry system operates using periodic action by transmitting and receiving signals at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The device communicates battery status, device status, and programming information at predetermined times, minimizing power consumption while maintaining ease of remote operation and monitoring.
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
The solution enhances the portability and usability of implantable medical devices by extending battery life, reducing the need for frequent recharging, and enabling versatile stimulation applications with improved power management and remote control capabilities, thus improving patient quality of life and device acceptance.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery coupled to the circuitry and carried within the housing
Implementation Method 2
wirelessly recharged through a transcutaneous radio frequency magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system includes a pulse generator including a housing sized and configured for implantation in subcutaneous tissue, circuitry carried within the housing, the circuitry operable for generating electrical stimulation pulses, and a rechargeable battery coupled to the circuitry and carried within the housing, the rechargeable battery including a battery capacity. The circuitry is adapted to suspend the generation of electrical stimulation pulses at a first remaining battery capacity, and the circuitry is adapted to enter a dormant mode at a second remaining battery capacity. The first battery remaining capacity may be greater than or equal to the second remaining battery capacity. At the second remaining battery capacity, only a safety margin battery capacity remains.