Implantable Receiver-Stimulator Motion Tracking for Cardiac Pacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the optimal pacing time and location for implantable devices in the heart lack precise mechanical motion profiling, which is crucial for effective cardiac resynchronization therapy and tissue stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A system that tracks the 3D motion of an implantable receiver-stimulator relative to a controller-transmitter, generating an electrical location signal to create a motion profile, which is combined with EKG data to normalize and correlate with EGM data for electromechanical mapping, allowing for precise determination of pacing timing and location based on cardiac phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical motion data from imaging modalities is used to determine pacing location, then the ability to identify mechanically delayed sites is improved, but the precision and reliability of timing determination deteriorates due to lack of continuous motion profiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external imaging modalities (MRI, echocardiography) with an implantable motion sensing system that directly measures mechanical motion at the pacing site. The receiver-stimulator converts mechanical motion into electrical signals, eliminating the need for external imaging equipment and providing continuous, direct measurement of ventricular motion throughout the cardiac cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous motion profiling by continuously tracking the receiver-stimulator position throughout multiple cardiac cycles. This continuous measurement approach provides reliable timing data for pacing optimization, unlike intermittent imaging studies that provide only snapshots of cardiac motion at specific phases.
2Power
If acoustic energy transmission is optimized for therapeutic purposes, then tissue stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the ability to simultaneously perform diagnostic sensing and motion tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver-stimulator is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs acoustic energy reception for tissue stimulation, mechanical motion sensing for diagnostic purposes, and electrical signal generation for pacing. This universal device eliminates the need for separate diagnostic and therapeutic implants, providing both functions through a single integrated system.
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 dynamic tracking of the receiver-stimulator's motion to optimize pacing timing and location, improving the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy and tissue stimulation by ensuring proper alignment with the heart's mechanical and electrical cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver-stimulator configured to be implantable in the heart... adapted to convert acoustic energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a controller-transmitter configured to be implantable subcutaneously... adapted to transmit acoustic energy to the receiver-stimulator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for tracking and determining the motion of a cardiac implant is disclosed. The motion of the implant is determined by transmitting acoustic energy to a tissue location using an acoustic controller-transmitter comprising an array of acoustic transducers; wherein the implant is configured to convert the transmitted acoustic energy to electrical energy; and the tracking is achieved by determining the electrical energy delivered to the tissue throughout one or more cardiac cycles in order to create a motion profile of the cardiac implant.