Remote Controller Pairing for Mixed-Protocol Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently pairing an implantable medical device (IMD) with external devices, particularly when the type of IMD is unknown, and the use of a bar magnet for pairing can disrupt stimulation therapy and require cumbersome additional devices like a wand, is problematic.
Innovation Solution
A system where a patient remote controller (RC) facilitates pairing by determining the IMD type and acting as an intermediary or direct communicator, allowing seamless connection with a clinician programmer (CP) without the need for a wand, using RF antennas and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bar magnet is used for pairing an IMD with external devices, then pairing can be initiated, but stimulation therapy is disrupted and additional cumbersome devices like a wand are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patient remote controller serves as an intermediary device that receives pairing requests from external devices and forwards them to the IMD. This eliminates the need for the bar magnet and wand, as the remote controller mediates the pairing process through wireless communication, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bar magnet pairing system is replaced with an electronic wireless communication system. The remote controller uses RF antennas and Bluetooth Low Energy protocols to communicate with both the IMD and external devices, substituting the mechanical magnetic field-based pairing with an electronic digital communication approach that eliminates cumbersome physical devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IMD type is unknown, then pairing must support multiple communication protocols, but the pairing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller dynamically adapts its communication protocol based on the IMD type detected during pairing. It can switch between magnetic induction mode (for older IMDs with magnets) and RF/BLE mode (for newer IMDs without magnets), allowing versatile compatibility while maintaining efficient pairing times through automatic protocol selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patient remote controller is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (magnetic induction, RF, and Bluetooth Low Energy). This universal design allows a single device to pair with various IMD types regardless of whether they use magnets or not, eliminating the need for separate pairing procedures and reducing overall pairing time
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wand is used as an additional device for pairing, then magnetic induction IMDs can be paired, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional training
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality previously requiring separate devices (bar magnet for initiation, wand for communication) is merged into a single patient remote controller. The remote controller integrates both magnetic induction capability and RF/BLE communication in one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying operation to a single unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller acts as an intermediary that handles all pairing communications whether the IMD uses magnetic induction or RF protocols. This single intermediary device replaces the need for patients to learn and operate multiple different devices (magnet and wand), thereby maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation through a unified, simple interface
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 efficient and uninterrupted pairing of both magnetic induction and RF IMDs with a clinician programmer, eliminating the need for a wand and minimizing therapy disruptions, facilitating clinician control regardless of IMD type.
Implementation Method 1
RF antenna 34b preferably communicates using far-field electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
communication with external devices preferably occurs using near-field magnetic induction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
Techniques for pairing an external device such as a clinician programmer (CP) to an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed, which involve use of a remote controller (RC) paired to the IMD. The RC is placed into a CP pairing mode, which acts differently depending on the type of IMD paired to the RC. If the IMD is RF based, the CP pairing mode places the IMD in a pairing mode, thus allowing the CP to connect directly with the IMD via a RF telemetry protocol. If the IMD is magnetic-induction based, the CP pairing mode causes the RC to advertise its presence to the CP, allowing the CP to connect to the RC via the RF telemetry protocol. Because the RC is also paired with the IMD via a magnetic induction telemetry protocol, the RC acts as a passthrough device to allow communications between the CP and the IMD.