Replacement Reader Device for Implant Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing chronic diseases, such as heart failure, are limited by the proprietary nature of implant devices and external reader systems, which restrict compatibility between different entities' components, making it difficult for clinicians to use alternative reader devices or infrastructure, especially when patients move or insurance changes occur, and existing methods lack flexibility in device compatibility and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable a replacement reader device to communicate wirelessly with existing implant devices using a proprietary protocol, allowing compatibility with different entities' systems, involving characterization of signal outputs to determine safe input limits, and obtaining regulatory approval for the replacement device to replace existing systems, ensuring safety and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proprietary protocol is used for communication between implant devices and external reader systems, then device reliability and manufacturer control are improved, but device compatibility and system versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between the proprietary implant protocol and standard external communication protocols. This translation layer enables compatible external devices from different manufacturers to communicate with implant devices while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the original proprietary communication protocol within the implant system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a replacement reader device is developed by a second entity to work with first entity's implant devices, then system versatility and patient choice are improved, but device complexity and regulatory approval requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement reader device is designed with segmented functional modules: a protocol translation module that handles communication with the implant, a calibration module that works with the first entity's infrastructure, and a data processing module. This modular segmentation reduces overall device complexity by allowing each component to be developed and tested independently while maintaining system versatility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If signal input limits are characterized to ensure patient safety, then patient safety is improved, but measurement precision and system flexibility may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic signal limiting where input thresholds are not fixed but adapt based on real-time conditions. The replacement reader device continuously monitors signal characteristics and adjusts acceptance thresholds dynamically, allowing maximum measurement precision within safe limits while maintaining patient safety. This dynamic approach preserves flexibility in measuring various signal types from different implant devices.
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 clinicians to use alternative reader devices with existing implant systems, enhancing compatibility and flexibility, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, allowing for seamless transition and cost-effective management of chronic disease monitoring across different entities' systems.
Implementation Method 1
The implant device may include a sensor that may be a wireless and a passive type sensor. To initiate communication, the reader device may be placed in proximity to the implant device and be capable of exciting the sensor by transmitting a signal (excitation pulse), such as a radio frequency ('RF') pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a reader device, system, and method for communicating with a wireless sensor. The reader device may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an implant device associated with a proprietary system provided by a first entity. An external device, that may not be associated with said first entity, is provided and is configured to be calibrated to communicate with the implant device that is located within a patient. The external device may be used in place of an existing reader device that was initially calibrated to communicate with the implant device prior to the implant device being placed within the patient. The external device may be particularly useful for implant devices that communicate wirelessly with external devices where said implant devices are intended to be located within the human body on a permanent or indefinite duration of time.