Single Capacitor Cardiac Pulse Delivery via Partial Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac stimulation systems require two separate pacing output capacitors to deliver test and backup pulses, making it impractical to recharge a single capacitor from a low test voltage to a high backup voltage within the required timeframe due to the short interval between pulses.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac stimulation device and method utilizing a single capacitor that is initially charged and partially discharged to deliver a test pulse, followed by a backup pulse of higher amplitude, without the need for recharging between the two pulses, using charging/discharging circuitry and a pulse circuit with a regulator to manage voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitor is used to deliver both test and backup pulses, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impractical to recharge the capacitor from test voltage level to backup voltage level within the required timeframe
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged to a high voltage level sufficient to deliver the backup pulse before the test pulse is delivered. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the test pulse is delivered and the capacitor voltage drops, there is still sufficient charge remaining to deliver the backup pulse without requiring recharging in between.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage levels and timing of pulse delivery based on the capacitor's charge state. The test pulse is delivered at a lower voltage level, and the backup pulse is delivered at a higher voltage level, with the timing and voltage levels optimized to utilize the capacitor's charge efficiently without requiring full recharging.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single capacitor is used instead of two separate capacitors, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the charging circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single capacitor serves multiple functions: it delivers both the test pulse and the backup pulse, replacing the need for two separate capacitors. The charging circuitry is designed to charge the capacitor to different voltage levels depending on which pulse needs to be delivered, making the circuit multi-functional and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the capacitor dynamically. The capacitor is charged to a high voltage level for backup pulse delivery, and the test pulse is delivered at a lower voltage level by controlled discharge. This parameter change allows a single capacitor to replace two capacitors with different voltage ratings.
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 delivery of both test and backup pulses using a single capacitor, reducing the complexity and cost of the system, particularly beneficial for space-restricted and power-restricted systems like leadless pacemakers, while maintaining effective capture management.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor configured to charge to an initial charge level, deliver a test pulse having a first amplitude to the plurality of electrodes, and subsequently deliver a backup pulse to the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for cardiac stimulation. A cardiac stimulation device includes a plurality of electrodes, and a pulse circuit electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes, the pulse circuit including a capacitor configured to charge to an initial charge level, deliver a test pulse having a first amplitude to the plurality of electrodes by only partially discharging, and subsequently deliver a backup pulse to the plurality of electrodes, the backup pulse having a second amplitude that is larger than the first amplitude.