State Machine Circuit for Heart Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Early detection of heart failure is challenging due to its subtle symptoms and varied underlying causes, leading to increased risk of acute decompensated events and frequent hospital readmissions.
Innovation Solution
A state machine circuit in an implantable or ambulatory medical device monitors physiological characteristics over time, transitioning through defined states based on triggers and timers to detect worsening heart failure conditions, enabling early intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used to detect heart failure, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and early detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heart failure detection process into multiple physiological parameters (weight, impedance, heart rate, respiratory rate, activity level) and processes them through a state machine with distinct states (normal, warning, alert). This segmentation allows each parameter to be monitored independently with appropriate thresholds, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall device architecture manageable through modular state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to traditional monitoring by implementing sequential monitoring over multiple time points and using a state machine that transitions based on temporal patterns. Instead of single-point measurements, the system evaluates physiological changes across time sequences, enabling early detection of deterioration trends before acute events occur.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive physiological monitoring is implemented, then the early detection accuracy improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined thresholds and state transition criteria before deployment. The state machine is pre-configured with warning and alert thresholds for each physiological parameter, allowing real-time comparison and immediate state transitions without complex runtime calculations. This preliminary configuration enables accurate multi-parameter monitoring with minimal processing delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic sampling of physiological parameters at defined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The state machine evaluates parameters at discrete time points, transitioning states based on cumulative patterns. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy by capturing trend changes while reducing processing time compared to continuous analysis.
3Reliability
If multiple physiological parameters are monitored sequentially, then the reliability of heart failure detection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into independent sensor modules for each physiological parameter (weight, impedance, heart rate, etc.), each with its own threshold evaluation logic. The state machine orchestrates these segmented modules through defined transition rules, improving reliability through comprehensive monitoring while managing complexity through modular architecture where each component has a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The state machine serves as a universal control mechanism that handles multiple physiological parameters through a single unified framework. Instead of implementing separate analysis algorithms for each parameter, the state machine provides a multi-functional platform that evaluates all parameters using consistent state transition logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting heart failure by monitoring the time-sequence of physiological changes of a subject using a state machine circuit configured to receive information about physiological characteristics of the subject is described. The current state transitions between a first and a second state in response to a first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and first states in response to at least one of the expiration of a first timer or ceasing of the first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and third states in response to a second transition trigger. The current state transitions between the third and second states in response to at least one of expiration of a second timer or ceasing of the second transition trigger.