TCC Transmitter Module Protects ICD Circuitry From Shock Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) face challenges in communicating effectively with other implantable medical devices (IMDs) without causing tissue stimulation, particularly when delivering high-voltage shocks, which can damage internal circuitry.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tissue conduction communication (TCC) system within ICDs, utilizing a signal generator with both a shock module for high-amplitude anti-tachyarrhythmia shocks and a TCC transmitter module that generates a lower-amplitude biphasic signal, avoiding tissue stimulation, and includes protection circuitry to safeguard against high voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-voltage shocks are delivered via electrodes for anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy, then therapeutic effect is improved, but tissue stimulation and damage to internal circuitry occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different voltage amplitudes to different functions: high-voltage shocks for anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy and low-voltage signals for TCC communication. The TCC signal amplitude is specifically configured to remain below the tissue stimulation threshold while the shock module delivers high-voltage therapy when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effect and tissue stimulation.
2Reliability
If high-voltage shocks are delivered via electrodes for anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy, then therapeutic effect is improved, but internal circuitry is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical signal generation into distinct modules: a shock module for high-voltage anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy and a TCC transmitter module for low-voltage communication. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the TCC transmitter protected from high-voltage damage while the shock module delivers therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protection circuitry as an intermediary between the shock module and the TCC transmitter module. This protection circuitry isolates the low-voltage TCC circuitry from high-voltage shocks, preventing damage while allowing both functions to operate effectively.
3Reliability
If TCC signal amplitude is increased to improve communication reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but tissue stimulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the TCC signal amplitude parameter, configuring it to remain below the tissue stimulation threshold. By optimizing this parameter, the system achieves reliable communication without causing harmful tissue stimulation, resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and tissue safety.
4Device complexity
If a single electrode system is used for both shock delivery and TCC communication, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by timing TCC signal transmissions to occur during intervals between shock deliveries. This temporal separation allows the single electrode system to perform both functions without significant signal interference, maintaining low device complexity while preserving communication integrity.
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 reliable communication between ICDs and other IMDs while protecting internal circuitry from high voltages, facilitating coordinated therapy delivery without stimulating tissue.
Implementation Method 1
tissue conduction communication (TCC) for communication between an IMD and an external device, or between an IMD and another IMD
Implementation Method 2
protection circuitry configured to protect the TCC transmitter module and other circuitry within the housing of the ICD from an anti-tachyarrhythmia shock
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) configured to transmit a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal includes a TCC transmitter module configured to generate the TCC signal and transmit the TCC signal via a plurality of electrodes. The TCC signal comprises a biphasic signal having an amplitude and a frequency, wherein at least one of the amplitude and the frequency are configured to avoid stimulation of tissue of the patient. The TCC transmitter module comprises protection circuitry coupled between a current source and the plurality of electrodes, wherein the protection circuitry is configured to protect the signal generator from an external anti-tachyarrhythmia shock delivered to the patient.