Telemetry Extension Cable Sterile RF Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices require sterile telemetry heads for communication, which complicates testing or programming in sterile environments, as existing solutions necessitate sterilizing the programmer telemetry head, disrupting the sterile field.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry extension cable with RF antennas at both ends, allowing connection between a non-sterile external medical device and an implantable device within a sterile zone, with a sterile portion for the antenna near the device and a non-sterile portion for the programmer, enabling communication without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the programmer telemetry head is sterilized to enable testing in a sterile environment, then the device can be tested in the operating room, but the sterile field is disrupted and the programming device becomes contaminated during use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct segments: a sterile telemetry extension cable with sterile RF antenna that remains in the sterile field, and a non-sterile programmer with non-sterile RF antenna that operates outside the sterile field. This segmentation allows the programmer to remain non-sterile while still enabling communication with the implantable device through the sterile cable, thus maintaining sterility while enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile telemetry extension cable acts as an intermediary between the non-sterile programmer and the sterile implantable device. The cable with its sterile RF antenna transmits RF signals across the sterile barrier, allowing communication without direct contact between the non-sterile programmer and the sterile field, thus maintaining sterility while enabling programming functionality.
2Reliability
If a sterile telemetry connection is used to maintain sterility, then the sterile field is preserved, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry extension cable serves multiple functions: it acts as a sterile barrier, provides RF signal transmission, and enables both testing and programming operations. By making the cable multi-functional, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate sterile adapters and communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The telemetry extension cable can be designed as a disposable sterile component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization and re-sterilization processes, reducing system complexity while maintaining sterility reliability. The cable is packaged in sterile packaging and used once to establish communication, then discarded.
3Reliability
If the programmer remains non-sterile to avoid sterilization complications, then sterility is maintained, but direct communication with the implantable device is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile telemetry extension cable with sterile RF antenna serves as an intermediary that bridges the non-sterile programmer and the sterile implantable device. It transmits RF signals across the sterile barrier, enabling communication functionality while maintaining the non-sterile status of the programmer and the sterile status of the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct physical contact communication to RF-based wireless communication through the sterile cable. This dimensional change allows communication to occur through the sterile barrier without physical breach, maintaining sterility while enabling versatile communication capabilities between the programmer and implantable device.
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 testing or programming of implantable medical devices before closing the incision without sterilizing the external medical device, maintaining sterility and allowing for partial disposability of the cable for convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first RF antenna attached at one end of the cable and a second RF antenna attached at a second end of the cable, at least one of the first or second antennas configured to transmit and receive RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention of the disclosure is an extension cable to connect via telemetry, an external medical device in a non-sterile zone with a medical device that is within a sterile zone. The telemetry extension cable includes a cable having a length and comprising a conductor, a first RF antenna attached at one end of the cable and a second RF antenna attached at a second end of the cable, at least one of the first or second antennas configured to transmit and receive RF signals to and from an implantable medical device.