Telemetry Signal Strength for Implantable Medical Device Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transcutaneously charging implantable medical devices (IMDs) are inefficient, leading to prolonged charging times, tissue heating, and inconvenience due to suboptimal alignment of external and internal coils, often requiring manual adjustments and measurements that do not occur in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The use of telemetry signal strength to position the primary recharge coil relative to the secondary coil, employing a signal strength map to correlate signal strength with recharge coupling efficiency, allowing for real-time adjustments and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position the primary coil relative to the secondary coil, then coil alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and does not occur in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses telemetry signal strength as real-time feedback to guide the positioning of the primary coil. The IMD continuously transmits telemetry signals, and the external device measures signal strength to determine optimal coil alignment during the charging process, enabling dynamic adjustment rather than static manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated electromagnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of physically adjusting coil positions based on external measurements, the system uses real-time telemetry signal strength measurements to automatically determine optimal alignment, substituting mechanical adjustment with electromagnetic field sensing.
2Power
If inductive coupling is used for transcutaneous energy transfer, then power can be delivered to the IMD, but tissue heating occurs around the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback through telemetry signal strength measurements to monitor and adjust the charging process. By continuously assessing the coupling efficiency via telemetry signals, the system can optimize power transfer while preventing excessive energy accumulation that would cause tissue heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in telemetry signal strength parameters to dynamically adjust charging conditions. By monitoring signal strength variations in real-time, the system can modulate power delivery parameters to maintain efficient energy transfer while staying within safe thermal limits for surrounding tissue.
3Power
If the IMD uses higher power for therapeutic functions, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the charging time and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time telemetry feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor coupling efficiency and adjust charging parameters accordingly. This ensures maximum power transfer efficiency during recharge, reducing the time required to recharge high-capacity batteries needed for high-power therapeutic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the charging process through ongoing telemetry communications. This continuous action ensures that power transfer remains optimized throughout the entire charging cycle, minimizing recharge time for high-power IMDs without interrupting the therapeutic function.
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
This approach enables faster, more efficient charging sessions by providing real-time feedback for optimal coil alignment, reducing charging time and tissue heating, and improving the practical use of IMDs with higher power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The primary coil is driven by the external power source with an alternating current. This induces a current in the secondary coil through inductive coupling.
Implementation Method 2
at least one telemetry signal is transmitted between a telemetry coil of the recharging unit and a telemetry coil of the IMD
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for using telemetry signal strength for positioning a primary recharge coil of a recharging unit at a location proximate to an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) in preparation to recharge a rechargeable power source of the IMD are disclosed. An antenna of the recharging unit is positioned proximate to the IMD, a telemetry session is initiated between the two devices, and a value indicative of the telemetry signal strength is obtained. Using a known correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the IMD/recharging unit pair, the telemetry signal strength value is used to determine whether adequate recharge coupling may be achieved between the pair of devices. If so, a recharge session may be established. Otherwise, the antenna is repositioned and the process is repeated. The correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the device pair may be developed empirically or using modeling.