Tethered Transmit Coil for Implantable Device Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices with size constraints face challenges in power supply due to limited space for batteries, necessitating innovative solutions for periodic or intermittent power delivery to ensure continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where a first implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, can inductively transmit power to a second device, like a leadless cardiac pacemaker, using a transmitting coil assembly, enabling periodic, intermittent, or continuous recharging of a rechargeable battery or power storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If implantable medical devices use larger batteries to extend operation duration, then the device size increases, but size-constrained devices cannot accommodate larger power storage
Solution Approach 1:
A tethered transmit coil is introduced as an intermediary component between the implantable medical device and external power sources. The coil enables inductive coupling for wireless power transfer, allowing the device to receive power externally without requiring a large internal battery, thus resolving the contradiction between operation duration and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from internal power storage (three-dimensional space constraint) to external power delivery (spatial dimension change). By using a tethered coil that extends from the device, power can be delivered through electromagnetic fields in the surrounding space, bypassing the volume constraint of the device housing.
2Volume of moving object
If implantable medical devices use smaller batteries to reduce device size, then the power storage capacity decreases, but this limits the duration of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tethered transmit coil serves as a mediator that connects the compact implantable device to external power sources. This allows the device to maintain a small size with minimal battery capacity while still achieving extended operation through periodic wireless recharging, directly addressing the trade-off between size and power storage capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If implantable medical devices are placed in specific locations to treat certain conditions, then the device placement is optimized, but this creates size and positioning constraints that limit power supply options
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a compact implantable unit and an extendable tethered coil assembly. This segmentation allows the main device to be placed in size-constrained locations while the coil can extend to optimal positions for power transfer, maintaining placement flexibility without compromising size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethered coil extends the device's functional reach into the surrounding spatial dimension, allowing power transfer to occur at a distance from the implant site. This enables optimized device placement for treatment while maintaining adequate space for power delivery operations.
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 solution ensures the reliable operation of implantable medical devices by providing a means to recharge or power remote devices, extending their functionality and lifespan without the need for large power storage capacity, thus addressing size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, can inductively transmit power to a second device, like a leadless cardiac pacemaker, using a transmitting coil assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for sensing electrical cardiac activity and for providing therapy to a patient's heart. The system may include a first implantable device implanted within a patient and a second implantable device implanted near or within the heart of the patient. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically recharging a rechargeable battery or other power source within the second implantable device. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically, intermittently or continuously transmitting energy that may be stored by a battery, capacitor or other power storage device within the second implantable device.