Implanted Medical Device Alert Redundancy via TETS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems between implanted medical devices and external systems face reliability issues due to factors like limited range, interference, and component failures, particularly with wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, which can hinder the transmission of critical alert signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a redundant signaling mechanism using the transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) in parallel with alternative wireless communication systems to ensure reliable transmission of alert signals, allowing the implanted medical device to switch to TETS when a fault is detected in the wireless system or to transmit simultaneously via both paths when reliability is uncertain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication system (Bluetooth) is used to transmit alert signals, then communication range and flexibility are improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to interference, limited bandwidth, and component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two independent paths: wireless communication path (Bluetooth) and TETS communication path. Each path operates independently to transmit alert signals, so that failure in one path does not necessarily cause failure in the other. The controller selectively uses either path based on detected fault conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares a backup communication path (TETS) in advance before faults occur. The controller continuously monitors for fault conditions in the wireless communication system and switches to the pre-prepared TETS path when faults are detected, cushioning against potential communication failures before they impact alert signal transmission.
2Reliability
If redundant signaling mechanism using TETS is implemented, then alert signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TETS communication path, originally designed for power transfer, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also carry alert signal communication. This allows the same hardware infrastructure to serve dual purposes: power transfer and reliable alert communication, reducing the need for completely separate redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity by selectively routing alert signals through either the wireless communication path or the TETS path based on fault conditions. This centralized control logic simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having fully independent parallel communication systems.
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
Enhances the reliability of alert signal communication by providing a backup pathway for critical alerts, ensuring timely and accurate notification of potential life-threatening conditions to the external system, thereby mitigating hazards and improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
This path extends between an internal TETS coil 18 and an external TETS coil 20 via inductive coupling between the TETS coils 18 and 20
Data Source
AI summary
A method, implantable medical system and an external system for communicating an alert signal via a transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS), with or without the presence of transmission of the alert signal by an alternative wireless communication system, are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in an implanted medical system includes obtaining the alert signal based on an occurrence of an event, and transmitting the alert signal from the implanted medical device to the external system via a TETS used to transfer power requests to the external system.