Transient Bioresorbable Pacemaker for Infection-Free Cardiac Pacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac pacing systems rely on conventional electronic hardware, leading to issues such as systemic infections, constrained patient mobility, and the need for surgical procedures for component removal or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A transient closed-loop system combining a time-synchronized, wireless network of soft, skin-integrated devices with an advanced bioresorbable pacemaker for cardiac pacing, defibrillator therapy, and multi-haptic feedback, enabling autonomous and wireless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic hardware is used for cardiac pacing, then reliable cardiac pacing function is achieved, but systemic infections and surgical procedures for removal are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters of the pacemaker components, using bioresorbable materials (polymers, metals, ceramics) that can be safely absorbed by the body after serving their function. This parameter change allows the device to maintain reliability during operation while eliminating the need for surgical removal and reducing infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable, single-use pacemaker system where the entire device is designed to be implanted temporarily and then naturally resorbed by the body. This approach eliminates the need for retrieval surgery and reduces long-term infection risks associated with permanent implants.
2Reliability
If conventional electronic hardware with percutaneous access is used, then cardiac pacing is achieved, but patient mobility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external components (power supply, control unit, programming interface) that normally constrain patient mobility. The entire pacemaker system is miniaturized and self-contained within the implanted device, which is powered by a rechargeable battery that can be recharged through the skin using external magnetic coupling.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent pacemaker leads are implanted, then long-term cardiac pacing is achieved, but surgical procedures for removal are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of the device lifecycle by using bioresorbable materials that allow the device to function permanently during its service life and then naturally dissolve after a predetermined period or upon achieving its therapeutic goal, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
4Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented between implanted and external devices, then patient comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the implanted device communicates with external devices only when necessary (e.g., during battery recharging, device programming, or diagnostic measurements). During normal operation, the device operates autonomously without continuous communication, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A transient closed-loop system for cardiac pacing and/or defibrillator therapy for a subject includes a bioresorbable module configured to at least partially attach to an epicardial interface of the subject's heart for the cardiac pacing; at least one skin-interfaced module configured to attach to an outer surface of the subject's skin, wherein the bioresorbable module is in wireless communication with the at least one skin-interfaced module; and a control module in wireless communication with the at least one skin-interfaced module.