Vector Parameter Determination for Cardiac Rhythm Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac rhythm management systems face inefficiencies in determining parameters for multiple vectors used in cardiac rhythm management devices, leading to prolonged procedure times and increased costs due to the extensive time required to assess each vector for suitability in sensing cardiac electrical activity and delivering electrical stimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to efficiently determine parameters for each vector by outputting pacing pulses at varying voltages and assessing parameters such as phrenic stimulation and impedance, allowing for the selection of suitable vectors for therapy delivery, thereby reducing the time and resources needed for vector assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vectors are assessed for sensing and therapy delivery suitability, then the quality of cardiac rhythm management therapy is improved, but the procedure time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vector assessment process into distinct phases: sensing assessment and therapy delivery assessment. Each vector is evaluated through structured testing sequences that measure specific parameters (sensing amplitude, capture threshold, impedance) independently. This segmentation allows systematic evaluation of multiple vectors without overwhelming procedural complexity, enabling efficient comparison and selection of optimal vectors for pacing and sensing functions.
2Reliability
If comprehensive parameters are determined for each vector, then the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapy is improved, but the time required for vector assessment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing sensing assessments before therapy delivery assessments for each vector. The system pre-evaluates sensing parameters (signal amplitude, quality) to identify vectors suitable for sensing functions before committing to comprehensive therapy delivery testing. This preliminary screening eliminates the need to perform full therapy assessments on vectors that are inadequate for sensing, thereby reducing total assessment time while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness for vectors that proceed to full evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by determining only the necessary parameters for each vector based on its intended function. Vectors designated for sensing require only sensing parameter measurements (amplitude, quality metrics), while vectors intended for therapy delivery require additional therapy-specific parameters (capture threshold, impedance). This selective parameter determination avoids unnecessary measurements, reducing assessment time while maintaining comprehensive evaluation for vectors that will be used for their intended purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for efficiently determining one or more parameters for vectors of a multi-electrode implantable medical device, and for identifying one or more suitable vectors for sensing cardiac electrical data and/or delivering electrical stimulation therapy based on one or more of the determined parameters. Reducing the time required to determine the one or more parameters for each vector can help reduce procedure time for implanting and/or configuring an implantable medical device, which can reduce costs and/or improved patient comfort.