Virtual Electrode Polarization for Defibrillation Shock Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable cardiac defibrillators face challenges in efficiently determining and optimizing defibrillation shock parameters, which affects the effectiveness and energy efficiency of the devices, and can provide limited insight into the cardiac condition.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring a coil electrode as a cathode and then an anode, with specific energy delivery protocols to induce and treat fibrillation, utilizing monophasic and biphasic waveforms to exceed one joule of energy, and adjusting electrode configurations to optimize shock delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If defibrillation shock parameters are optimized using conventional methods, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inducing fibrillation before defibrillation testing. The method delivers a preliminary shock to induce fibrillation, then immediately follows with a defibrillation shock. This preliminary induction step allows the system to characterize cardiac tissue properties and optimize defibrillation parameters before actual therapy delivery, improving treatment efficacy without requiring complex real-time analysis during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the response to the induced fibrillation and subsequent defibrillation attempt to adjust future shock parameters. The system monitors whether fibrillation is successfully induced and whether defibrillation is successful, then uses this information to adaptively adjust energy levels, waveforms, and electrode configurations for subsequent therapies, optimizing efficacy while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If higher energy shocks are delivered to ensure defibrillation success, then treatment efficacy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying shock energy levels, waveforms (monophasic vs. biphasic), and electrode configurations based on the induced fibrillation characteristics. The system starts with lower energy levels and adjusts parameters based on the fibrillation induction response, delivering the minimum effective energy required for successful defibrillation rather than consistently using high energy shocks, thus optimizing the balance between success rate and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the defibrillation shock parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts energy levels and waveform characteristics based on real-time feedback from the induced fibrillation event and the response to initial defibrillation attempts. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to use lower energy when sufficient and higher energy only when necessary, optimizing power consumption while maintaining high success rates.
3Reliability
If multiple electrode configurations are tested to optimize shock delivery, then treatment efficacy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing electrode configuration testing and parameter optimization during the fibrillation induction phase before actual defibrillation therapy is needed. The system uses the induced fibrillation event to test different electrode configurations and determine optimal parameters in advance, so that when real defibrillation therapy is required, the optimized parameters are already established and can be delivered immediately without time-consuming analysis.
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 enhances the efficiency of defibrillation therapy by optimizing energy delivery and providing better insight into cardiac conditions, while conserving power and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
Virtual electrode polarization for shock therapy
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method includes configuring a coil electrode as a cathode, calling for delivery of energy to an electrode configuration that includes the coil cathode wherein the energy exceeds one joule, configuring a coil electrode as an anode and, within 10 seconds of the calling, calling for delivery of energy to an electrode configuration that includes the coil anode wherein the energy exceeds one joule. Such an exemplary method may aim to induce fibrillation and to defibrillate tissue. Various other exemplary methods are disclosed as well as various exemplary devices, systems, etc.