Wireless Pacemaker Using RF Microwave Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pacemakers require repeated surgical procedures for battery replacement and lead maintenance, and the use of subcutaneously implanted leads can lead to complications such as infection and tricuspid valve perforation.

Innovation Solution

The development of wireless, miniaturized, battery-free pacemaker systems using electromagnetic waveforms to interact with subcutaneous sensors or stimulators, allowing for remote control and power delivery without the need for embedded power leads, enabling pacing in previously unsuitable regions of the heart with reduced heat generation and RF exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pacemakers with implanted leads are used, then cardiac pacing function is achieved, but surgical complications such as infection and valve perforation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacemaker functionVSAvoidsurgical complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful implanted leads from the system. The wireless pacemaker transmits power and control signals through the skin without physical lead connections, eliminating the source of surgical complications while maintaining cardiac pacing function through leadless electrode placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical lead-based connection system with an electromagnetic wireless transmission system. Power and control signals are transmitted through electromagnetic fields rather than physical wires, eliminating mechanical penetration of the skin and heart tissue that causes infections and perforations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If implanted pacing modules with batteries are used, then extended pacemaker use is achieved, but repeated surgical procedures are required for battery replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacemaker usage durationVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The external pacemaker system provides continuous power transmission through the skin without requiring internal battery storage. The implanted electrodes receive power on-demand via wireless electromagnetic transmission, eliminating the need for battery replacement surgeries while maintaining extended usage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the power source from the internal dimensional constraint (implanted battery within the device) to an external dimensional solution (wireless power transmission through skin). This eliminates the physical barrier of skin penetration required for battery replacement while maintaining continuous power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If surgical leads are implanted to reach target locations, then cardiac pacing is achieved, but ventricular perforation and infection risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacing deliveryVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful surgical leads from the system entirely. Wireless electromagnetic transmission delivers power and control signals without physical penetration of skin or heart tissue, eliminating ventricular perforation and infection risks while maintaining pacing delivery capability through minimally inserted electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 minimizes the need for surgical interventions, reduces complications associated with implanted leads, and allows for tailored pacing management and enhanced cardiac performance by using RF microwave-activated sensors and stimulators that can be positioned around the heart in various locations.

Implementation Method 1

sensor circuitry configured to receive and reflect a radiofrequency (RF) signal from the control module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

sense a biometric cardiac signal and modulate the sensed biometric cardiac signal onto a radio frequency-signal received from the control module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

stimulator circuitry configured to receive power via electromagnetic RF coupling from the control module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11266840B2Wireless cardiac pace making

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods involving cardiac pace making are provided. Implantable wireless pace making systems, devices, and methods using electromagnetic waveforms to interact with subcutaneous implanted sensors or stimulators, or both, are described. Systems, devices, and methods can include wireless, miniaturized, battery-free, radiofrequency (RF) microwave activated, sensors or stimulators or integrated sensor/stimulators that are implanted in multiple thoracic cavity locations, and interact with a remote pace making control-module or multiple modules.