Wireless Programmer Head for Stable IMD Sleep Study Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for programming implantable medical devices (IMDs) are inefficient and disruptive to patients during sleep studies due to the need for constant clinician intervention to establish wireless connections, which can disturb the patient's sleep and are cumbersome in electronically hostile environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless interface assembly comprising a programmer head and controller that facilitates bidirectional communication between an IMD and a clinician programmer, with self-monitoring connectivity features and visual indicators to ensure seamless communication without requiring constant clinician presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant clinician intervention is required to establish wireless connections, then connection reliability is improved, but patient comfort and sleep quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless interface assembly automatically establishes and maintains wireless connections with the IMD without requiring constant clinician intervention. The system self-monitors connectivity status and autonomously re-establishes connections when disrupted, enabling programming operations to proceed independently while minimizing disturbance to the patient during sleep studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the wireless connection status between the programmer head and IMD, providing real-time feedback on connectivity. When connection disruptions are detected, the system automatically initiates reconnection procedures, ensuring reliable communication while allowing the patient to remain undisturbed during monitoring periods.
2Reliability
If constant clinician presence is required for programming, then programming reliability is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless interface assembly performs programming operations autonomously without requiring continuous clinician presence. The system automatically establishes wireless connections, monitors programming status, and maintains communication with the IMD, enabling clinicians to conduct multiple sleep studies simultaneously or perform other tasks while programming operations continue independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless connection between the programmer head and IMD is maintained continuously throughout the sleep study period without requiring intermittent clinician intervention. The system persists in monitoring and programming operations, ensuring uninterrupted data collection and device programming while maximizing sleep study efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connections are established in electronically hostile environments, then programming versatility is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to optimize wireless connection parameters before programming begins. The wireless interface assembly pre-establishes robust connection protocols and monitors signal strength, ensuring stable communication is established before the sleep study starts, thereby maintaining connection stability even in electronically hostile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wireless connection quality and provides feedback on signal strength and interference levels. When connection instability is detected in challenging electromagnetic environments, the system automatically adjusts programming parameters or re-establishes connections, maintaining stable communication throughout the study despite environmental interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and/or method to facilitate wireless communicates between an implantable medical device and a programmer.