Enhanced Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) System with Substernal Pacing Lead
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present invention relates to an improved implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal pacing lead, designed to reduce cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation and provide more efficient and effective cardiac defibrillation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an ICD system with a substernal pacing lead, which, although effective, had limitations in terms of cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that optimize the defibrillation pulse and reduce cardiac tissue damage.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced ICD system comprises an ICD, a substernal pacing lead, and a cardiac tissue protection module. The substernal pacing lead is designed to reduce cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation, and the cardiac tissue protection module adjusts the defibrillation pulse width and amplitude based on the patient's cardiac tissue characteristics. The system can also include a real-time cardiac tissue monitoring module to detect cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation and adjust the defibrillation pulse accordingly. The inventive concept provides a more efficient and effective cardiac defibrillation system that reduces cardiac tissue damage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novel features of the present invention include the cardiac tissue protection module, the real-time cardiac tissue monitoring module, and the optimized defibrillation pulse. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation, and offer a significant improvement over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different configurations of the substernal pacing lead, such as varying the electrode design or the lead's geometry. Additionally, the cardiac tissue protection module and real-time cardiac tissue monitoring module could be implemented using different algorithms or sensing technologies.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced ICD system has significant commercial potential in the cardiac rhythm management market, particularly in the area of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The system's ability to reduce cardiac tissue damage during defibrillation makes it an attractive solution for patients at risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically implantable cardiac rhythm management systems, focusing on cardioverter-defibrillator technology and lead design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in cardiac electrophysiology, medical device design, and electrical stimulation technologies, familiar with implantable cardiac device optimization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's core ICD system design. The proposed cardiac tissue protection and monitoring modules represent logical extensions of existing defibrillation technologies, utilizing standard engineering approaches to address known challenges in cardiac tissue damage during electrical stimulation. The modifications represent incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize implantable cardiac device performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,779 |
|---|---|
| Title | Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system including substernal pacing lead |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |