Enhanced Cardiac Pacing System with Real-Time Phrenic Nerve Monitoring
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved cardiac pacing system that adaptively adjusts electrode combinations based on real-time phrenic nerve activation monitoring, ensuring safer and more efficient cardiac pacing stimuli delivery.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent relates to the selection of electrode combinations for cardiac pacing stimuli delivery. However, it lacks real-time monitoring and adaptation to phrenic nerve activation, which can lead to complications. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by incorporating real-time phrenic nerve activation monitoring and adaptive electrode combination adjustment.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced cardiac pacing system comprises a processor configured to adaptively adjust electrode combinations based on real-time phrenic nerve activation monitoring. The processor utilizes electrode configuration data stored in memory to rapidly reconfigure the electrode combinations. The system also includes a graphical user interface for real-time monitoring and adjustment. The processor can detect phrenic nerve activation and automatically switch to a backup electrode configuration, ensuring improved safety features. Additionally, the system can create a patient-specific electrode configuration profile based on individual phrenic nerve activation thresholds and update the profile in response to changes in patient physiology.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel concept of real-time phrenic nerve activation monitoring and adaptive electrode combination adjustment, which is not present in the original patent. This inventive step provides a significant improvement in safety and efficiency, as it enables the system to respond to phrenic nerve activation in real-time.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using machine learning algorithms to predict phrenic nerve activation, incorporating additional sensors to monitor cardiac tissue capture, or developing a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring and adjustment of the cardiac pacing system.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced cardiac pacing system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the cardiac rhythm management market. The system's improved safety features and adaptive capabilities make it an attractive solution for patients requiring cardiac pacing stimuli delivery.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Cardiac medical devices, specifically implantable cardiac pacing systems with electrode configuration and nerve stimulation monitoring technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in cardiac electrophysiology, electrical stimulation technologies, and medical device design, possessing advanced knowledge of cardiac pacing systems, signal processing, and electrode configuration optimization
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's real-time phrenic nerve monitoring and adaptive electrode configuration represents a predictable extension of the source patent's foundational electrode selection methodology. The technical improvements are consistent with established medical device design principles of enhancing safety and patient-specific optimization through intelligent monitoring and reconfiguration strategies. The variations represent incremental advancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve cardiac pacing system performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,795 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method and apparatus to perform electrode combination selection |
| Assignee(s) | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. |