Wireless Endocardial Atrial (and Ventricular) Sensing with no Implanted Power Source: a Proposal.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Monitoring cardiac electrical activity typically relies on biosignals, necessitating long-lasting power for implantable devices.
• Current trends favor smaller, catheter-free implantable cardiac monitors, creating a conflict between device size and battery life.
• Existing solutions face challenges with cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the risks of invasive battery replacement procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a passive endocardial sensor for monitoring heart chamber movement.
• To overcome limitations of traditional implantable cardiac monitors, particularly power supply and device size.
• To explore the use of permanent magnets for non-invasive cardiac mechanical monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Developed a passive endocardial sensor utilizing a permanent magnet for implantation in the heart's right atrium.
• Employed an external gauss meter unit to measure magnetic field variations induced by the implanted magnet.
• Validated the system in vitro using a catheter-mounted magnet and a custom-built gauss meter, testing various movement and distance conditions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of using a permanent magnet-based sensor for cardiac monitoring.
• Successfully acquired and measured magnetic field variations corresponding to heart chamber movement.
• Confirmed the potential for a battery-free, implantable solution for monitoring cardiac mechanics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed passive endocardial sensor offers a promising, long-lasting solution for monitoring heart chamber movement.
• This approach reduces the need for invasive procedures and battery replacements, enhancing patient safety and device cost-effectiveness.
• Permanent magnets represent a viable technology for future cardiac mechanical behavior monitoring systems.