Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MATPASE (Developing new MATerial solutions for cardiac PAce lead and SEnsor encapsulation)
Reporting period: 2019-12-31 to 2020-12-30
Although CardiSense provides a ground-breaking solution for cardiac monitoring, there was a need to develop a more robust and user-friendly solution. The overall objective was therefore to improve the device’s flexibility, sensor encapsulation, and reducing the diameter of the pace lead, which would reduce the risk of bleeding, reduce the exchange of biofluids and toxic materials to and from the device, and improve device placement and removal. Consequently, the results of the MATPASE project would dramatically improve user adoption by cardiac surgeons, maximizing our market impact and eventually improving patient outcomes.
The Cardisense system currently uses an off-the-shelf MEMS sensor for measuring acceleration. This sensor has several features that is not needed for our purpose, and consequently, the size of this sensor is larger than it has to be. By designing a custom MEMS sensor, it is possible to reduce the size substantially, thereby meeting the aforementioned goals.
The Innovation Associate has researched the state-of-the-art materials for the development of the sensor. A report was generated based on the literature review, a candidate material was selected and then suppliers were identified which can provide the material and the services. The Innovation Associate then worked on the design based on the material and process provided by the supplier, a feasibility report with the design specifications and requirements for the performance of the sensor was created with a focus on the miniaturization of the design reducing the size and increasing the sensing capability of the sensor.
In the final stage of the project, a 3-axis sensor was designed and documented. The design of the new sensor was theoretically formulated based on the set parameters and requirements from the early stages of the project. Analytical calculations were performed, and the design was analyzed through computer-aided design software subjected to the performance and sensitivity parameters. The new design was analytically characterized for the sensitivity, signal outputs, feasibility, and adoption to the selected material and fabrication process. The design specifications were shared and verified by the expert team of the selected supplier. A feasibility report was documented for the new design sensor with its performance, sensitivity characteristics, and execution analyzing the integration with the overall electrical system of the Cardisense. It was found that the new sensor will provide enhanced sensitivity for patient heart signal, will be biocompatible, and will reduce the overall cost of the system by exploiting the batch fabrication techniques provided by the material and process supplier.