Electrode holder and implantable medical device
By introducing a screw sleeve and a limiting part into the electrode fixator, the problem of damage to the water seal assembly when the screw is unscrewed is solved, thereby improving the sealing performance of the electrode fixator and miniaturizing the device, and enhancing the long-term reliability of the implantable medical device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU CED MEDTECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the water seal component is easily damaged when the screw is unscrewed, resulting in poor sealing performance. In addition, the space occupation problem is serious in miniaturized designs, which affects the long-term reliability of implantable medical devices.
The design incorporates a screw sleeve and a limiting part. The limiting part is formed by the cavity in the screw sleeve and the through hole of the screwdriver, which restricts the height of the screw from being screwed out, avoids damage to the water seal assembly, and ensures the sealing performance of the electrode holder.
It effectively protects the space of the water seal component, ensures sealing performance, supports the miniaturization of implantable medical devices, and improves the long-term reliability of the devices.
Smart Images
Figure CN224523808U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of implantable pulse generator electrode fixation devices, and particularly to electrode fixation devices and implantable medical devices. Background Technology
[0002] In the research and development of implantable medical electronic devices, the sealing performance and miniaturization design of electrode fixators have always been key technological challenges. Current technologies commonly employ threaded locking electrode connection structures, using metal screws to tighten sealing gaskets to achieve physical connection and fluid sealing between the electrode and the pulse generator. While this traditional structure can ensure a certain level of connection reliability, its technical shortcomings have gradually become apparent in practical clinical applications, requiring urgent solutions.
[0003] As implantable medical devices rapidly advance towards miniaturization, connector assemblies have shrunk to sizes below Φ3mm. At this scale, without a limiting device when the screw is unscrewed, the radial dimension of the effective sealing area of traditional water seal assemblies is compressed to less than 1mm due to the need to accommodate screw retraction space. This design not only results in a significant reduction in the wall thickness of the water seal assembly (typically less than 0.3mm), but also forces the material to withstand greater compressive stress.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new electrode fixation structure that, while ensuring ease of operation, eliminates the space occupation problem caused by excessive screw withdrawal through innovative mechanical limiting design, thereby providing a more optimized layout space for the water seal component. This has important clinical value for improving the long-term reliability of implantable devices and promoting the miniaturization of products. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this application is to provide an electrode fixator and an implantable medical device to solve the problem that the water seal assembly is easily damaged when the screws are unscrewed in the prior art.
[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an electrode holder, which includes a square body with a first threaded hole and an electrode hole for accommodating an electrode. The first threaded hole is perpendicular to and communicates with the electrode hole. A screw sleeve is provided above the square body, and a cavity is provided in the screw sleeve. The first threaded hole and the cavity extend in the same direction and are combined to form a screw passage cavity. The device also includes a screw disposed in the screw passage cavity. The screw can be helically moved relative to the first threaded hole to fix or loosen the electrode. A screwdriver through hole is provided above the cavity, and a limiting part is provided at the connection between the cavity and the screwdriver through hole to limit the screw's unscrewing position.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first threaded hole includes an internal thread, the screw includes an external thread, and the external thread and the internal thread are threaded together.
[0008] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first threaded hole is 1.5 to 2 mm.
[0009] In some embodiments, the height of the first threaded hole is 0.5 to 1 mm.
[0010] In some embodiments, the diameter of the electrode hole is 1 to 2 mm.
[0011] In some embodiments, the square body is welded to the screw sleeve.
[0012] In some embodiments, the height of the cavity is 0.2 to 0.6 mm.
[0013] In some embodiments, the screw is a caliper screw, and the length of the screw is 1 to 1.5 mm.
[0014] In some embodiments, the top of the screw is provided with a screwdriver receiving groove, the screwdriver receiving groove is connected to the screwdriver through hole, and the diameter of the screwdriver through hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the screwdriver receiving groove.
[0015] In some embodiments, the diameter of the screwdriver through hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity.
[0016] This invention also provides an implantable medical device, including the electrode fixator described in the first aspect of this invention.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:
[0018] This invention effectively limits the height to which the screw is screwed out by adding a screw sleeve and setting a limiting part, without affecting the fixing effect of the square body on the electrode. It allows sufficient space for the water seal assembly to meet waterproofing requirements. It plays a crucial role, especially when the water seal assembly is small (e.g., diameter 3.5mm, height less than 2.5mm). Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrode fixator of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the left side of the electrode fixator of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-section structure.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the electrode holder of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-section structure.
[0024] Component designation explanation:
[0025] 1. Square body
[0026] 11 First threaded hole
[0027] 12 Electrode Holes
[0028] 2 Screw sleeves
[0029] 21. Cavity
[0030] 22 Screwdriver through hole
[0031] 23 Limiting section
[0032] 3 screws
[0033] 31 Screwdriver Receiving Slot Detailed Implementation
[0034] The specific embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0035] The terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0037] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0038] like Figures 1-5 This application provides an electrode holder, which includes a square body 1. The square body 1 has a first threaded hole 11 and an electrode hole 12 for accommodating an electrode. Figure 3 The first threaded hole 11 is perpendicularly arranged and connected to the electrode hole 12. A screw sleeve 2 is provided on the top of the square body 1. The screw sleeve 2 has a cavity 21. The first threaded hole 11 and the cavity 21 extend in the same direction and are combined to form a screw passage cavity. The screw 3 is also provided in the screw passage cavity. The screw 3 can move helically relative to the first threaded hole 11 to fix or loosen the electrode. A screwdriver through hole 22 is provided above the cavity 21. A limiting part 23 is provided at the connection between the cavity 21 and the screwdriver through hole 22 to limit the screw 3 from being screwed out. When the screw 3 is tightened, the screw 3 will move down along the thread direction of the first threaded hole 11, so that the screw 3 moves to the position of the electrode and tightens the electrode. This invention adds a screw sleeve 2 to the original square body 1. The screw sleeve 2 is connected to the square body 1 (e.g., by laser welding). The screw sleeve 2 has a cavity 21 and a screwdriver through hole 22, which does not affect the tightening of the screw 3. When the screw 3 is loosened, the screw 3 will move along the thread direction of the first threaded hole 11. When the top moves to the limit part 23 of the screw sleeve 2, it will be unable to be tightened, thus playing a limiting role. At this time, the position of the screw 3 is sufficient to loosen the electrode.
[0039] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the first threaded hole 11 includes an internal thread, and the screw 3 includes an external thread. The external thread and the internal thread are threadedly connected, so that the screw 3 can move helically relative to the first threaded hole 11 to fix or loosen the electrode.
[0040] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first threaded hole 11 is 1.5-2 mm, which can be selected as 1.5-1.7 mm or 1.7-2 mm, preferably 1.7 mm. The height of the first threaded hole 11 is 0.5-1 mm, which can be selected as 0.5-0.85 mm or 0.85-1 mm, preferably 0.85 mm.
[0041] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the electrode hole 12 is 1-2 mm, which can be selected as 1-1.5 mm or 1.5-2 mm. Preferably, it is 1.5 mm.
[0042] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the utility model, the square body 1 is welded to the screw sleeve 2.
[0043] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the height of the cavity 21 is 0.2 to 0.6 mm, which can be selected as 0.2 to 0.4 mm or 0.4 to 0.6 mm, and is preferably 0.4 mm.
[0044] In the electrode holder provided in this embodiment of the utility model, the screw 3 is a grommet screw, and the length of the screw 3 is 1 to 1.5 mm, which can be selected as 1 to 1.3 mm or 1.3 to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.3 mm.
[0045] In the electrode fixator provided in this embodiment of the utility model, such as Figure 3 The top of the screw 3 is provided with a screwdriver receiving groove 31, which is connected to the screwdriver through hole 22. The diameter of the screwdriver through hole 22 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the screwdriver receiving groove 31. The screwdriver passes through the screwdriver through hole 22 and the screwdriver receiving groove 31 in sequence to connect with the screw.
[0046] In the electrode fixator provided in this embodiment of the utility model, such as Figure 3 and 5 The diameter of the screwdriver through hole 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity 21, which facilitates the formation of a limiting part 23 at the connection between the cavity 21 and the screwdriver through hole 22. The limiting part may include, for example, two limiting steps, symmetrically distributed on the upper cavity wall of the cavity 21.
[0047] This utility model embodiment also provides an implantable medical device, including the electrode fixator described in the first aspect of this utility model.
[0048] Typically, an implantable medical system includes a physician programmer, a patient controller, electrodes, and an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a housing, a circuit board housed within the housing, a rechargeable battery, a charging coil, and a communication coil sealed to the housing via a connector head. The connector head includes two axially arranged electrode holders electrically connected to the circuit board. Each electrode holder includes an electrode hole 12, and the electrode is electrically connected to a wire plug within the electrode hole 12. (Except for the electrode holders, which use the electrode holders described in the first aspect of this invention, the other components are prior art.) A water seal assembly is provided above the screw sleeve 2 of the electrode holder. The water seal assembly has a slit for allowing a screwdriver to tighten the nut screw through the water seal assembly. A limiting part 23 cleverly formed between the cavity 21 in the screw sleeve 2 and the screwdriver through hole 22 ensures that the screw, even when reversed and moving outwards, will not damage the water seal assembly when it continues to move outwards after releasing the electrode.
[0049] Implantable medical devices can be, for example, one of an implantable neurostimulator, an implantable pacemaker, or an implantable drug delivery device.
[0050] The working process of this utility model embodiment is as follows:
[0051] First, screw the grommets into the first threaded hole 11 on the square body 1. Then, align the screw sleeve 2 with the top edge of the square body 1 and laser weld them together. In use, the water seal assembly is positioned above the screw sleeve 2 of the electrode holder. Normally, the electrode has an electrode ring. When the electrode is inserted into the electrode hole 12 and the electrode ring is positioned corresponding to the grommets, the thread cutter can be inserted into the thread cutter receiving groove to tighten the grommets. As the grommets move downwards, they contact the electrode ring and fix the electrode in place. The length of the grommets is sufficient to properly fix the electrode.
[0052] When it is necessary to remove the electrode, the grommets are unscrewed in the reverse direction using a threading tool. When the top of the grommets is screwed into the cavity 21 and contacts the limiting part 23, the grommets are restricted. At this time, the electrode is no longer squeezed by the grommets and can be easily removed without affecting the water seal above the screw sleeve 2.
[0053] In summary, this utility model, by adding a screw sleeve 2 and setting a limiting part 23, effectively limits the height to which the screw 3 is screwed out, without affecting the fixing function of the square body 1 to the electrode. It can leave sufficient space for the water seal assembly to meet waterproofing requirements. This is particularly important when the water seal assembly is small in size.
[0054] In summary, this application effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.
[0055] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An electrode holder, characterized in that, The electrode holder includes a square body (1), in which a first threaded hole (11) and an electrode hole (12) for accommodating the electrode are provided. The first threaded hole (11) and the electrode hole (12) are perpendicularly arranged and connected. A screw sleeve (2) is provided above the square body (1). A cavity (21) is provided in the screw sleeve (2). The first threaded hole (11) and the cavity (21) extend in the same direction and are combined to form a screw passage cavity. The holder also includes a screw (3) disposed in the screw passage cavity. The screw (3) can move spirally relative to the first threaded hole (11) to fix or loosen the electrode. A screwdriver through hole (22) is provided above the cavity (21). A limiting part (23) for limiting the screw (3) from being screwed out is provided at the connection between the cavity (21) and the screwdriver through hole (22).
2. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first threaded hole (11) includes an internal thread, and the screw (3) includes an external thread, and the external thread and the internal thread are threaded together.
3. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the first threaded hole (11) is 1.5 to 2 mm; And / or, the height of the first threaded hole (11) is 0.5 to 1 mm.
4. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the electrode hole (12) is 1-2 mm.
5. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The square body (1) is welded to the screw sleeve (2).
6. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the cavity (21) is 0.2 to 0.6 mm.
7. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screw (3) is a nut screw; And / or, the length of the screw (3) is 1 to 1.5 mm.
8. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the screw (3) is provided with a screwdriver receiving groove (31), which is connected to the screwdriver through hole (22). The diameter of the screwdriver through hole (22) is greater than or equal to the diameter of the screwdriver receiving groove (31).
9. The electrode holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the screwdriver through hole (22) is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity (21).
10. An implantable medical device, characterized in that, Includes the electrode holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.