Electrode lead and neural stimulation system
By introducing filters and consumption modules into the electrode leads, the problem of signal interference in the NMR environment was solved, achieving stability and flexibility of the stimulation signal, thus improving treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SCENERAY
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure CN2025122856_09072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Electrode leads and nerve stimulation system
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202412000374.X, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on December 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to the field of implantable medical device technology, such as electrode leads and neurostimulation systems. Background Technology
[0003] With the development of neurostimulation technology, it is possible to modulate the function of nerves, muscles, or other tissues through electric current or electrical pulses, helping to treat many different types of diseases, especially those of the nervous and motor systems. Electrode leads are devices designed to deliver electric current or other forms of stimulation signals to specific target areas. Electrode leads are often implanted in patients and configured to provide electrical stimulation to the affected areas.
[0004] Because electrode leads need to be implanted into the patient's body, they require excellent flexibility and tensile strength, and are typically spirally wound. However, when these spiral electrode leads are in environments with interference, such as MRI or electromagnetic waves, interference signals can be generated in the stimulation circuit. These interference signals, such as induced current or interfering current, can cause changes in the magnitude and frequency of the current in the circuit, affecting the stability of the stimulation signal output and leading to variations in the electrical stimulation effect. This can cause discomfort to the patient, and in particular, interference signals can cause an abnormal increase in the output signal of the stimulation electrode, affecting the treatment effect and even causing abnormal heating of the stimulation contacts, resulting in irreversible damage to the patient, such as burns to the brain nuclei. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides electrode leads and a nerve stimulation system. While ensuring that the electrode leads have good flexibility and tensile strength, it can prevent interference signals from entering the stimulation segment, ensure the stability of the stimulation signal output, improve the MRI compatibility of the electrode leads, improve the treatment effect and patient comfort, and in particular, prevent abnormal heating of the stimulation contact points, thereby avoiding damage to the patient.
[0006] This application provides an electrode wire, including a stimulation segment configured to provide electrical stimulation, a connecting segment electrically connected to a stimulator, and an intermediate segment connecting the stimulation segment and the connecting segment. The stimulation segment includes at least one stimulation contact and at least one filter, one end of which is electrically connected to at least one stimulation contact. The intermediate segment includes multiple core wires, each core wire including at least one first transmission line configured to transmit stimulation signals and at least one second transmission line configured to transmit interference signals. The connecting segment includes at least one connection contact and a consumable module.
[0007] One end of the first transmission line is electrically connected to the connection contact of the connection segment, and the other end of the first transmission line is electrically connected to the filter. One end of the second transmission line is electrically connected to the consumption module, and the other end of the second transmission line is electrically connected to the filter.
[0008] In one embodiment, the filter has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end of the filter has a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being electrically connected to the first transmission line and the second contact being electrically connected to the second transmission line. The second end of the filter has a third contact, the third contact being electrically connected to the stimulation contact of the stimulation segment. The filter further includes at least one first internal circuit and at least one second internal circuit. The first contact and the third contact are electrically connected through the first internal circuit, and the first internal circuit is electrically connected to the second contact through the second internal circuit.
[0009] In one embodiment, the number of filters is one, the number of the first internal circuits and the number of the first contacts are the same as the number of the first transmission lines, the number of the second contacts is one, and the number of the third contacts is the same as the number of the stimulation contacts.
[0010] In one embodiment, when there are multiple first internal circuits and multiple second internal circuits, the multiple first internal circuits are independent of each other, one end of each of the multiple second internal circuits is electrically connected to each of the multiple first internal circuits, and the other end of each of the second internal circuits is electrically connected to the second contact.
[0011] In one embodiment, there are multiple first transmission lines and one second transmission line. The multiple first transmission lines are electrically connected to multiple first contacts in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second transmission line is electrically connected to the second contact.
[0012] In one embodiment, there are multiple first transmission lines and multiple second transmission lines. The multiple first transmission lines are electrically connected to multiple first contacts in a one-to-one correspondence, and all second transmission lines are electrically connected to the second contacts simultaneously.
[0013] In one embodiment, the number of filters is multiple, the number of filters is the same as the number of stimulation contacts, and the multiple filters are electrically connected to the multiple stimulation contacts in a one-to-one correspondence; the number of filters is the same as the number of the first transmission lines, and the multiple filters are electrically connected to the multiple first transmission lines in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0014] In one embodiment, the filter includes a first internal circuit and a second internal circuit, one end of the second internal circuit being electrically connected to the first internal circuit, and the other end of the second internal circuit being electrically connected to the second contact.
[0015] In one embodiment, when the number of the first transmission lines and the number of the second transmission lines are the same, the plurality of first transmission lines are electrically connected to a plurality of first contacts in a one-to-one correspondence, and the plurality of second transmission lines are electrically connected to a plurality of second contacts in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0016] In one embodiment, when there are multiple first transmission lines and one second transmission line, the multiple first transmission lines are electrically connected to multiple first contacts in a one-to-one correspondence, and all second contacts are electrically connected to the second transmission lines.
[0017] In one embodiment, the filter includes one or more inductors connected in series in the first internal circuit between the first contact and the third contact, such that the inductors are connected in series with the first transmission line; and / or, the filter includes one or more capacitors connected in the second internal circuit, connected in parallel with the first transmission line, and connected in series with the second transmission line; the filter also includes one or more diodes connected in the second internal circuit, and positioned between the capacitor and the first transmission line.
[0018] In one embodiment, the consumption module is a connection block, which is configured to electrically connect the second transmission line to the stimulator; or, the consumption module is a load, which is configured to convert the interference signal into heat.
[0019] In one embodiment, when the consumption module is a connection block, the connection block includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other. The first part is disposed at one end of the connection segment away from the middle segment. The first part is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the stimulator, or the first part is electrically connected to the converter of the stimulator so that the interference signal is converted into a current for charging the stimulator. The electrode wire is generally in the shape of a circular tube, and an accommodating space extending along the axial direction of the electrode wire is formed inside the electrode wire. The second part is disposed in the accommodating space and is electrically connected to the second transmission line.
[0020] In one embodiment, the second transmission line is electrically connected to the second portion by welding.
[0021] In one embodiment, the multiple core wires are twisted together to form multiple single conductors. Each core wire includes a conductor and an insulating layer, with the insulating layer covering the conductor. Each core wire includes at least one conductor. The conductor also includes an outer sheath covering the core wire.
[0022] In one embodiment, the guide wire is spirally wound along the axial direction of the electrode wire; when the number of guide wires is multiple strands, the multiple strands are spirally wound in the same spiral direction.
[0023] This application also provides a neurostimulation system, comprising: a stimulator; and an electrode wire as described in any of the preceding claims, one end of which is implanted in a patient and the other end of which is electrically connected to the stimulator.
[0024] In one embodiment, the electrode lead consumption module is electrically connected to the stimulator; or, the neurostimulation system further includes an extension lead, through which the electrode lead consumption module is electrically connected to the stimulator. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode wire provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an electrode wire provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0027] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1;
[0028] Figure 4 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 1;
[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a guide wire and filter provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 6 is a magnified view of part C in Figure 5;
[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a guidewire provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 8 is a magnified view of part D in Figure 7;
[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another filter provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0036] In the diagram: 100, Electrode wire; 1, Stimulation section; 11, Stimulation contact; 12, First support; 2, Connecting section; 21, Connecting contact; 22, Second support; 3, Middle section; 31, Guide wire; 311, Core wire; 3111, First transmission line; 3112, Second transmission line; 3113, Conductor; 3114, Insulating layer; 312, Outer sheath; 32, First protective shell; 33, Second protective shell; 4, Filter; 41, First end; 411, First contact; 412, Second contact; 42, Second end; 421, Third contact; 43, Connecting wire; 44, Inductor coil; 45, Capacitor; 46, Diode; 47, First internal circuit; 48, Second internal circuit; 5, Consumable module; 51, Connecting block; 511, First part; 512, Second part; 6, Accommodation space. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The terms used in this application to express position and direction are illustrated with the accompanying drawings, but may be changed as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application.
[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 11, this application provides an electrode wire 100, which is electrically connected to a stimulator. The stimulator can be a pulse generator. The pulse generator transmits stimulation signals to the stimulation contacts 11 of the electrode wire 100 through the electrode wire 100. The stimulation contacts 11 can provide electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area.
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the electrode lead 100 may include a stimulation segment 1 configured to provide electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area, a connecting segment 2 electrically connected to a stimulator, and an intermediate segment 3 connecting the stimulation segment 1 and the connecting segment 2. In some embodiments, the connecting segment 2 may be electrically connected to the stimulator via an extension wire. The stimulation segment 1 and the connecting segment 2 may be respectively located at both ends of the intermediate segment 3, i.e., the intermediate segment 3 serves to connect the stimulation segment 1 and the connecting segment 2. The intermediate segment 3 is configured to transmit the stimulation signal from the connecting segment 2 to the stimulation segment 1, and the stimulation segment 1 provides electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area.
[0040] Referring to Figure 4, the connecting segment 2 is provided with one or more connecting contact points 21 and a consumption module 5. In this embodiment, the connecting segment 2 may be provided with multiple connecting contact points 21, and the stimulator can provide multiple stimulation signals through the multiple connecting contact points 21. The multiple connecting contact points 21 are spaced apart from each other to avoid mutual interference between the connecting contact points 21, thereby avoiding mutual interference between the stimulation signals of the stimulator. The consumption module 5 can export or consume the interference signals in the circuit to prevent the interference signals from interfering with the stimulation signals in the circuit.
[0041] The connecting contacts 21 of the connecting segment 2 can be one or more of the form of a sheet or a ring, and can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, the connecting contacts 21 of the connecting segment 2 are ring-shaped, and the connecting segment 2 may also include a second support portion 22. The second support portion 22 is made of insulating material, and the second support portion 22 and the connecting contacts 21 can be distributed at intervals. The second support portion 22 can ensure that the connecting contacts 21 are mutually insulated.
[0042] The connecting contact 21 can be directly electrically connected to the stimulator, or it can be electrically connected to the stimulator via an extension wire. The extension wire is equivalent to extending the distance between the electrode wire 100 and the stimulator. The same stimulator can provide stimulation signals to patients in different positions, increasing the application scenarios of the stimulator.
[0043] Referring to Figure 3, the stimulation segment 1 is provided with one or more stimulation contacts 11 and at least one filter 4. The stimulation contacts 11 are exposed on the outer surface of the stimulation segment 1 to ensure good contact between the stimulation contacts 11 and the patient's affected area, thereby ensuring that the stimulation contacts 11 can provide electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area. In this application, the stimulation segment 1 may be provided with multiple stimulation contacts 11, which are spaced apart from each other to avoid mutual interference, thereby ensuring the accuracy of electrical stimulation by the stimulation contacts 11 and improving the treatment effect.
[0044] The stimulation contacts 11 of stimulation segment 1 can be one or more of the following shapes: sheet-like or annular, depending on actual needs. In this embodiment, some stimulation contacts 11 can be sheet-like, and some can be annular. Stimulation segment 1 may also include a first support portion 12, on which the stimulation contacts 11 can be disposed. The first support portion 12 is made of insulating material and provides support for the stimulation contacts 11 while ensuring that the stimulation contacts 11 are insulated from each other. The end of the first support portion 12 away from the intermediate segment 3 has a smooth end face, such as a hemispherical protrusion. By making the end of the first support portion 12 away from the intermediate segment 3 a smooth end face, damage to human tissue can be reduced when implanting the electrode wire 100.
[0045] Since the electrode lead 100 needs to be implanted into the patient's body, it requires excellent flexibility and tensile strength. The electrode lead 100 is typically spirally wound to increase its tensile and bending strength, ensuring smooth implantation and preventing breakage. When the spiral electrode lead 100 is in an environment with interference, such as MRI or electromagnetic waves, interference signals will be generated in the stimulation circuit. These interference signals, such as induced current or interfering current, will cause changes in the magnitude and frequency of the current in the circuit, affecting the stability of the stimulation signal output and causing variations in the electrical stimulation effect. This can lead to patient discomfort, and in particular, interference signals can cause abnormally increased output signals from the stimulation electrode, affecting the treatment effect and even causing abnormal heating of the stimulation contact 11, resulting in irreversible damage to the patient, such as burns to the brain nuclei.
[0046] When the spiral electrode lead 100 is in an environment with interference, in order to prevent interference signals from being generated in the stimulation circuit of the electrode lead 100, causing changes in the current magnitude and frequency of the circuit, and affecting the stability of the stimulation signal output, a filter 4 can be set on the stimulation segment 1. The filter 4 can block interference signals from entering the stimulation segment 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the stimulation signal output, improving the MRI compatibility of the electrode lead 100, and improving the treatment effect and patient comfort. In particular, it can prevent abnormal heating of the stimulation contact 11, thereby avoiding damage to the patient, such as preventing burns to the patient's brain nuclei. The filter 4 can be one or more of a low-pass filter, high-pass filter, band-pass filter, or band-stop filter, which can be selected according to actual needs.
[0047] Referring to Figures 6, 7, and 8, the intermediate segment 3 may include multiple core wires 311, among which at least one is a first transmission line 3111 configured to transmit stimulation signals and at least one is a second transmission line 3112 configured to transmit interference signals. One end of the first transmission line 3111 can be electrically connected to the connection contact 21 of the connecting segment 2, and the other end of the first transmission line 3111 can be electrically connected to the filter 4. That is, the other end of the first transmission line 3111 can be electrically connected to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 through the filter 4. The first transmission line 3111 is configured to transmit stimulation signals to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1, that is, the first transmission line 3111 transmits stimulation signals to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 through the filter 4. The filter 4 is configured to prevent interference signals from entering the stimulation segment 1. One end of the second transmission line 3112 can be electrically connected to the consumption module 5, and the other end of the second transmission line 3112 can be electrically connected to the filter 4. The second transmission line 3112 is configured to transmit interference signals to the consumption module 5.
[0048] Referring to Figure 8, the core wire 311 may include a conductor 3113 and an insulating layer 3114. The insulating layer 3114 covers the conductor 3113. Each core wire 311 includes at least one conductor 3113, that is, each core wire 311 may include one or more conductors 3113. The insulating layer 3114 can electrically isolate the conductor 3113 from other components, ensuring that the conductor 3113 transmits the stimulation signal to a preset position. When there are multiple core wires 311, the insulating layer 3114 can also prevent adjacent core wires 311 from interfering with each other.
[0049] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3, 6, 7, and 8, multiple core wires 311 can be twisted together to form at least one guide wire 31. That is, the multiple core wires 311 in the middle section 3 can be twisted together to form one guide wire 31 or multiple guide wires 31. This prevents the multiple core wires 311 from becoming loose, making them more tightly packed together, reducing the space occupied by the guide wires 31, thereby reducing the overall size of the electrode wire 100. At the same time, it also prevents the position of the core wires 311 from shifting, ensuring the stability of the connection between the core wires 311 and the filter 4 and the connection contact point 21.
[0050] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, the guide wire 31 may further include an outer sheath 312, which can cover the core wire 311. The outer sheath 312 not only protects the core wire 311 but also prevents it from becoming loose. In particular, when there are many core wires 311, it can make the multiple core wires 311 more tightly packed, further reducing the space occupied by the guide wire 31 and thus reducing the overall size of the electrode wire 100. At the same time, it can also prevent the core wires 311 from shifting position, ensuring the stability of the connection between the core wires 311 and the filter 4 and the connection contact point 21. In addition, the absence of positional shift of the core wires 311 facilitates the sorting of the core wires 311 and also facilitates the soldering of the core wires 311 to the filter 4 and the connection contact point 21 respectively.
[0051] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the guide wire 31 can be spirally wound along the axial direction of the electrode wire 100. When the number of guide wires 31 is multi-stranded, the multi-strand guide wires 31 are spirally wound in the same spiral direction. The multi-strand guide wires 31 can be electrically connected to multiple connecting contact points 21 and multiple stimulation contact points 11. The multi-strand guide wires 31 can transmit multiple stimulation signals to multiple stimulation contact points 11. The multiple stimulation contact points 11 can provide multiple or more stimulation signals to the patient's affected area, and can also provide electrical stimulation to different parts of the patient, thereby improving treatment efficiency and treatment effect.
[0052] As an example, the intermediate segment 3 may include eight guide wires 31, each guide wire 31 may include two core wires 311, and the two core wires 311 include a first transmission line 3111 and a second transmission line 3112. The eight guide wires 31 may be connected to eight filters 4, and the eight filters 4 may be connected to eight stimulation contacts 11. The stimulator can perform electrical stimulation simultaneously through the eight guide wires 31, or it can perform electrical stimulation through a portion of the guide wires 31.
[0053] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate section 3 may further include a first protective shell 32, which is sleeved on the outside of the eight-strand guidewire 31 and provides protection for the guidewire 31. The intermediate section 3 may also include a second protective shell 33, which is sleeved on the outside of the first protective shell 32. The second protective shell 33 not only protects the first protective shell 32, but also connects with the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 22 to form a sealed cavity, preventing the patient's bodily fluids from entering the cavity.
[0054] In this application, by setting a first transmission line 3111 and a second transmission line 3112, one end of the first transmission line 3111 is electrically connected to the connection contact 21 of the connection segment 2, and the other end of the first transmission line 3111 is electrically connected to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 through a filter 4. The first transmission line 3111 is configured to transmit the stimulation signal to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1, the filter 4 is configured to prevent interference signals from entering the stimulation segment 1, and the second transmission line 3112 is configured to eliminate interference signals. In this way, while ensuring that the electrode wire 100 has good flexibility and tensile strength, when the spiral electrode wire 100 is in In environments with interference, such as those involving MRI or electromagnetic waves, interference signals can be generated in the stimulation circuit of the electrode lead 100. These interference signals, such as induced current or interfering current, can cause changes in the magnitude and frequency of the current in the circuit. The filter 4 can prevent interference signals from entering the stimulation segment 1. The interference signals can be extracted from the stimulation circuit through the second transmission line 3112, ensuring the stability of the stimulation signal output, improving the MRI compatibility of the electrode lead 100, and enhancing the treatment effect and patient comfort. In particular, it can prevent abnormal heating of the stimulation contact 11, thereby avoiding damage to the patient, such as preventing burns to the patient's brain nuclei. Furthermore, the filter 4 in this application is small in size, allowing for the installation of multiple filters 4. This enables the use of multiple guidewires 31 for stimulation signal transmission. Multiple filters 4 can remove interference signals from multiple stimulation signals, ensuring the stability of the multiple stimulation signal outputs while the electrode lead 100 transmits them.
[0055] In one embodiment, referring to FIG9, the filter 4 may have a first end 41 and a second end 42 disposed opposite to each other. The first end 41 of the filter 4 may have a first contact 411 and a second contact 412. The first contact 411 may be electrically connected to the first transmission line 3111, and the second contact 412 may be electrically connected to the second transmission line 3112. The second end 42 of the filter 4 may have a third contact 421, which is electrically connected to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1. That is, the third contact 421 may be electrically connected to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 via a connecting wire 43. The first contact 411 and the third contact 421 are also electrically connected. The first transmission line 3111 transmits the stimulation signal to the third contact 421 through the first contact 411, and the third contact 421 transmits the stimulation signal to the stimulation contact 11 through the connecting wire 43. The stimulation contact 11 provides electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area.
[0056] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the filter 4 may further include at least one first internal circuit 47 and at least one second internal circuit 48. The first contact 411 and the third contact 421 can be electrically connected through the first internal circuit 47, and the first internal circuit 47 can be electrically connected to the second contact 412 through the second internal circuit 48.
[0057] The number of filters 4 can be one or more, and the number of first contacts 411, second contacts 412 and third contacts 421 on each filter 4 can be one or more.
[0058] When there is only one filter 4, the number of first internal circuits 47 and first contacts 411 can be the same as the number of first transmission lines 3111. The number of second contacts 412 can be one, and the number of third contacts 421 can be the same as the number of stimulation contacts 11. That is, when there are multiple first internal circuits 47 and first contacts 411, there are multiple first transmission lines 3111, and multiple first internal circuits 47 and multiple first contacts 411 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence, and multiple first transmission lines 3111 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple first contacts 411. The number of third contacts 421 is also the same as the number of first internal circuits 47, and multiple third contacts 421 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple first internal circuits 47, and multiple third contacts 421 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple stimulation contacts 11.
[0059] Referring to Figure 11, when there are multiple first internal circuits 47 and multiple second internal circuits 48, the multiple first internal circuits 47 are independent of each other, and one end of each of the multiple second internal circuits 48 can be electrically connected to each of the multiple first internal circuits 47 in a one-to-one correspondence, that is, one second internal circuit 48 is electrically connected to one first internal circuit 47, and the other end of all the second internal circuits 48 can be electrically connected to the second contact 412.
[0060] When there are multiple first transmission lines 3111 and one second transmission line 3112, the multiple first transmission lines 3111 can be electrically connected to multiple first contacts 411 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the one second transmission line 3112 can be electrically connected to the second contact 412.
[0061] When there are multiple first transmission lines 3111 and multiple second transmission lines 3112, multiple first transmission lines 3111 can be electrically connected to multiple first contacts 411 one by one, and all second transmission lines 3112 can be electrically connected to second contacts 412 simultaneously.
[0062] As an example, when the filter 4 has eight first contacts 411, one second contact 412, and eight third contacts 421, the number of first transmission lines 3111 is eight, the number of second transmission lines 3112 is one or more, the number of first internal circuits 47 is eight, and the number of second internal circuits 48 is eight. The eight first transmission lines 3111 are electrically connected to the eight first contacts 411 in a one-to-one correspondence, the eight stimulation contacts 11 are electrically connected to the eight third contacts 421 in a one-to-one correspondence, and all second transmission lines 3112 can be electrically connected to the second contacts 412 simultaneously.
[0063] When there are multiple filters 4, the number of filters 4 can be the same as the number of stimulation contacts 11, and multiple filters 4 can be electrically connected to multiple stimulation contacts 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. The number of filters 4 can be the same as the number of first transmission lines 3111, and multiple filters 4 can be electrically connected to multiple first transmission lines 3111 in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0064] Referring to Figure 10, the filter 4 may include a first internal circuit 47 and a second internal circuit 48. One end of the second internal circuit 48 may be electrically connected to the first internal circuit 47, and the other end of the second internal circuit 48 may be electrically connected to the second contact 412. Each filter 4 has one first contact 411, one second contact 412, and one third contact 421. The two ends of the first internal circuit 47 may be electrically connected to the first contact 411 and the third contact 421, respectively. The first internal circuit 47 may be electrically connected to the second contact 412 through the second internal circuit 48.
[0065] When the number of first transmission lines 3111 and the number of second transmission lines 3112 are the same, multiple first transmission lines 3111 can be electrically connected to multiple first contacts 411 in a one-to-one correspondence, and multiple second transmission lines 3112 can be electrically connected to multiple second contacts 412 in a one-to-one correspondence. This facilitates the connection of the first transmission lines 3111 and second transmission lines 3112 with the filter 4, prevents errors in the connection of the first transmission lines 3111 and second transmission lines 3112 with the filter 4, thereby ensuring the accurate transmission of the stimulation signal and avoiding any impact on the treatment effect or even damage to the patient due to incorrect connection of the first transmission lines 3111 and second transmission lines 3112 with the filter 4.
[0066] As an example, when there are eight filters 4, each filter 4 has one first contact 411, one second contact 412, and one third contact 421. There are eight first transmission lines 3111 and eight second transmission lines 3112. The eight first transmission lines 3111 and the eight second transmission lines 3112 are electrically connected to the eight first contacts 411 and the eight second contacts 412 respectively. The eight stimulation contacts 11 are electrically connected to the eight third contacts 421 respectively.
[0067] When there are eight filters 4, each filter 4 has one first contact 411, one second contact 412, and one third contact 421. Each guidewire 31 may include two core wires 311, which include one first transmission line 3111 and one second transmission line 3112. The number of filters 4 is the same as the number of guidewires 31. The eight guidewires 31 can be electrically connected to the eight filters 4 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the eight filters 4 can be electrically connected to the eight stimulation contacts 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. The stimulator can perform electrical stimulation simultaneously through the eight guidewires 31, or it can perform electrical stimulation through a portion of the guidewires 31.
[0068] When there are multiple first transmission lines 3111 and one second transmission line 3112, the multiple first transmission lines 3111 can be electrically connected to multiple first contacts 411 in a one-to-one correspondence, and all second contacts 412 can be electrically connected to the second transmission line 3112. That is, one second transmission line 3112 can be electrically connected to multiple second contacts 412 at the same time. This can reduce the number of second transmission lines 3112, thereby greatly reducing the volume of the electrode wire 100.
[0069] As an example, when there are eight filters 4, each filter 4 has one first contact 411, one second contact 412, and one third contact 421. There are eight first transmission lines 3111 and one second transmission line 3112. The eight first transmission lines 3111 are electrically connected to the eight first contacts 411 respectively, and one second transmission line 3112 is electrically connected to the eight second contacts 412 simultaneously. The eight stimulation contacts 11 are electrically connected to the eight third contacts 421 respectively.
[0070] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the connecting wire 43 is arranged in a straight line. When the spiral electrode wire 100 is in an environment with interference, this can avoid the generation of interference signals on the connecting wire 43, thereby ensuring the stability of the stimulation signal output, improving the MRI compatibility of the electrode wire 100, improving the treatment effect and patient comfort, and especially avoiding abnormal heating of the stimulation contact 11, thereby avoiding damage to the patient, such as avoiding burns to the patient's brain nuclei.
[0071] In some embodiments, the number of core wires 311 in a single conductor wire 31 can exceed two. The number of core wires 311 can be odd or even. Multiple core wires 311 can be divided into two strands, one of which can serve as a first transmission line 3111 and the other as a second transmission line 3112. If the number of core wires 311 is even, multiple core wires 311 can be evenly divided into two strands, one of which can serve as a first transmission line 3111 and the other as a second transmission line 3112. Furthermore, multiple core wires 311 are of the same specification, such as having the same material and size. This allows the impedance of the first transmission line 3111 and the second transmission line 3112 to be matched, further improving the NMR compatibility of the electrode conductor 100.
[0072] When the same guidewire 31 includes multiple first transmission lines 3111, the two ends of the multiple first transmission lines 3111 can be electrically connected to the same connecting contact point 21 and the same stimulation contact point 11, respectively. This can prevent the stimulation signal from failing to be transmitted due to the breakage of some of the first transmission lines 3111, thus improving the stability of the stimulation signal transmission by the first transmission lines 3111. When the same guidewire 31 includes multiple second transmission lines 3112, the multiple second transmission lines 3112 are configured to transmit the same interference signal. This can also prevent the interference signal from failing to be transmitted due to the breakage of some of the second transmission lines 3112, thus improving the stability of the interference signal transmission by the second transmission lines 3112.
[0073] Each third contact 421 can be electrically connected to one or more connecting wires 43, that is, each third contact 421 is electrically connected to a stimulation contact 11 through one or more connecting wires 43. When each third contact 421 is electrically connected to a stimulation contact 11 through multiple connecting wires 43, it can prevent the stimulation signal from failing to be transmitted due to the breakage of some connecting wires 43, thereby improving the stability of the stimulation signal transmission by the connecting wires 43.
[0074] As an example, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the filter 4 may be provided with one or more inductor coils 44. The inductor coil 44 is connected in series with the first internal circuit 47 between the first contact 411 and the third contact 421, so that the inductor coil 44 is connected in series with the first transmission line 3111. The inductor coil 44 can prevent interference signals from entering the stimulation segment 1. In this way, the interference signals generated in the circuit cannot enter the stimulation segment 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the stimulation signal output, improving the MRI compatibility of the electrode wire 100, improving the treatment effect and patient comfort, and especially preventing abnormal heating of the stimulation contact 11, thereby avoiding damage to the patient, such as avoiding burns to the patient's brain nuclei.
[0075] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the filter 4 may also include one or more capacitors 45. The capacitors 45 can be placed on the second internal circuit 48. The capacitors 45 can be connected in parallel with the first transmission line 3111 and in series with the second transmission line 3112. The capacitors 45 can prevent interference signals generated on the constant interference signal transmission line, especially DC current, from being conducted to the first transmission line 3111, thereby reducing the burden on the filter 4 and improving the anti-interference capability of the filter 4.
[0076] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the filter 4 may also include one or more diodes 46. The diodes 46 can be placed on the second internal circuit 48 and between the capacitor 45 and the first transmission line 3111. Interference signals on the first transmission line 3111 can enter the second transmission line 3112 through the diodes 46, while interference signals on the second transmission line 3112 cannot enter the first transmission line 3111 through the diodes 46. This reduces interference signals on the stimulation circuit, thereby ensuring the stability of the stimulation signal output, improving the MRI compatibility of the electrode lead 100, and enhancing the treatment effect and patient comfort.
[0077] In one embodiment, the consumption module 5 can be a connection block 51, which is configured to electrically connect the second transmission line 3112 to the stimulator and can transmit interference signals to the stimulator.
[0078] The consumption module 5 can also be a load, which is set to convert the interference signal into heat. For example, the load is a resistor, which can dissipate the interference signal in the form of heat.
[0079] As an example, referring to Figure 4, the connecting block 51 can be made of metal, and the cross-section of the connecting block 51 along the axial direction of the electrode wire 100 can be T-shaped. When the consumption module 5 is the connecting block 51, the connecting block 51 can include a first part 511 and a second part 512, which can be connected to each other. The first part 511 of the connecting block 51 can be circular, and the first part 511 can be located at the end of the connecting segment 2 away from the middle segment 3.
[0080] The first portion 511 can be electrically connected to the ground terminal of the stimulator, and the first portion 511 can be electrically connected to the ground terminal on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the stimulator. The ground terminal of the stimulator can be located on the PCB of the stimulator. In some embodiments, the first portion 511 can be electrically connected to an extension wire, and the first portion 511 can be electrically connected to the ground terminal on the PCB of the stimulator through the extension wire.
[0081] The first part 511 can also be electrically connected to the stimulator's converter to convert the interference signal into a current for charging the stimulator; that is, the converter can convert the interference signal into a current for charging the stimulator. The stimulator's converter can be mounted on the stimulator's PCB board. In some embodiments, the first part 511 can be electrically connected to the converter on the stimulator's PCB board via an extension wire.
[0082] The electrode wire 100 can be cylindrical in shape. An accommodating space 6 extending axially along the electrode wire 100 can be formed inside the electrode wire 100. The second part 512 can be disposed within the accommodating space 6, i.e., the second part 512 can be inserted into the accommodating space 6. The second part 512 can be electrically connected to the second transmission line 3112. The second transmission line 3112 can be electrically connected to the second part 512 by welding, for example, by laser welding or resistance welding. Of course, the second transmission line 3112 can also be electrically connected to the second part 512 by other methods, such as winding or clamping.
[0083] This application also provides a neurostimulation system, which may include a stimulator and an electrode lead 100 as described in any of the above claims. One end of the electrode lead 100 may be implanted in a patient's body, and at least a portion of the stimulation segment 1 of the electrode lead 100 may be implanted in the patient's body. The other end of the electrode lead 100 may be electrically connected to the stimulator, and the connection segment 2 of the electrode lead 100 may be electrically connected to the stimulator. That is, the consumable module 5 of the electrode lead 100 may be electrically connected to the stimulator. The stimulator may be a pulse generator, which transmits stimulation signals to the patient's affected area through the electrode lead 100, and the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 provides electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area.
[0084] The neurostimulation system may also include extension leads, and the consumption module 5 of the electrode lead 100 can be electrically connected to the stimulator via the extension leads. In this application, the connection block 51 can be electrically connected to the stimulator via the extension leads, and the second transmission line 3112 can transmit the interference signal to the extension leads via the connection block 51. The extension leads can transmit the interference signal to the stimulator's PCB board. The stimulator's PCB board may be provided with a ground terminal, and the first part 511 of the connection block 51 can be electrically connected to the ground terminal on the stimulator's PCB board via the extension leads. The stimulator's PCB board may also be provided with a converter, which can convert the interference signal into current for charging the stimulator. The first part 511 of the connection block 51 can be electrically connected to the converter on the stimulator's PCB board via the extension leads.
[0085] One end of the extension wire can also be electrically connected to the connection contact 21 of the connection segment 2 of the electrode wire 100, and the other end of the extension wire can be electrically connected to the stimulator. The extension wire can transmit the stimulation signal of the stimulator to the connection contact 21 of the connection segment 2. The connection contact 21 of the connection segment 2 transmits the stimulation signal through the filter 4 to the stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 via the first transmission line 3111. The stimulation contact 11 of the stimulation segment 1 provides electrical stimulation to the patient's affected area.
Claims
1. An electrode wire, comprising a stimulation segment (1) configured to provide electrical stimulation, a connection segment (2) electrically connected to a stimulator, and an intermediate segment (3) connecting the stimulation segment (1) and the connection segment (2), wherein the stimulation segment (1) includes at least one stimulation contact (11) and at least one filter (4), one end of the filter (4) being electrically connected to at least one stimulation contact (11), the intermediate segment (3) including a plurality of core wires (311), each core wire (311) including at least one first transmission line (3111) configured to transmit stimulation signals and at least one second transmission line (3112) configured to transmit interference signals, and the connection segment (2) including at least one connecting contact (21) and a consumption module (5); One end of the first transmission line (3111) is electrically connected to the connection contact (21) of the connection segment (2), and the other end of the first transmission line (3111) is electrically connected to the filter (4). One end of the second transmission line (3112) is electrically connected to the consumption module (3112), and the other end of the second transmission line (3112) is electrically connected to the filter (4).
2. The electrode wire according to claim 1, wherein, The filter (4) has a first end (41) and a second end (42) disposed opposite to each other. The first end (41) of the filter (4) has a first contact (411) and a second contact (412). The first contact (411) is electrically connected to the first transmission line (3111), and the second contact (412) is electrically connected to the second transmission line (3112). The second end (42) of the filter (4) has a third contact (421), and the third contact (421) is electrically connected to the stimulation contact (11) of the stimulation segment (1). The filter (4) further includes at least one first internal circuit (47) and at least one second internal circuit (48), the first contact (411) and the third contact (421) are electrically connected through the first internal circuit (47), and the first internal circuit (47) is electrically connected to the second contact (412) through the second internal circuit (48).
3. The electrode wire according to claim 2, wherein, The number of filters (4) is one, the number of the first internal circuit (47) and the number of the first contact (411) are the same as the number of the first transmission line (3111), the number of the second contact (412) is one, and the number of the third contact (421) is the same as the number of the stimulation contact (11).
4. The electrode wire according to claim 3, wherein, When there are multiple first internal circuits (47) and multiple second internal circuits (48), the multiple first internal circuits (47) are independent of each other, one end of the multiple second internal circuits (48) is electrically connected to the multiple first internal circuits (47) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the other end of all the second internal circuits (48) is electrically connected to the second contact (412).
5. The electrode wire according to claim 4, wherein, There are multiple first transmission lines (3111) and one second transmission line (3112). The multiple first transmission lines (3111) are electrically connected to multiple first contacts (411) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second transmission line (3112) is electrically connected to the second contact (412).
6. The electrode wire according to claim 4, wherein, There are multiple first transmission lines (3111) and multiple second transmission lines (3112). Multiple first transmission lines (3111) are electrically connected to multiple first contacts (411) in a one-to-one correspondence. All second transmission lines (3112) are electrically connected to the second contacts (412) at the same time.
7. The electrode wire according to claim 2, wherein, The number of filters (4) is multiple, and the number of filters (4) is the same as the number of stimulation contacts (11). Multiple filters (4) are electrically connected to multiple stimulation contacts (11) in a one-to-one correspondence. The number of filters (4) is the same as the number of first transmission lines (3111), and the plurality of filters (4) are electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission lines (3111) in a one-to-one correspondence.
8. The electrode wire according to claim 7, wherein, The filter (4) includes a first internal circuit (47) and a second internal circuit (48), one end of the second internal circuit (48) being electrically connected to the first internal circuit (47), and the other end of the second internal circuit (48) being electrically connected to the second contact (412).
9. The electrode wire according to claim 8, wherein, When the number of the first transmission lines (3111) and the number of the second transmission lines (3112) are the same, the plurality of first transmission lines (3111) are electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts (411) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the plurality of second transmission lines (3112) are electrically connected to the plurality of second contacts in a one-to-one correspondence.
10. The electrode wire according to claim 8, wherein, When there are multiple first transmission lines (3111) and one second transmission line (3112), the multiple first transmission lines (3111) are electrically connected to multiple first contacts (411) in a one-to-one correspondence, and all second contacts (412) are electrically connected to the second transmission line (3112).
11. The electrode wire according to claim 2, wherein, Meet at least one of the following: The filter (4) is provided with at least one inductor (44), which is connected in series in the first internal circuit (47) between the first contact (411) and the third contact (421) so that the inductor (44) is connected in series with the first transmission line (3111). The filter (4) is provided with at least one capacitor (45), which is disposed on the second internal circuit (48). The capacitor (45) is disposed in parallel with the first transmission line (3111) and in series with the second transmission line (3112). The filter (4) is also provided with at least one diode (46), which is disposed on the second internal circuit (48) and between the capacitor (45) and the first transmission line (3111).
12. The electrode wire according to claim 1, wherein, The consumption module (5) is a connecting block (51), which is configured to electrically connect the second transmission line (3112) to the stimulator; or, The consumption module (5) is a load, and the load is configured to convert the interference signal into heat.
13. The electrode wire according to claim 12, wherein, When the consumption module (5) is a connection block (51), the connection block (51) includes a first part (511) and a second part (512) that are connected to each other. The first part (511) is located at one end of the connection segment (2) away from the middle segment (3). The first part (511) is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the stimulator, or the first part (511) is electrically connected to the converter of the stimulator so that the interference signal is converted into a current for charging the stimulator. The electrode wire is generally cylindrical, and an accommodating space (6) extending along the axial direction of the electrode wire is formed inside the electrode wire. The second part (512) is disposed in the accommodating space (6) and is electrically connected to the second transmission line (3112).
14. The electrode wire according to claim 13, wherein, The second transmission line (3112) is electrically connected to the second part (512) by welding.
15. The electrode wire according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple core wires (311) are twisted together to form at least one guide wire (31). Each core wire (311) includes a conductor (3113) and an insulating layer (3114). The insulating layer (3114) covers the conductor (3113). Each core wire (311) includes at least one conductor (3113). The guide wire (31) also includes an outer sheath (312), which covers the core wire (311).
16. The electrode wire according to claim 15, wherein, The guide wire (31) is spirally wound along the axial direction of the electrode wire; When the number of guide wires (31) is multiple strands, the multiple strands of guide wires (31) are spirally wound in the same spiral direction.
17. A neural stimulation system, comprising: Stimulator; The electrode lead (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein one end of the electrode lead (100) is implanted in the patient's body and the other end of the electrode lead (100) is electrically connected to the stimulator.
18. The neural stimulation system according to claim 17, wherein, The consumable module (5) of the electrode lead (100) is electrically connected to the stimulator; or, The neurostimulation system also includes an extension wire, and the consumption module (5) of the electrode wire (100) is electrically connected to the stimulator through the extension wire.