Adjustable Brain Stimulation Lead Structure for Precise Electrode Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional leads for deep brain stimulation are difficult to accurately match the electrode contact points and positions to individual patient's unique targets due to fixed sizes and positions, leading to inconsistent therapeutic effects.

Innovation Solution

A lead structure with adjustable electrode contact points and positions, featuring a lead case with movable conductive and support plates, and a plate key system for external control, allowing precise adjustment of stimulation positions and intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional leads with fixed electrode contact points are used, then the lead structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrode position cannot be adjusted to match individual patient targets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of electrode contact pointsVSAvoidlead structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed electrode contact points into movable components. The lead case includes a cavity with movable contact points that can be adjusted along guide rails or tracks, allowing the electrode positions to be dynamically changed after implantation to match individual patient targets while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lead structure into separable components: the lead body, the lead case, the movable contact points, and the electrode wires. This segmentation allows the contact points to be independently adjusted without complicating the entire lead structure, as each component can be manufactured and assembled separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional leads with fixed electrode positions are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but sufficient micro-electrical stimulation cannot be made to correct targets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of electrode contact point positioningVSAvoidease of lead assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the electrode wires and lead case components during manufacturing, while leaving the final contact point positions to be adjusted after implantation. The guide rails and movable contact points are pre-installed in the lead case, allowing precise positioning to be achieved through simple post-implantation adjustment rather than complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses guide rails or tracks as intermediary elements between the fixed lead case and the movable contact points. These intermediaries enable precise positioning of the contact points after implantation while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the guide rails provide a simple mechanical guidance system that requires minimal adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the lead is inserted into the body with fixed electrode positions, then the implantation process is straightforward, but the clinical course may differ for each patient depending on lead position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of lead implantationVSAvoidreliability of therapeutic effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the electrode contact points to be adjusted after implantation. The lead can be inserted with the movable contact points in placeholder positions, and then the contact points can be dynamically repositioned along the guide rails to match the specific clinical needs of each patient, ensuring reliable therapeutic effect while maintaining ease of implantation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the position of the movable contact points to be monitored and adjusted based on patient response. The system can detect whether the current contact point positions are producing the desired therapeutic effect and allow for adjustments accordingly, improving reliability while maintaining simple implantation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and customizable electrical stimulation delivery to specific brain regions, improving therapeutic efficacy by aligning electrode positions and contact points with individual patient needs.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive plate configured to apply electrical stimulation to body organs... a signal line configured to interconnect the first electrode and the second electrode and transmit the electrical stimulation received by the second electrode to the first electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12616830B2Lead structure for applying electrical stimulation to body organ, and electrode system using same
Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SAMSUNG LIFE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUND
  • US12616830B2 patent drawing
  • US12616830B2 patent drawing
  • US12616830B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lead structure includes a lead having an electrode wire having one end provided as an insertion portion to be inserted into a body and the other end provided as an interface portion for connection with an external device, a first electrode in the insertion portion to transmit electrical stimulation to body organs, a second electrode on the interface portion to receive electrical stimulation applied from outside, and a signal line configured to interconnect the first electrode and the second electrode and transmit the electrical stimulation received by the second electrode to the first electrode; and a lead case configured to surround the lead, and a conductive plate configured to apply electrical stimulation to body organs and a support plate configured to provide electrical stimulation from the first electrode to the conductive plate by contacting the first electrode.