Angled Header Implantable Medical Device for Cardiac Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in reaching and effectively fixing to difficult-to-access areas within the heart, such as the triangle of Koch, due to limitations in catheter delivery systems and electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of IMDs with angled headers and fixation mechanisms, including tines, that allow for precise placement and fixation within the heart, combined with a delivery catheter system featuring an angled distal end, enables targeted delivery and secure anchoring of the device to cardiac tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the header is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, then the device can reach difficult-to-access areas within the heart, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is disposed at an angle (e.g., 15-45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing, creating an asymmetric geometry that enables the device to navigate difficult-to-access areas within the heart such as the triangle of Koch, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fixation mechanism is advanced into tissue to secure the device, then the stability of the device improves, but the force required for implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism includes a curved portion that allows the tines to flex and engage with heart tissue more effectively, reducing the force required for implantation while maintaining stable fixation once deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism features movable tines that can deflect and adapt to the tissue geometry during implantation, allowing the device to secure itself with minimal insertion force while achieving stable anchoring in the heart tissue
3Measurement precision
If the electrodes are configured to engage with the septum at an angle, then the targeting precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are configured at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, matching the angled header orientation, which provides precise targeting of the septum and triangle of Koch region without requiring complex multi-electrode arrays or adjustable positioning mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an implantable medical device (IMD) includes a housing defined in part by a longitudinal axis, a header at a distal end of the housing, the header defining a header plane, the header plane disposed at an angle relative to a reference plane, where the reference plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a fixation mechanism extending from the header, the fixation mechanism configured to be advanced into tissue of a heart of a patient to fix at least a portion of the IMD to the heart, one or more electrodes that extend from the header and are configured to engage with the septum, and circuitry within the housing, wherein the circuitry is configured to deliver cardiac pacing to the heart via the one or more electrodes.