Brain Electrode Lead Anchoring via Elastic Septum Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring devices for brain leads in implantable medical systems often result in electrode dislodgement due to friction issues during insertion, leading to clinical complications and patient discomfort from the added thickness of the device on the cranium.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an anchoring ring with a septum that has a slit to allow the brain lead to pass through, secured to the cranium with a burr hole, utilizing elastic material for secure anchoring and minimizing protrusion, preventing lead movement and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug and socket anchoring device is used to secure the brain lead, then the lead can be anchored to the cranium, but the friction force during insertion causes the lead to be dislodged from the desired stimulation site
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is divided into two separate components: a socket that remains in the cranium and a plug that is inserted through the lead. This segmentation allows the lead to be inserted through the plug without experiencing friction resistance from a full anchoring structure, thereby preventing dislodgement while maintaining anchoring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is pre-installed in the cranium at the desired stimulation site before the lead insertion. The plug is then inserted through the lead and into the socket, securing the lead in place. This preliminary placement of the socket ensures that the lead is guided to the correct position without friction-induced displacement.
2Reliability
If the top portion of the plug sits over the flange portion of the socket, then the lead is secured, but additional thickness is added to the device causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding top portion of the plug is extracted or trimmed after insertion. This removes the excess thickness that would otherwise sit over the flange portion, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining the securing effectiveness of the anchoring device.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the plug extend over the flange, the design inverts the approach by having the plug insert through the lead and terminate within or at the level of the socket, eliminating the need for the plug to protrude beyond the flange portion.
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
Ensures stable electrode placement at the desired site, reducing dislodgement and patient discomfort by using an elastic septum that clamps the lead in place, maintaining secure anchoring without additional thickness.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the brain lead is immediately clamped by the elastic material of the septum
Implementation Method 2
The friction between the lead body and the elastic material prohibits any movement of the lead
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention discloses a device for anchoring a brain lead, comprising: an anchoring ring comprising a circular base and a flange joining together where the inner walls forms an aperture defining a passage of a lead, and outer walls engages with a burr hole to secure said ring to the cranium; and a septum contained within the aperture of the anchoring ring, comprising a slit in its center to allow the brain lead to pass through. Due to the fact the septum is already placed in the aperture when the trocar is removed from the brain, the body of the brain lead is immediately clamped by the elastic material of the septum while the tip of trocar is removed from the slit of septum. The friction between the lead body and the elastic material prohibits any movement of the lead caused by handling of lead during or after the operation. Thus the desired placement of electrodes inside the brain is ensured in the entire procedures. Moreover, the septum is contained within the aperture and the top of the septum is below the flange portion of the ring, therefore the device is less protruding comparing with the prior art, thereby causes less discomfort to the patient.