Implantation Catheter Clamping Device for Electrode Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantation catheters face challenges in securely fixing electrodes within tissue without causing dislocation or increasing the stimulation threshold, due to issues with torsional stiffness, counter torque, and contact pressure.

Innovation Solution

The implantation catheter features a clamping device that restricts rotational movement of the electrode body while allowing the helical coil to rotate, ensuring secure fixation and preventing undesired torque, thereby enhancing contact pressure and reducing dislocation risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electrode is designed to be torsion resistant, then the electrode body will not co-rotate with the helix upon fixing, but the electrode becomes constructively demanding and the risk of tissue perforation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional stiffnessVSAvoidtissue perforation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into functionally independent segments: the electrode body and the helical coil. The clamping device selectively restricts rotation of the electrode body while allowing the helical coil to rotate independently for tissue engagement. This segmentation allows the electrode body to remain flexible (reducing perforation risk) while the helical coil provides the necessary rotational capability for secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the electrode body is not constructed in a torsional stiff manner, then the counter torque develops only by twisting the electrode body, but the helix may not expand sufficiently to overcome friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode flexibilityVSAvoidcounter torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational function is extracted from the electrode body and assigned to the helical coil. The clamping device prevents the electrode body from rotating, allowing the helical coil to rotate independently and generate the necessary counter torque for expansion without requiring the electrode body to be torsionally stiff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If additional rotations are stored within the electrode body to compensate for co-rotation, then the helix can be fixed, but the stored rotations are released after implantation causing dislocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidelectrode stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static rotation-restriction approach to a dynamic selective restriction approach. The clamping device is activated during implantation to restrict electrode body rotation, allowing the helical coil to rotate and fixate. After implantation, the clamping device is deactivated, maintaining electrode body flexibility without storing harmful rotations that could cause dislocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If the electrode is pushed forward for applying contact pressure, then fixation is improved, but the implantation catheter is pushed back over the stiff area causing lateral sidestepping and bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pressureVSAvoidimplantation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is activated in advance before pushing the electrode forward. This preliminary action restricts electrode body rotation and provides stable support during the subsequent pushing operation, allowing contact pressure to be applied without the implantation catheter being pushed back or causing lateral sidestepping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enables faster and more reliable electrode fixation, reduces the risk of dislocation, and maintains effective contact pressure, even in harder tissue structures, thus improving the overall implantation process.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping device is designed for limiting a rotational movement of an electrode body of an electrode, which is present inside the electrode lumen in the clamping state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4566655A1Implantation catheter for implanting an electrode

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an implantation catheter (1) for implanting an electrode (12) comprising an electrode body (16) and a helical coil (13) configured to engage with tissue (15) at a location of interest, the helical coil (13) being arranged inside the electrode body (16) and being movable with respect to the electrode body (16) between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the implantation catheter (1) comprises a catheter body (2) defining an electrode lumen (201) in its interior. In an aspect, the implantation catheter (1) further comprises a clamping device (10; 17) arranged in a distal portion (9) of the electrode lumen (201) and a clamping device operating arrangement (6; 18; 20) for transferring the clamping device (10; 17) between a non-clamping state and a clamping state, wherein the clamping device (10; 17) serves, in its clamping state, for limiting a rotational movement of an electrode body (16) of an electrode (12) arranged inside the electrode lumen (201).