Neurostimulation Catheter Outer Conductive Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The permanent incorporation of a metal conductor within a neurostimulation catheter tube leads to bulkiness and complicates the manufacturing process, while removing a metal mandrel after placement can obstruct the lumen.
Innovation Solution
A conductive layer is applied on the outer face of the tube, insulated with a non-conducting cladding, forming rings at the distal and proximal ends for stimulation and connection, respectively, allowing for a clear lumen and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal conductor is permanently incorporated inside the tube, then electrical conduction is achieved, but the catheter becomes bulky and the lumen is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the conductor from the interior of the tube and places it on the exterior surface. The conducting layer is applied on the outer face of the tube wall, eliminating the need for internal placement and preserving the lumen clearance while maintaining electrical conduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is moved from a three-dimensional internal placement to a two-dimensional surface application on the outer face of the tube. This dimensional change allows the conducting layer to be applied as a thin coating rather than a bulky internal component.
2Ease of manufacture
If a metal mandrel is introduced into the lumen to form the conductor, then the conductor can be placed, but the lumen must be cleared after placement which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the mandrel extraction step entirely by applying the conducting layer directly to the outer surface of the tube during manufacturing. No internal mandrel is introduced, so no clearance operation is needed, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting layer is applied in advance during the tube manufacturing process itself, before the catheter is assembled or sterilized. This preliminary application eliminates subsequent steps for mandrel removal and lumen clearance.
3Reliability
If the conductor is placed inside the tube, then electrical connection is achieved, but the catheter structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is extracted from the internal structure and repositioned on the external surface of the tube. This simplifies the overall catheter structure by eliminating internal conductor placement complexity while maintaining electrical connection functionality through the conducting layer on the outer face.
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 provides a non-bulky, effective neurostimulation catheter with a clear lumen and simplified production, enabling precise nerve stimulation without obstructing the catheter's passage or flow rate.
Implementation Method 1
an electric conductor which extends into the length of the tube for conducting an electric stimulation current from one end to the other end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
insulated by a non-conducting cladding applied on the layer
Data Source
AI summary
The conductor is composed of at least one layer (2) of a material (A) that conducts electricity, said layer being applied to the outer face of the lateral wall of the tube (1) and being insulated by a non-conductive sheath (B) applied to the layer, In said conductive layer (2) forming, at the distal end of the tube, a distal ring (4) that matches the shape of the rounded distal end of N the tube and is not covered by the insulating sheath (B) of the layer, so as to form a neurostimulation contact, and said conductive layer (2) forming, at the proximal end of the tube, a proximal ring (3) that is not covered by the insulating sheath (B), so as to form an electrical connection.