Catheter-Based Cardiac Pacing Electrode Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pacemakers face challenges in stable electrode anchoring, septal puncture complications, and limited minimally invasive treatment options for cardiac pacing and resynchronization, which can lead to defects, discomfort, and increased recovery times.

Innovation Solution

The development of cardiac pacing devices with a flange portion design, including pacing electrodes and resynchronization coils, that can be implanted in various heart locations, providing stable anchoring, dual-purpose functionality, and minimally invasive deployment, while minimizing septal puncture risks and facilitating specific conduction system pacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pacemakers use traditional lead-based systems, then electrical pacing function is achieved, but electrode anchoring stability is poor and septal puncture complications occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode anchoring stabilityVSAvoidseptal puncture complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrode from the traditional lead-based system and integrates it directly into a catheter-based delivery system. The pacing electrode is positioned on the catheter shaft or balloon surface, eliminating the need for separate lead wires and septal puncture procedures. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining pacing function while removing the harmful puncture step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the delivery catheter and pacing electrode into a single integrated system. The electrode is either embedded in the catheter shaft or attached to the balloon surface, combining the functions of delivery and electrical stimulation in one device. This merging eliminates the need for separate lead implantation and reduces procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pacemakers use multiple separate leads for resynchronization, then cardiac resynchronization therapy is achieved, but device complexity and procedure invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecardiac resynchronization capabilityVSAvoidnumber of leads and implantation sites

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal catheter-based platform that can deliver both pacing and resynchronization therapies through a single access point. By positioning multiple electrodes along the catheter shaft or on the balloon surface, the system can stimulate different cardiac chambers without requiring separate leads, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple electrodes within a single catheter structure. The electrodes are arranged along the catheter shaft or on the balloon surface in a nested configuration, allowing multiple stimulation sites to be delivered through one catheter. This nesting reduces the number of separate implantation procedures required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional pacemakers require surgical implantation with lead threading, then pacing function is established, but patient discomfort and recovery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacing function establishmentVSAvoidprocedure invasiveness and recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lead threading system with a catheter-based delivery system that can be advanced through vascular access. The electrode is delivered via catheter navigation rather than surgical lead implantation, substituting a less invasive mechanical approach that reduces patient discomfort and recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution enables stable, reliable cardiac pacing and resynchronization with reduced risk of defects, painless defibrillation, and minimally invasive treatment, reducing recovery times and patient discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

The leads carry the pacing pulses from the generator to the myocardium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

one or more resynchronization coils exposed on the inward-facing surface of the first flange portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11697024B2Devices and methods for cardiac pacing and resynchronization

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

Devices and methods can be used for artificial cardiac pacing and/or resynchronization. For example, this document provides improved electrodes for stimulating and sensing electrical activity of the heart, and provides pacing and resynchronization systems incorporating such electrodes. While the devices and methods provided herein are described primarily in the context of pacing, it should be understood that resynchronization can additionally or alternatively be performed in an analogous manner, and that the scope of this disclosure includes such subject matter.