Ceramic Implant Housing With Co-Fired Electrodes for Compact Leadless AIMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leadless implantable medical devices with metallic housings face challenges due to the large space consumption by stimulation and sensing electrodes, interference with communication and charging signals, and the need for hermetic sealing, which complicates the device design and increases its size.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ceramic housing with superficial electrodes and conductive pathways formed by co-firing platinum-containing paste in vias, eliminating the need for additional insulation and reducing the space required for electrodes, while allowing internal placement of communication and charging antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic housing is used to support stimulation and sensing electrodes, then the electrodes can be hermetically sealed and electrically isolated, but the device occupies a relatively large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing structure with the electrode support function by forming electrodes directly on the ceramic housing surface. The ceramic material serves dual purposes as both the structural housing and the electrical insulator, eliminating the need for separate electrode support structures and hermetic sealing components. This integration significantly reduces the overall device volume while maintaining electrode hermeticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ceramic material as the housing substance, which combines electrical insulation properties with structural integrity and hermetic sealing capabilities. The ceramic housing eliminates the need for metallic housings and separate insulation layers, providing a compact yet reliable structure that maintains electrode isolation while minimizing device size.
2Strength
If a metallic housing is used, then the structure provides mechanical strength, but it interferes with two-way communication and charging signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the housing from metallic to ceramic. This material substitution fundamentally alters the electrical properties of the housing, transforming it from a signal-interfering conductive material to a signal-transparent insulating material. The ceramic housing maintains mechanical strength while eliminating electromagnetic interference with communication and charging signals.
3Reliability
If additional insulation structures are added to isolate electrodes from the metallic housing, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate insulation structures by making the housing itself electrically insulative through the use of ceramic material. The housing simultaneously provides structural support, electrical insulation, and hermetic sealing functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrode isolation.
4Reliability
If hermetic sealing features are included for electrodes, then electrode isolation is ensured, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates hermetic sealing functionality into the ceramic housing material itself. The ceramic structure provides inherent hermetic properties without requiring additional sealing components or complex assembly processes. electrodes are formed directly on the ceramic surface, and the ceramic material's natural density and structure provide hermetic sealing, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring electrode isolation.
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 design minimizes the device's size, reduces manufacturing complexity, and enhances compatibility with external communication and charging signals, facilitating easier implantation and reducing patient trauma.
Implementation Method 1
As an inherently electrically insulative material, the ceramic material forming the housing electrically isolates the electrodes from each other
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes may be connected to the PCB assembly by electrically conductive pathways comprising a via extending through the housing and containing a platinum-containing paste that is co-sintered with the housing when in a green-state
Data Source
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AI summary
An active implantable medical device (AIMD) has an alumina housing supporting at least two electrodes. A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly resides inside the housing. Two sintered platinum-containing pathways extend through the housing thickness from the electrodes supported on the housing body fluid side surface to a housing device side surface. A device side end of each of the two platinum-containing pathways is in electrical continuity with an electrical contact supported on the PCB to energize the electrodes for providing stimulation therapy to a patient or for sensing biological signals from the patient.