Coil Electrode Fitting with Threaded Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable lead technologies face challenges in securely and efficiently connecting coil electrodes to tubular fittings, which is crucial for delivering defibrillation therapy to the heart, as they often require exposed portions for welding and may not provide adequate protection against tissue adhesion.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tubular fitting with a lumen and threading that corresponds to the helical pattern of the coil electrode's filars, along with a polymer sleeve that extends over the coil electrode, provides a secure mechanical and electrical connection while allowing for the delivery of defibrillation therapy through its porous structure, preventing tissue ingrowth and ensuring the entire coil electrode is covered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the coil electrode is connected to the tubular fitting using existing welding methods, then electrical connection is achieved, but exposed portions are required which may not provide adequate protection against tissue adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The coil electrode is nested within the tubular fitting, with the distal end of the coil electrode positioned inside the lumen of the tubular fitting. This nesting configuration allows the tubular fitting to completely cover the coil electrode, eliminating exposed portions that could adhere to tissue, while the threading mechanism provides secure mechanical and electrical connection without requiring additional welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular fitting acts as an intermediary component between the coil electrode and the external environment. It provides both mechanical support and electrical conductivity while completely enclosing the coil electrode to prevent tissue adhesion. The threading on the tubular fitting engages with the helical pattern of the coil electrode filars to establish both mechanical and electrical connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire coil electrode is covered to prevent tissue adhesion, then protection is improved, but mechanical connection and electrical conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular fitting possesses local qualities that enable it to simultaneously provide protection and ensure reliable connection. The fitting is electrically conductive to ensure electrical connectivity with the coil electrode, yet it is porous to allow delivery of defibrillation therapy. The threading portion provides mechanical engagement while the distal portion provides complete coverage for preventing tissue adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular fitting is formed from an electrically conductive metal material that also possesses porous properties. This composite characteristic allows the fitting to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity for signal transmission, mechanical strength for secure connection through threading engagement, and porosity for allowing delivery of defibrillation therapy while maintaining complete coverage of the coil electrode.
3Productivity
If a porous polymer sleeve is used to allow therapy delivery, then therapy delivery is improved, but mechanical strength and structural integrity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer sleeve is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a porous material that allows delivery of defibrillation therapy through its wall structure. The porosity enables electrical energy to pass through the sleeve to reach the tissue while the expanded PTFE structure maintains sufficient mechanical strength and structural integrity to protect the coil electrode and maintain the lead's overall strength.
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 configuration ensures a reliable and efficient connection of the coil electrode to the tubular fitting, allowing for effective defibrillation therapy delivery while preventing tissue adhesion and ensuring the entire coil electrode is protected, enhancing the stability and functionality of the implantable lead.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the lumen having threading that corresponds to the pitch of the one or more filars, the tubular fitting electrically connecting the conductor to the coil electrode, wherein one of the proximal end or the distal end of the coil electrode is within the lumen of the tubular fitting and the coil electrode is mechanically connected to the tubular fitting by interaction between the threading of the lumen and the one or more filars
Implementation Method 2
a polymer sleeve having a wall, the polymer sleeve extending over the coil electrode, the wall of the polymer sleeve configured to allow the delivery of the defibrillation therapy through the wall
Implementation Method 3
the wall of the polymer sleeve pinched between the threading of the lumen and the one or more filars to mechanically couple the polymer sleeve to the tubular fitting
Implementation Method 4
the wall of the polymer sleeve pinched between the threading of the lumen and the one or more filars to mechanically couple the polymer sleeve to the tubular fitting
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments concern an implantable lead having a coil electrode, configured to deliver defibrillation therapy, made from filars wound in a helical pattern to have a pitch. An end of the coil electrode can be received within a lumen of a tubular fitting, the lumen having threading that corresponds to the pitch of the filars. A wall of a polymer sleeve extending over the coil electrode can be pinched between the threading of the lumen and the filars to mechanically couple the polymer sleeve to the tubular fitting. The polymer sleeve can be porous to permit delivery of the defibrillation through the wall to tissue. Reception of the polymer sleeve within the lumen of the tubular fitting can allow the entire coil electrode to be within the polymer sleeve to prevent direct contact between tissue and the coil electrode.