Conductor Segmentation for MRI RF Heating Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems are incompatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to radiofrequency (RF) pulses causing unwanted heating and tissue damage, as well as premature failure of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method involving a conductor-separating element with ablation windows to expose conductive cores, allowing for insulation removal and reducing RF irradiation effects by configuring conductors into units with overlapping segments to form multi-coil regions, which are electrically continuous and coiled around a conductor placement sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems are used, then therapeutic function is provided, but MRI compatibility is lost due to RF-induced heating and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple overlapping segments that are coiled to form multi-coil regions. This segmentation breaks the continuous conductor into discrete units, reducing the antenna effect and RF-induced heating while maintaining electrical connectivity through the overlapping segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is configured from a linear arrangement into a three-dimensional coiled structure with overlapping segments. This dimensional transformation creates multi-coil regions that reduce RF irradiation effects by distributing the electromagnetic field interaction across multiple loops and orientations.
2Reliability
If conductor insulation is removed to expose conductive cores, then electrical connectivity is improved, but conductor vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor-separating element is positioned and configured before the insulation removal process. This preliminary action establishes the spatial arrangement of conductors and defines the exact regions where insulation will be removed, ensuring that only necessary portions are exposed while maintaining conductor protection elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor insulation is selectively removed only in specific regions where electrical connectivity is required, while insulation is maintained in other regions to protect the conductor. This local quality approach ensures electrical functionality is provided exactly where needed without unnecessarily exposing the conductor to damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductors are configured into multi-coil regions with overlapping segments, then RF irradiation effects are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor-separating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the conductors in the correct spatial arrangement, defines the regions for insulation removal, and provides structural support for the coiled configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 enhances the compatibility of implantable electrical stimulation systems with MRI by minimizing RF-induced heating and tissue damage, while maintaining electrical connectivity and reducing the risk of premature component failure.
Implementation Method 1
Insulation from the portion of the at least one conductor extending across the ablation window is ablated to expose a portion of the conductive core of the elongated conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a lead or lead extension includes forming an arrangement of elongated conductors. Each of the conductors extends from a proximal end of the arrangement to a distal end of the arrangement. Each of the conductors includes a layer of insulation disposed over a conductive core. A conductor-separating element is disposed over either the proximal end or the distal end of the arrangement. The conductor-separating element includes a plurality of ablation windows defined in a body. An end of at least one of the elongated conductors is radially extended over a portion of the conductor-separating element such that a portion of the at least one elongated conductor extends across at least one of the ablation windows. Insulation from the portion of the at least one conductor extending across the ablation window is ablated to expose a portion of the conductive core of the elongated conductor.