Implantable DC Electrode Assembly for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode assemblies are ineffective in preventing or treating atrial fibrillation, as they do not adequately address the electrical stimulation needs of the heart muscle.
Innovation Solution
An implantable direct-current electrode assembly with a shorter first electrode placed inside the right atrium and a second electrode in the coronary sinus, featuring an isolated anchoring portion that follows the vena cardiaca magna, allowing for a direct-current flow that suppresses or eliminates atrial fibrillation by positioning the electrodes to create a potential difference that modulates cardiomyocyte activity without inducing heart contractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing electrode assemblies are used with standard electrode positioning and configuration, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they are ineffective in preventing or treating atrial fibrillation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a first electrode with introduction portion positioned in the right atrium, a second electrode with introduction portion positioned in the left atrium via coronary sinus, and an isolated anchoring portion. This segmentation allows each electrode to be positioned in specific atrial locations to create effective current pathways for treating atrial fibrillation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If electrodes are positioned to create effective current flow for treating atrial fibrillation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the device requires more complex positioning and anchoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated anchoring portion is designed with pre-formed shapes (such as J-shapes, hooks, or bars) that automatically engage with anatomical structures during insertion. This preliminary configuration of the anchoring mechanism allows the electrodes to be positioned in the correct locations (right atrium and left atrium via coronary sinus) without requiring complex post-insertion adjustment, thereby achieving effective current flow for atrial fibrillation treatment while simplifying the overall positioning operation.
3Reliability
If the second electrode is positioned deep in the coronary sinus to reach the left ventricle apex, then current flow through the ventricle is achieved, but the introduction portion becomes too long and difficult to position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the introduction portion lengthwise to reach the left ventricle apex through the coronary sinus, the invention positions the second electrode's introduction portion in the left atrium and uses the isolated anchoring portion to extend into the coronary sinus and reach the left ventricle apex. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the electrode to achieve effective current flow pathways without requiring an excessively long introduction portion, thereby improving positionability while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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 electrode assembly effectively suppresses or eliminates atrial fibrillation by maintaining a sub-threshold direct-current flow, reversing pathological remodeling and modulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and inflammatory responses, thereby improving heart muscle function.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit is configured to create a potential difference between the two electrodes, extending beyond the two isolated single wire connections, allowing a direct-current to flow between the two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the isolated anchoring portion comprises pre-bent curved structure to be positioned against a plurality of contact points inside the cross-section of the tapering vena cardiaca magna
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
An implantable direct-current electrode assembly (20) has two implantable electrodes (30, 40) and a control unit (50), to which the first (30) and the second (40) electrodes are electrically connected, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to establish a potential difference between the two electrodes (30, 40), so that a direct current can flow (55) between the two electrodes (30, 40). The first electrode (30) is a coil electrode configured to be provided in the right half (12) of the heart (10) having a maximum length that is predetermined by the distance between the entry of the right atrium (14) and the tricuspid valve. The counter-electrode (40) is from the group encompassing a coil electrode (40) configured to be positioned in the coronary sinus at the height of the left atrium (24) or a heart-external coil electrode configured to be attached to the exterior wall (25) of the left atrium (24).