Directional Lead Assembly with Retention Ledges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical leads used in neuromodulation therapies do not provide a uniform longitudinal distribution of charge while allowing for directional stimulation with large electrode surface area, making it difficult to predict the electrical field generated, and directional electrodes can detach from the lead body during implantation due to their partial design.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical lead with a cylindrical body featuring a combination of directional and unitary electrodes, where the unitary electrodes have exposed portions aligned longitudinally with the directional electrodes, and retention ledges or features to securely attach the electrodes to the lead body, ensuring they remain in place during implantation and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional electrodes are used to provide directional stimulation with large electrode surface area, then stimulation precision is improved, but charge distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple directional electrodes (first through fourth directional electrodes) arranged around the lead body circumference. Each electrode can be independently controlled to provide directional stimulation to specific neural targets while maintaining overall charge distribution uniformity through coordinated activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lead body are assigned different electrode configurations - directional electrodes for precise local stimulation and band electrodes for broader coverage. The local quality of charge distribution is optimized by matching electrode type to specific stimulation requirements at different locations along the lead.
2Use of energy by moving object
If directional electrodes are used to reduce power requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but electrode detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system combines directional electrodes (extending 30-270 degrees) with band electrodes (extending substantially around the entire periphery). This segmentation allows directional electrodes to provide focused stimulation with lower power requirements while band electrodes serve as retention anchors and fall-back options.
Solution Approach 2:
Band electrodes are positioned to provide beforehand cushioning and retention support for directional electrodes during implantation and use. The band electrodes act as a stabilizing foundation that prevents directional electrodes from detaching, cushioning against mechanical stresses during the procedure.
3Reliability
If band electrodes encircle the lead body to prevent detachment, then electrode retention is improved, but longitudinal charge distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lead body is divided into zones with different electrode types - band electrodes at specific locations for retention and charge distribution, and directional electrodes for focused stimulation. Each zone is optimized for its specific function, with band electrodes providing longitudinal charge distribution uniformity where needed and directional electrodes providing precision stimulation where required.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as retention ledges to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of manufacturing leads and methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the nervous system are also provided.