Directional Shield for Subcutaneous ICD Electrode Energy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) systems face challenges in reducing size due to high power and voltage requirements for defibrillation therapy, leading to the need for multiple batteries and capacitors, which limits device compactness and increases implantation complexity.

Innovation Solution

The development of new lead designs, including a shield attached to an electrical lead with wings that extend laterally to direct energy away from the shield, and alternative electrode configurations, such as coil electrodes with varying pitches, to enhance energy delivery and reduce the defibrillation threshold, allowing for a smaller device profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If three high power capacitors and three batteries are used to deliver 80 Joules of energy, then sufficient defibrillation energy is provided, but device size increases and implantation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefibrillation energy deliveryVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the electrode system by introducing a directional shield that modifies the electric field distribution. This allows for more efficient energy delivery with potentially lower total energy requirements, reducing the power demands on batteries and capacitors, thereby enabling smaller device components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is segmented into a directional configuration with a shield that has wings extending laterally. This segmentation creates focused energy delivery zones, improving energy efficiency and potentially reducing the total energy capacity needed in the power supply components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If three high power capacitors and three batteries are used to deliver 80 Joules of energy, then sufficient defibrillation energy is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefibrillation energy deliveryVSAvoidimplantation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrode and shield into a single integrated assembly that can be implanted as one unit. This combination simplifies the implantation procedure by reducing the number of separate components that need to be positioned and connected, while still providing enhanced energy delivery capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional electrode designs are used, then implantation is straightforward, but energy delivery efficiency is limited and device size cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation easeVSAvoidenergy delivery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry through the directional shield with wings that extend laterally in specific directions. This asymmetric configuration optimizes energy delivery toward the heart while shielding other areas, improving energy efficiency without significantly complicating the implantation procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11235145B2Directional subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator electrode

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

Implantable device systems include an electrical lead with one or more electrodes and a shield. The shield is attached to the electrical lead with the shield covering a first side of the electrode and extending laterally away from the electrode. The shield directs energy from at least one of the electrodes of the the electrical lead in a direction away from the shield.