Dual-Helix Cardiac Electrode Positioning for Insertion Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in precisely positioning electrodes within the heart tissue, particularly in controlling the depth of insertion and orientation of electrodes for effective pacing and sensing.

Innovation Solution

The implantable medical device employs a primary and secondary helix mechanism that allows for controlled insertion and withdrawal of electrodes by rotating the device in specific directions, enabling precise positioning of electrodes within the heart tissue based on the direction and amount of rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional electrode positioning methods are used, then electrode placement can be achieved, but precise control of insertion depth and orientation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode insertion depth controlVSAvoidelectrode positioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The helix mechanism transforms rotational motion into linear insertion motion, allowing dynamic control of electrode depth. The helix angle and pitch can be adjusted to control the rate and depth of insertion, providing precise positioning capability while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler helical mechanism that uses rotational motion to achieve linear insertion. This substitution reduces the complexity of the positioning system while improving precision through the geometric relationship between helix parameters and insertion depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed electrode positioning is used, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to different target locations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The helix mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability where the electrode depth can be adjusted by varying the rotation angle. This dynamic adjustment allows the same device structure to adapt to different target locations and insertion depths without requiring complex variable geometry mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the helix geometry (such as helix angle and pitch) to control insertion characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the device can be optimized for different target locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual electrode placement is used, then device complexity is low, but positioning precision and consistency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode depth measurement controlVSAvoidpositioning control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The helical mechanism replaces manual linear insertion control with rotational motion control. The geometric relationship between the helix and rotational angle provides a direct, measurable, and consistent control method for insertion depth, improving precision while adding only minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The helix mechanism provides inherent feedback through the geometric relationship between rotation angle and insertion depth. The rotational position can be measured and used to determine the exact depth of insertion, providing consistent and measurable positioning control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 mechanism allows clinicians to control the depth and orientation of electrodes within the heart tissue, enhancing the effectiveness of pacing signals and sensing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The primary helix is configured to travel into the tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in a first rotational direction and withdraw from the tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20250387629A1Implantable medical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

An implantable medical device (IMD) configured to position within a heart of a patient. The IMD may include a primary helix supporting a first electrode and a secondary helix supporting a second electrode. The primary helix is configured to travel into a tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in a first rotational direction and withdraw from the tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The secondary helix is configured to travel into the tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in the second rotational direction and withdraw from the tissue wall when the IMD is rotated in the first rotational direction. In examples, the IMD includes a support member configured to assist the secondary helix in penetrating the tissue wall when the IMD rotates in the second rotational direction.