Electrode Lead Tissue Anchor Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electronic stimulator devices face challenges in securely anchoring electrodes to internal tissue without damaging the tissue during implantation, preventing migration of devices, and ensuring easy removal without causing significant tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode lead with a tubular body, a rotatable member, a deployable member with a tissue anchor, and a deployment mechanism that allows the anchor to be deployed into the tissue using a mesh structure that expands for secure ingrowth, preventing rotation of the deployable member relative to the lead body, facilitating secure anchoring and easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tissue anchor is used to secure electrodes to internal tissue, then the stability and prevention of migration is improved, but the risk of tissue damage during implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be deployed in a telescoping manner, allowing the anchor to expand from a compact implantable form factor into a larger anchoring configuration within the tissue, thereby reducing insertion trauma while maintaining anchoring strength
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor transitions from a static structure to a dynamic deployment mechanism that can expand and lock into place. The telescoping struts allow the anchor to adapt its size and configuration during deployment, enabling secure anchoring while minimizing tissue damage during insertion
2Reliability
If a deployable mesh anchor is used to prevent migration, then the security of electrode placement is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh anchor is nested within the lead body or delivery catheter during implantation. The telescoping struts are contained within the lead body until deployment, where they expand to form the mesh anchor structure, thereby achieving secure anchoring without requiring a complex external anchor system
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism utilizes the rotation of the lead body itself to drive the telescoping struts outward, converting rotational motion into linear expansion of the mesh anchor. This self-driven deployment eliminates the need for separate actuators or complex mechanical systems
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable member is used to drive the deployable member, then the ease of deployment is improved, but the risk of rotation-induced tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A deployment member or drive shaft acts as an intermediary between the rotatable lead body and the telescoping struts. This intermediary component transmits rotational motion to linear motion for strut expansion, while protecting the tissue from direct rotational contact and enabling controlled deployment
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 solution effectively secures electrodes to the target tissue, prevents migration, minimizes tissue damage during implantation, and allows for easy removal without causing significant harm, enhancing the stability and longevity of the implantable electronic stimulator devices.
Implementation Method 1
The deployment mechanism is configured to drive the deployable member along a central axis and out the distal end of the tubular lead body responsive to rotation of the rotatable member about the central axis
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode lead comprises a tubular lead body, an electrode supported by the lead body, a rotatable member, a deployable member and a deployment mechanism. The rotatable member is contained within a distal end of the tubular lead body. The deployable member is attached to the rotatable member and comprises a tissue anchor. The deployment mechanism is configured to drive the deployable member along a central axis and out the distal end of the tubular lead body responsive to rotation of the rotatable member about the central axis. In one embodiment, the deployable member does not rotate about the central axis with the rotation of the rotatable member.