Implantable Lead Electrode Assembly Helical Conductor Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical electrical lead electrode assemblies face challenges in ease of assembly, strain relief, stylet passage, and electrical isolation, particularly when implanted along curved paths or subjected to cyclical loading.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features a core member with longitudinally extending channels around a central lumen, where conductors are routed along helical paths for strain relief and electrical junctions are formed by swaging conductive sleeves around conductor ends and welding them to electrodes, with insulative spacers and a tubular sidewall for additional support and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductors are routed along helical paths around a central lumen, then strain relief is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by routing conductors along helical paths around a central lumen instead of straight lines. This helical configuration provides strain relief by distributing mechanical stress along the curved path, preventing conductor failure during cyclical loading while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple conductors within individual channels of a core member structure. Each conductor is nested within its own channel that follows a helical path, allowing independent strain relief for each conductor while maintaining organized routing and electrical isolation.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrode junctions are wedged within channels of core members, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming channels within the core member structure before conductor installation. These pre-formed channels guide and position conductors and electrode junctions during assembly, reducing the precision required during final assembly while ensuring proper alignment and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the core member with its integrated channels as an intermediary structure. The channels serve as mediators that facilitate the assembly of conductors and electrodes by providing predetermined pathways and positioning features, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining manufacturing precision through the structured intermediate component.
3Reliability
If insulative spacers and tubular sidewalls are added for electrical isolation, then electrical isolation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the core member structure. The core member simultaneously provides mechanical support, defines helical channels for conductor routing, and incorporates insulative properties to prevent electrical interference between adjacent conductors. This integration reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing electrical isolation specifically where needed between adjacent conductors in the helical arrangement. Insulative spacers are placed at critical locations between conductors, and the core member material itself provides localized insulation, ensuring electrical isolation only in the regions where conductors are in proximity rather than throughout the entire device.
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 design enhances ease of assembly, provides effective strain relief, facilitates stylet passage and steering, and ensures electrical isolation between conductors, improving the performance and reliability of implantable medical electrical leads.
Implementation Method 1
The junction, in some embodiments, may be formed by a conductive sleeve swaged around a distal end of the first conductor, and a weld joint formed between the inner surface of the first electrode and the swaged conductive sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
The junction, in some embodiments, may be formed by a conductive sleeve swaged around a distal end of the first conductor, and a weld joint formed between the inner surface of the first electrode and the swaged conductive sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical electrical lead includes an electrode assembly in which an electrical junction between a first conductor and an inner surface of a first electrode of the assembly is wedged within a first channel of at least one core member of the assembly, around which the first electrode extends. The at least one core member is formed from an insulating material, and the first channel may be one of a plurality of longitudinally extending channels arrayed around a circumference of a central lumen of the assembly, which is defined by the at least one core member. The first conductor extends along a length of the assembly, for example, defined between the first electrode and a second electrode thereof, in a helical path that travels around the central lumen.