Surface Electrode Insulator Cup for Implantable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices face challenges in securely attaching surface ECG electrodes to their housing, which affects the reliability of cardiac signal detection and transmission, limiting the diagnostic capabilities of implantable medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A securing assembly comprising an insulator cup and a retention bracket is used to connect and support surface electrodes to the housing of implantable medical devices, ensuring secure attachment and preventing electrical shorting, while minimizing patient discomfort and using biostable materials like polyetherimide and thermoplastic polyurethane for the insulator cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surface electrodes are attached to the housing of implantable medical devices, then cardiac signal detection capability is improved, but the reliability of attachment and prevention of electrical shorting become critical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
An insulator cup is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode and the device housing. The insulator cup provides electrical insulation to prevent shorting while mechanically supporting the electrode. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable electrical contact for signal detection while preventing harmful electrical interactions with the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the electrode for signal detection, the insulator cup for electrical isolation, and the retention bracket for mechanical securing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If a securing assembly with insulator cup and retention bracket is used to attach electrodes, then attachment reliability and electrical insulation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator cup and retention bracket are merged into a single integrated securing assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of electrical insulation and secure attachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulator cup uses biostable materials like polyetherimide and thermoplastic polyurethane, then patient comfort and biocompatibility are improved, but manufacturing requirements and material selection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator cup is designed to protrude minimally from the device housing, changing the geometric parameter to reduce patient discomfort. Additionally, specific biostable materials like polyetherimide and thermoplastic polyurethane are selected, which may require specialized manufacturing processes but provide superior biocompatibility and comfort, resolving the contradiction between patient welfare and manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Structures and methods relating to electrodes for incorporation into a feedthrough with a profile adapted for subcutaneous sensing of physiologic and cardiac signals. Electrode assemblies are adapted for integration with feedthroughs and provide reliable insulation from the implantable medical device housing. Various structures and manufacturing processes are implemented to provide a large sensing surface with a low profile. The subcutaneous sensing electrode assembly can provide a leadless sensing system and further enhances installation and follow-up procedures.