Implantable Electrode Lead DFT Composite Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrode leads face challenges in maintaining low electrical resistance while ensuring bioresistance and avoiding corrosion, which is crucial for effective stimulation and measurement in a corrosive bodily environment.
Innovation Solution
The electrode lead features electrically active regions composed of a Drawn Filled Tube (DFT) structure, combining a bioresistant, high-bioresistance material with a low-electrical-resistance core, such as tantalum, niobium, or gold, to achieve low electrical resistance and high bioresistance, preventing corrosion layer formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cobalt-chrome alloys or platinum-iridium alloys are used for the electrically active region, then bioresistance is improved, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a bioresistant material (such as platinum, iridium, or cobalt-chrome alloy) with a low-electrical-resistance material (such as copper, gold, or silver) in a layered structure. The bioresistant material forms an outer layer or coating that prevents corrosion and provides biocompatibility, while the inner core or substrate is made of low-electrical-resistance material to minimize energy loss. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both material types into a single electrode lead component.
2Reliability
If a corrosion layer forms on the electrode surface, then bioresistance is improved, but electrical resistance increases and energy output increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-coating the electrode surface with a bioresistant material layer before implantation. This protective layer is applied in advance to prevent corrosion during the implantation process and long-term operation, thereby preventing the formation of high-resistance corrosion layers that would increase energy consumption. The preliminary protective coating ensures that the electrode maintains low electrical resistance while providing bioresistance from the outset.
3Reliability
If the electrode lead is made biocompatible with synthetic materials, then bioresistance is improved, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a layered structure where the outer layer is made of biocompatible synthetic material (such as silicone rubber or polyurethane) for insulation and protection, while the inner electrically active region is made of low-electrical-resistance material (such as copper, gold, or silver) for optimal conductivity. This composite construction allows the electrode lead to maintain high electrical conductivity in the active region while providing biocompatibility and insulation through the synthetic material layers.
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 configuration maintains low electrical resistance and high bioresistance, ensuring effective transmission of stimulation pulses and measurement signals without significant degradation or immunological reactions, even in a corrosive environment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically active outer surface that is connectable via the conductor to the electrotherapeutic implantable device
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable electrode lead for stimulation in or on the heart, comprising a body having an insulating and sealing outer surface, at least one electrical connection between an outwardly electrically active region having a connecting unit for the electrical connection to a cardiac pacemaker, cardioverter/defibrillator or other suitable electrically active implantable device, and an active or passive fixation. To reduce the electrical resistance while, at the same time, providing for a long life, the outwardly electrically active regions are manufactured with a component of high bioresistance, biocompatibility and non-toxicity, and a component with low electrical resistance.