Medical Electrode Anchoring via Nested Tubular Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrodes in medical leads can dislodge due to stresses and manipulation within the patient, leading to short circuits, unintended stimulation, and potential tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

The electrode is embedded within the lead using a tubular ring with a void that accepts overmolded material, providing mechanical integration and stability during bending or manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrodes are used in leads, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrodes can dislodge during bending or manipulation within the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is nested within a tubular ring structure that is embedded in the lead body. The ring contains internal features such as ribs or fins that interface with the lead material, creating a nested configuration where the electrode is housed within the ring which is itself integrated into the lead, preventing dislodgment while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is divided into distinct segments: the electrode surface for tissue contact, the tubular ring structure for mechanical support, and internal features such as ribs or fins for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing stable integration within the lead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If electrodes are secured with flanges or flaps, then mechanical attachment is improved, but the electrodes can still become dislodged under stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode attachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular ring structure acts as a flexible shell that can deform with the lead during bending and manipulation while maintaining its confining function. The ring's flexible design allows it to accommodate lead movement without compromising electrode attachment, preventing dislodgment while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to rigid flange structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If electrodes are loosely integrated in the lead, then manufacturing is easier, but the electrodes can short out or stimulate wrong locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration processVSAvoidelectrode positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular ring structure is pre-formed with internal anchoring features such as ribs or fins before electrode assembly. This preliminary preparation of the ring structure ensures that when the electrode is inserted and integrated into the lead, precise positioning and secure attachment are achieved without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments, maintaining both ease of manufacture and positioning precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250135192A1Integrated electrode for medical device

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 GREATBATCH LTD

AI summary

In various examples, an electrode for a medical device is described. The medical device includes a lead. The electrode includes a tubular ring formed from a conductive material. The ring extending around a perimeter of the electrode. The ring defines a void within the ring. The void is configured to accept overmolded material of the lead therein to anchor the electrode within the lead. An electrode surface is associated with the ring. The electrode surface is configured to contact and stimulate tissue of a patient with the lead implanted within the patient.