Segmented Electrode Lead Tip for Sheath Navigation and Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode leads face challenges in advancing through delivery sheaths due to stiffness or flexibility issues, leading to damage and procedural difficulties during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment electrode lead tip structure comprising a stiff first support member, a bendable flexible transition member, and a stiff second support member, with an actuation and electrical connection member, allowing for controlled bending and twist resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electrode lead tip structure is designed to be stiff, then it can effectively transfer torque and resist deformation, but it encounters significant resistance when advanced through the delivery sheath and may cause damage to the electrode lead
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead tip structure is divided into multiple segments with different mechanical properties: a proximal stiff portion for torque transfer, a flexible intermediate portion for navigation through the delivery sheath, and a distal fixation portion for helical anchoring. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode lead tip structure are assigned different local mechanical qualities - the proximal portion is made stiff for effective torque transfer from the operator's hand, while the intermediate portion is made flexible to navigate the curved path through the delivery sheath, and the distal portion is designed for active helical fixation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall stiffness and local flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode lead tip structure is designed to be freely flexible, then it can easily pass through the delivery sheath, but it experiences deformation and fails to effectively transfer torque
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into distinct functional zones where the intermediate portion provides flexibility for delivery sheath passage while the proximal portion maintains stiffness for torque transfer. The segmented design ensures that flexibility is localized only where needed for navigation, while torque transfer capability is preserved in the proximal section.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode lead tip structure employs local quality differentiation where the intermediate portion is specifically designed with flexible material properties to ease passage through the delivery sheath, while the proximal portion maintains stiff material properties to ensure effective torque transfer. This localized approach allows the structure to exhibit both flexibility and stiffness in different regions simultaneously.
3Strength
If the electrode lead tip structure is long and stiff, then it provides structural support, but it is unbendable and difficult to advance through the delivery sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The long electrode lead tip structure is segmented into multiple portions with different mechanical characteristics. The proximal segment provides structural support and stiffness, the intermediate segment provides bendability for navigation, and the distal segment provides fixation capability. This segmentation allows the overall structure to be long and supportive while having localized bendable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode lead tip structure applies local quality principles by making only the intermediate portion flexible and bendable, while maintaining stiffness in the proximal and distal portions. This allows the structure to provide overall structural support while having specific localized regions that can bend to navigate the delivery sheath.
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
Facilitates easier advancement through delivery sheaths, reducing procedure time, minimizing damage, and enhancing procedural success.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible transition member is configured to be bendable under the action of an external force applied thereto and able to restore its original shape after the external force is removed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrode lead tip structure, an electrode lead and an electrode lead conveying system. The electrode lead tip structure includes a first support member, a flexible transition member, a second support member, a fixation member and an actuation and electrical connection member. The first support member, the flexible transition member, the second support member and the fixation member are connected in sequence in a direction, in which the electrode lead tip structure extends from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and together define a cavity. The actuation and electrical connection member is at least partially received in the cavity, and the flexible transition member is configured to be bendable under the action of an external force applied thereto and able to restore its original shape after the external force is removed. According to the present invention, the electrode lead tip structure can be manipulated by an operator to be more easily advanced through a delivery sheath, reducing the time required to complete a surgical procedure, lowering the risk of patient infection, enabling the procedure to proceed smoothly and improving the success rate of surgery.