Expandable Electrode Designs for Subcutaneous Defibrillator Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) systems require high power and voltage for defibrillation therapy, leading to larger device sizes due to the need for multiple batteries and capacitors, and there is a need for improved lead and electrode designs and implantation tools to enhance implantation success and reduce defibrillation thresholds.
Innovation Solution
The development of new lead and electrode designs with increased surface area and adjustable configurations, such as expandable coil electrodes and printed circuit electrodes, along with advanced tunneling tools like inflatable and split sheath tools, to optimize therapy delivery and reduce device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power and voltage are used for defibrillation therapy, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but device size increases due to multiple batteries and capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is nested within a delivery catheter during implantation. The electrode can be collapsed into a compact form within the catheter and then expanded to its functional configuration after deployment, allowing the delivery system to be smaller while the functional electrode maintains its required size for effective therapy
2Reliability
If electrode surface area is increased, then defibrillation threshold is reduced, but lead size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode transitions from a collapsed low-profile configuration during delivery to an expanded functional configuration after implantation. This dynamic transformation allows the electrode to achieve large surface area for low defibrillation thresholds while maintaining a compact delivery profile that simplifies the lead design and implantation process
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple batteries and capacitors are used to supply energy, then energy availability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is pre-loaded with high-capacity energy storage elements (batteries and capacitors) within the delivery catheter before implantation. This preliminary configuration allows the system to deliver high energy for defibrillation therapy while keeping the energy storage components integrated and compact, reducing overall device weight compared to traditional multi-component configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) comprising shocking electrodes configured to reduce the defibrillation threshold. The S-ICD may include a canister housing a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses heart rhythms and an electrode and lead assembly. The electrode and lead assembly may comprise a lead, at least one sensing electrode, and at least one shocking electrode. The at least one shocking electrode may extend over a length in the range of 50 to 110 millimeters and a width in the range of 1 to 40 millimeters.