Expandable Ring Electrodes for Cardiac Pacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pacemaker leads face challenges such as dislodgment, inadequate anchoring in vascular structures, interference with tricuspid valve function, and inefficient myocardial stimulation, particularly in right ventricular apical pacing, which can lead to heart failure and increased mortality.

Innovation Solution

A pacemaker lead system featuring expandable and collapsible ring electrodes that conform to vascular structures, allowing for secure endothelialization and efficient stimulation, along with a wireless generator capable of detecting and inducing electrical and mechanical cardiac action using piezoelectric elements and a curved shape for optimal signal transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional pacemaker leads are used with rigid electrode structures, then the lead can be implanted, but the electrode cannot conform to vascular structures resulting in poor contact and inadequate anchoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode conformability to vascular structuresVSAvoidelectrode contact stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure transitions from rigid to dynamic/collapsible design. The ring electrode can collapse to a compressed state for insertion through veins and expand to a larger diameter at the target site to conform to vascular structures and ensure stable contact with the endocardium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is divided into multiple ring segments that can independently collapse and expand. This segmentation allows each ring to conform to the curvature of the vascular structure while maintaining overall structural integrity and contact stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonding is used to connect lead components, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing time increases and bond strength decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing cure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding mechanism is replaced with a mechanical interference fit between the lead sleeve and ring electrode. The compressed ring electrode expands against the lead sleeve with sufficient friction to secure the connection, eliminating the need for adhesive curing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If right ventricular apical pacing is used, then pacing can be achieved, but tricuspid valve function is interfered with and cardiac function deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacing capabilityVSAvoidtricuspid valve interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode positioning is optimized to target specific locations on the endocardium that provide effective pacing while avoiding interference with the tricuspid valve. The ring electrode can be positioned at multiple locations around the ventricular apex, allowing selection of optimal sites that preserve valve function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pacing approach transitions from a single apical point to a distributed ring electrode configuration. This dimensional change allows current to be delivered through multiple contact points around the ventricular apex, providing more uniform stimulation while avoiding the tricuspid valve area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If single chamber pacing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but biventricular coordination and cardiac function improvement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacing chamber configurationVSAvoidcardiac function improvement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring electrode configuration enables the device to perform multiple pacing functions simultaneously - it can pace the right ventricle, left ventricle, and atrium through different contact points on the endocardium. This multi-functionality allows biventricular coordination without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides stable and efficient pacing with reduced energy consumption, minimizing the risk of clot formation and improving cardiac function by ensuring closer electrode contact with a larger surface area, while allowing for simultaneous pacing of both ventricles and homogeneous electric field defibrillation.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless generator capable of detecting and inducing electrical and mechanical cardiac action using piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

expandable and collapsible ring electrodes that conform to vascular structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9289593B1Endovascular electrode system for tissue stimulation

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 PHYSICIAN ELECTRONIC NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

An electrical lead system includes a shaft to which a series of expandable ring electrodes are attached that follows the contour of the vascular or muscular structures of the heart, such as cardiac veins, arteries, atrial appendages and trabeculae, and provides sensing of electrical cardiac impulses, pacing and high voltage shock or defibrillation. The lead system uses a variety of energy sources to stimulate the heart, such as ultrasound, electromagnetic and electric impulses.