External Neurostimulator With Spring Pins for Cable-Free Lead Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological stimulation systems face challenges in accurately positioning implantable leads due to cumbersome and awkward connectors, which can be difficult to manipulate and may break during the post-operative trial period, necessitating improved techniques for connecting implanted leads to external stimulation devices.
Innovation Solution
An external neurostimulator with a housing featuring spring-loaded pins and hinged side doors that securely attach to the proximal end of implantable leads, allowing direct connection without external cables, providing a stable and ergonomic attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external cables with releasable connectors are used to connect the external stimulator to the implantable lead, then the practitioner can adjust the lead position during the post-operative trial period, but the connectors become cumbersome and awkward for the patient, and may inadvertently break due to repeated manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connector functionality directly into the external stimulator housing by incorporating a receiver that directly receives the implantable lead, eliminating the need for separate external cables and connectors. This merging of the stimulator and connector into a single integrated unit resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining lead position adjustability while eliminating the cumbersome and break-prone external connectors that patients had to manipulate during the trial period.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external cables with releasable connectors are used to connect the external stimulator to the implantable lead, then the lead can be disconnected and repositioned, but the repeated manipulation of connectors increases the risk of connector failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector function into the stimulator housing itself, creating an integrated receiver-connector assembly. This eliminates the separate external connectors that were subject to repeated manipulation and potential failure. The lead connects directly to the stimulator housing, maintaining repositioning capability while significantly improving connector reliability by removing the vulnerable external connector components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external cables are used to connect the stimulator to the lead, then the system allows for post-operative trials, but the cables and connectors add complexity and bulk to the external device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external stimulator and the connector/receiver into a single integrated device housed within the stimulator housing. This eliminates the need for separate external cables and connectors, thereby reducing device complexity and bulk while maintaining the full post-operative trial capability. The lead connects directly to the integrated receiver in the stimulator housing, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 precise lead positioning and reduces the risk of connector failure, enhancing patient comfort and ease of use during the post-operative trial period by eliminating the need for cumbersome cables and improving the stability of the lead connection.
Implementation Method 1
The first series of spring-loaded pins and the second series of spring-loaded pins are configured to electrically contact the implantable lead
Data Source
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AI summary
An external neurostimulator includes a housing including a base housing and a top housing, a power source, a pulse generator, and a first and second series of spring-loaded pins electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The top housing includes a central portion, a first side door hingedly coupled to a first side of the central portion, and a second side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the central portion. Each of the first side door and the second side door include a channel formed thereon that is configured to directly receive a proximal end portion of an implantable lead. Each channel includes a series of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed on the first side door and the second side door, respectively. The first and second series of spring-loaded pins extend through the series of longitudinally spaced-apart openings of the channel on the first and second side doors, respectively.