Extravascular Undulating Lead for Diverse Cardiac Therapy Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subcutaneous ICD systems have limited therapy vectors due to linear or curvilinear electrode arrays, which restrict the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapy delivery to the heart.
Innovation Solution
An extravascular electrical stimulation lead with an undulating configuration featuring defibrillation electrode segments and pace/sense electrodes, allowing for enhanced therapy vectors and improved delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear or curvilinear electrode arrays are used in subcutaneous ICD systems, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the therapy vectors are limited and the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapy delivery is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transforming the traditional linear electrode array into an undulating, serpentine configuration. This curved path allows the electrode segments to follow a more complex spatial trajectory, increasing the number of therapy vectors available for electrical stimulation delivery to the heart while maintaining a single continuous lead structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The undulating configuration introduces additional spatial dimensions to the electrode arrangement. Instead of electrodes being arranged in a simple line or curve within a single plane, the serpentine pattern creates a three-dimensional distribution of electrode segments, enabling stimulation from multiple angles and directions without requiring multiple separate leads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate leads are used to provide diverse therapy vectors, then the adaptability and versatility of electrical stimulation delivery is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of implantation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single integrated lead. The undulating configuration allows multiple electrode segments to be housed within one lead body, combining what would traditionally require several separate leads into a single implantable device. This reduces the number of implantation steps while maintaining diverse therapy vector capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single undulating lead performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices. It provides both defibrillation capability through the electrode segments and pacing/sensing capability through the intermediate electrode, making the lead universal and multi-functional while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes an implantable medical electrical lead and an ICD system utilizing the lead. The lead includes a lead body defining a proximal end and a distal portion, wherein at least a part of the distal portion of the lead body defines an undulating configuration. The lead includes a defibrillation electrode that includes a plurality of defibrillation electrode segments disposed along the undulating configuration spaced apart from one another by a distance. The lead also includes at least one electrode disposed between adjacent sections of the plurality of defibrillation sections. The at least one electrode is configured to deliver a pacing pulse to the heart and/or sense cardiac electrical activity of the heart.