Flexible Paddle Electrode Array for Neurostimulation Leads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paddle leads for neurostimulation are rigid, leading to potential trauma in the epidural space due to reduced flexibility, which compromises electrode coverage and stability during implantation and use.

Innovation Solution

A flexible paddle electrode array design featuring segmented electrodes with living hinges and staggered nonflexible and flexible electrodes, allowing for flexibility while maintaining contact with patient tissue, thereby reducing rigidity and minimizing trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional rigid paddle leads are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates causing trauma in the epidural space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtrauma in epidural space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle lead incorporates a flexible substrate that allows the electrode array to bend and conform to the contours of the epidural space, eliminating trauma caused by rigid structures while maintaining electrode stability and contact with neural tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid paddle leads are used, then electrode positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to epidural space contours deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode positioning stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to epidural space contours

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate enables the electrode array to adapt to the complex three-dimensional contours of the epidural space, improving adaptability while the electrode array design maintains stable positioning through controlled flexibility and anchor points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The paddle lead transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adjust its shape to match the epidural space contours, allowing the electrode array to conform while maintaining stable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flexible electrode array is used, then flexibility is improved reducing trauma, but electrode coverage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrauma reductionVSAvoidelectrode coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate allows the electrode array to conform to the epidural space surface area, effectively increasing the contact area and coverage by adapting to the anatomical contours rather than maintaining a fixed rigid geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible electrode array transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional conformal structure that wraps around the epidural space, significantly increasing the effective electrode coverage area through spatial adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11964148B2Implantable lead with flexible paddle electrode array

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.