Flying Lead Electrode for Intraoperative Neural Stimulator Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, such as neural stimulators, are limited to a single function due to fixed electrode configurations, which can lead to redundancy and inefficiency in performing multiple therapeutic roles.
Innovation Solution
A flying lead electrode with an attachable portion that can be customized to suit different anatomical locations and functions, allowing for flexible adaptation during surgery by attaching various shapes and sizes of electrodes to the lead tip or along its length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed electrode configuration is used in implantable medical devices, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device can only perform a single function leading to redundancy and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electrode lead system with a standardized connector that can accept multiple different electrode attachments (e.g., coil electrodes, figure-of-eight electrodes, patch electrodes). This allows a single lead to perform multiple therapeutic functions across different anatomical locations without requiring separate dedicated leads for each function, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is divided into two separable components: a reusable lead with connector and disposable or interchangeable electrode attachments. This segmentation allows the lead infrastructure to remain simple while the functional electrode portion can be changed to suit different therapeutic needs, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized electrodes are provided for different functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple specialized leads for different functions, the patent provides a single universal lead that can accommodate various electrode attachments. This reduces the total number of components needed in the system while maintaining the ability to perform multiple functions by simply changing the electrode attachment rather than the entire lead assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the common infrastructure (lead, connector, implantation mechanism) into a single reusable component, while only the functional electrode portion varies. This consolidation reduces redundancy in the system by eliminating duplicate lead structures that would otherwise be needed for different electrode types.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom electrodes are designed for specific anatomical locations, then treatment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system so that only the attachment portion needs to be precisely manufactured for specific anatomical configurations, while the lead itself uses standardized, easier-to-manufacture components. This allows precise electrode designs to be produced as separate attachments that can be mass-produced using simpler processes, then assembled to the standardized lead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise anatomical fitting by allowing changes in electrode parameters (shape, size, configuration) at the attachment level rather than requiring custom manufacturing of entire leads. This standardization of the lead interface with variation only in electrode parameters simplifies manufacturing while maintaining anatomical precision.
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
Enables the neural stimulator to perform multiple therapeutic functions by allowing surgeons to repurpose the device during implantation, reducing redundancy and enhancing versatility without requiring new systems, thus optimizing surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a flying lead electrode, comprising a lead for passing electric current to a location on or within a person's anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
A neural stimulator, suitable for implanting in a recipient, and having a flying lead with a configurable electrode. A benefit is an intra-operative ability to adjust the connection between the lead and an anatomically correct electrode, which obviates the need to manufacture multiple different configurations of implant to suit different placements of flying lead electrode.