Implant Adapter for Baroreflex Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable baroreflex therapy systems face challenges in performing a cost- and time-effective mapping procedure during the implantation of baroreflex activation devices, particularly due to the need for specialized equipment and the risk of infection associated with creating a pocket in the patient's chest for the implantable pulse generator.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a control system within an implantable housing, an electrical lead, a monopolar electrode, and an implant adapter with a reference element, allowing for a mapping procedure to be conducted without fully implanting the housing, using a temporary reference element and adapter to determine the suitable implant location for the electrode, and then securing it before fully implanting the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the implantable pulse generator housing is fully implanted to perform mapping procedure, then the mapping can be conducted with the actual device, but the risk of infection increases and procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping accuracyVSAvoidinfection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate components: a temporary reference element that can be implanted without the pulse generator housing, and the actual pulse generator housing. This segmentation allows the mapping procedure to be performed with only the essential reference element implanted, reducing infection risk while maintaining mapping accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temporary reference element is implanted and used for mapping procedures before the actual pulse generator housing is implanted. This preliminary action allows all positioning and optimization to be completed with minimal implantation, reducing the window of vulnerability to infection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for mapping procedure, then mapping precision can be improved, but procedure cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidprocedure cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The temporary reference element serves multiple functions: it acts as a reference for mapping, provides electrical connection, and enables the use of existing pulse generator hardware for mapping procedures. This self-service approach eliminates the need for specialized mapping equipment, reducing procedure costs while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the electrode is positioned without preliminary mapping, then procedure time is reduced, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure speedVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mapping procedure is performed as a preliminary step using the temporary reference element before final implantation. This allows optimal electrode positioning to be established in advance, ensuring energy-efficient operation and extended battery life without compromising procedure speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11458304B2Adapter for connection to pulse generator
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 CVRX INC
  • US11458304B2 patent drawing
  • US11458304B2 patent drawing
  • US11458304B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention generally pertain to devices and methods for use in conjunction with implanting a baroreflex therapy system which includes an implantable pulse generator and associated circuitry contained within a hermetically sealed housing, an elongate flexible electrical lead connectable to the housing, and a monopolar electrode structure coupled with the electrical lead. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for a mapping procedure to be conducted as part of the implant procedure prior to fully implanting the baroreflex therapy system.