Implantable Medical Device Electrode Scaffold Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in effectively supporting and positioning electrodes for optimal sensing and communication, leading to inefficiencies in sensing physiological parameters and potential interference from muscle tissue.

Innovation Solution

A scaffold assembly within the IMD's header supports and separates multiple electrodes, with integrated circuitry selecting the most capable electrode for sensing and positioning an antenna to minimize interference, enhancing signal capture and reducing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are placed in the header, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The header is segmented into multiple electrode positions (first electrode and second electrode) arranged on different surfaces of the scaffold assembly. This segmentation allows the device to capture physiological signals from multiple locations simultaneously, improving sensing capability while maintaining organized structural complexity through defined spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffold assembly acts as an intermediary structure that supports and positions multiple electrodes within the header. It provides a framework that organizes the electrodes in specific spatial relationships (opposing surfaces, parallel arrangement), enabling improved sensing while managing the complexity through a standardized supporting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If electrodes are positioned close together, then device size is reduced, but signal interference from muscle tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning electrodes only in a planar arrangement, the scaffold assembly utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by placing electrodes on opposing surfaces of the scaffold. This dimensional approach allows electrodes to be separated in the vertical/z-axis direction while maintaining a compact overall device footprint, thereby reducing muscle tissue interference while keeping the device size small.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffold assembly creates asymmetric positioning of electrodes relative to the header structure, with electrodes placed on opposing surfaces rather than symmetrically on the same plane. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distance between electrodes and surrounding muscle tissue, reducing signal interference while maintaining effective sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20230072666A1Implantable medical device having two electrodes in the header

Publication Date: 2023.03.09 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for supporting components of an implantable medical device. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a first electrode and a second electrode and a scaffold assembly configured to support the first electrode and the second electrode.