Implantable Interface for Selective Therapy Element Interconnectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical systems require major surgical procedures to reposition or replace therapy elements, such as electrodes or catheters, due to migration, malfunction, or changes in the target site, which is invasive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An implantable interface system that allows for the flexible selection and re-programmable interconnectivity of a surplus of therapy elements, enabling the use of an optimal subset without the need for additional surgeries, by providing robust electrical connections and adjustable fluid delivery through a bi-directional interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of therapy elements are implanted to provide flexibility in treatment configuration, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and implantation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the therapy element array into multiple independently controllable groups or contacts, allowing selective activation of subsets. This segmentation enables flexible treatment configurations by combining different subsets while keeping the overall system manageable through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to serve multiple therapeutic purposes through a single implant. The system can deliver different stimulation patterns, target different brain regions, and adapt to various neurological conditions using the same set of therapy elements, reducing the need for multiple separate implants.
2Reliability
If therapy elements are repositioned or replaced due to migration or malfunction, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the need for additional surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow the therapy element array to be reprogrammed and reassigned in response to migration or malfunction. The connective tissue interface enables flexible electrical connections that can be modified to compensate for element displacement, maintaining treatment effectiveness without requiring physical repositioning or replacement surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as electrode polarity, stimulation intensity, and active element selection to compensate for element migration or failure. By adjusting these parameters through software reconfiguration, the system maintains effective treatment delivery without requiring additional surgical intervention to replace or reposition physical components.
3Area of stationary object
If the device size is increased to accommodate more therapy elements, then the available treatment area is improved, but the implantability and ergonomics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested or layered architecture where multiple therapy elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The connective tissue interface allows for dense packing of electrical contacts while maintaining biocompatibility and flexibility, enabling a large number of therapy elements to be integrated within a small implantable form factor that preserves ease of implantation.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable interface system for a medical device system providing selective interconnectivity between conduits and therapy elements. The interface system contains connecting elements that each provide a robust connection between a selected conduit and a selected therapy element. The interface system enables the use of a surplus of therapy elements so that treatment to the same site (in the case of electrode migration or failure), or to different sites but within the spatial domain of the interface's elements may be delivered through the spare/excess therapy elements without the need for additional major surgical procedures.