Implantable Medical Device Lead with Side-Loading Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device (IMD) leads with shocking electrodes for defibrillation therapy are complex to manufacture due to the difficulty in aligning and securing electrical cables within the electrode structure, particularly in forming apertures and routing cables through the electrode.
Innovation Solution
The design features a shocking electrode with an oblong cross-sectional shape and set of grooves along one side to receive a cable assembly, allowing side-loading and securement of cables, and optionally includes a modular base structure with brick segments and support wires for mechanical connection, along with an overmold material for encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical cables are axially loaded into the shocking electrode through openings at the proximal end, then the cables can be connected to the pulse generator, but the alignment and securing of cables becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial cable loading (one-dimensional approach through the proximal end) to lateral cable loading (two-dimensional approach through the side surface). The groove structure on the lateral surface provides a new dimension for cable access, eliminating the need for complex internal routing and alignment through the electrode body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cable loading function from the internal structure of the shocking electrode and relocates it to the external lateral surface. By forming grooves on the side surface, the cable access point is taken out from the complex internal aperture system, simplifying both the manufacturing process and the cable securement procedure.
2Ease of operation
If apertures are formed through side walls for spot-welding cables, then electrical connections can be established, but the routing and access to cables becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the cable access operation from a three-dimensional internal routing task (through apertures in the electrode body) to a two-dimensional surface operation (along grooves on the lateral surface). This dimensional simplification makes cable access and welding operations significantly easier while reducing routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are pre-formed on the lateral surface of the shocking electrode before cable installation. This preliminary preparation of the loading surface provides guided pathways for cables, making the subsequent cable routing and welding operations straightforward and accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead of an implantable medical device (IMD) includes a shocking electrode configured to deliver high-voltage shocks for defibrillation therapy. The shocking electrode includes a base structure that has an oblong cross-sectional shape with a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. The base structure has a set of grooves defined along the first side. The grooves in the set are configured to receive a cable assembly that is placed into the grooves in a side-loading direction.