Implantable Lead Wire Routing for Bending Stress Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable leads, particularly those of the DF-4 type, face mechanical stress issues, especially bending stress, which can lead to damage and breakage of the electrically conductive lines at the area where the lead body emerges from the connector member, compromising electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implantable lead features an elongated body with at least one lumen and at least one electrically conductive wire arranged in a configuration that exits and is wound around a predefined portion of the lead body through a through hole, providing enhanced mechanical resistance and durability against bending stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lead body uses a multi-lumen structure with electrically conductive lines arranged in separate lumens, then the electrical connectivity is maintained, but the lead body becomes vulnerable to bending stress and mechanical fatigue at the area emerging from the connector member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lead body into distinct functional zones: a first portion with electrically conductive lines arranged in a first configuration within lumens, and a second portion with the same lines arranged in a second configuration. This segmentation allows different regions to be optimized for different functions - the first portion maintains electrical connectivity while the second portion provides mechanical strength and bending resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different portions of the lead body. The electrically conductive lines are arranged in a first configuration in the first portion (prior to the connector member) and a second configuration in the second portion (emerging from the connector member). This local differentiation ensures that each region has the properties needed for its specific function - electrical connectivity near the connector and mechanical durability at the emerging area.
2Device complexity
If the electrically conductive lines are arranged in a straight configuration within the lead body, then the electrical connectivity is simple, but the lines are susceptible to breakage due to mechanical fatigue from bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic arrangement where the electrically conductive lines transition from a first configuration in the first portion to a second configuration in the second portion. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the lines to adapt their spatial arrangement based on the functional requirements of different lead body sections, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality changes in the arrangement of electrically conductive lines. By transitioning from a first configuration to a second configuration as the lines move through different portions of the lead body, the patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to simultaneously achieve electrical connectivity and mechanical fatigue resistance.
3Ease of operation
If the lead body is designed with a standardized connector interface, then the ease of operation during implantation is improved, but the area emerging from the connector member is subjected to intensive mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a second portion of the lead body with a specific configuration of electrically conductive lines before the connector member area. This pre-configured section acts as a cushioning zone that is specifically designed to withstand and distribute the mechanical stresses that will later be applied to the lead body during implantation and use, protecting the connector interface area from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an implantable lead comprising an elongated lead body having at least one lumen therein and at least one through hole, and at least one electrically conductive wire. For at least one of said at least one lumen, a first through hole extends from an outer surface of the lead body into said lumen, and an electrically conductive wire is arranged in said lumen at least on one side of said first through hole. Furthermore, said electrically conductive wire is further arranged in a configuration exiting the lumen via said first through hole and wound around a predefined portion of the outer surface of the lead body.