Implantable Lead With Nested Lumens for High Electrode Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in increasing electrode numbers without corresponding increases in lead size, which can compromise therapeutic effectiveness and implantability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lead with a central lumen and multiple outer lumens that extend laterally, allowing for an increased number of conductive wires and electrodes without expanding the lead's lateral circumference, and a lead splitter with multiple proximal tails to accommodate additional electrodes compatible with conventional control modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of electrodes on a lead is increased, then stimulation coverage is improved, but the lateral circumference of the lead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive wires are disposed within shared lumens (central lumen and outer lumens) of the lead body, allowing multiple electrodes to be nested within a compact lead structure without increasing lateral circumference. Each lumen can contain one or more conductive wires, enabling high electrode density within a small cross-sectional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead structure transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (electrodes spaced along the circumference) to a three-dimensional arrangement (electrodes distributed within internal lumens extending longitudinally). This allows electrodes to be arranged along the length of the lead rather than around its circumference, increasing electrode count without expanding lateral dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of conductive wires is increased, then electrode capacity is improved, but lead complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive wires are grouped and disposed within shared lumens rather than requiring separate lumens for each wire. This merging approach reduces the total number of lumens needed, simplifying the lead structure while still accommodating a high number of conductive wires and corresponding electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumens serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the lead body, contain and protect multiple conductive wires, and enable the lead to accommodate varying numbers of electrodes. The same lumen structure can hold one or more conductive wires, providing flexibility without increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead assembly includes a lead with a distal end and a proximal end. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end and a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end. The lead also defines at least one central lumen and a plurality of outer lumens. The central and outer lumens extend from the proximal end to the distal end such that the plurality of outer lumens extend laterally from the at least one central lumen. The lead further includes a plurality of conductive wires. Each conductive wire couples at least one of the plurality of electrodes electrically to at least one of the plurality of terminals. At least two conductive wires are disposed in each of the plurality of outer lumens.