Lead with Integrated Electrodes for Cardiac Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subcutaneous defibrillators require higher energy for defibrillation, leading to larger pulse generators and limited utility in bradycardia pacing and anti-tachycardia pacing, necessitating alternative implantable cardiac device placements that optimize pacing and defibrillation electrode locations.
Innovation Solution
An implantable lead with a design where pacing and defibrillation electrodes overlap at least partially at the same longitudinal location, utilizing a coil electrode and ring electrodes, with insulation to ensure electrical isolation, allowing for efficient energy delivery and optimal placement in the internal thoracic vein or mediastinal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subcutaneous defibrillators are used, then lead failure is avoided, but higher energy is required for defibrillation causing larger pulse generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions (pacing, sensing, and defibrillation) into a single lead structure with overlapping electrodes at the same longitudinal location. This integration allows the system to achieve both reliable subcutaneous placement and reduced energy requirements by utilizing the same anatomical space for multiple functions, thereby reducing pulse generator size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional transvenous lead placement to subcutaneous placement, changing the spatial dimension of electrode positioning. By placing electrodes in the subcutaneous space with overlapping longitudinal positions, the system achieves improved reliability while creating new spatial relationships that reduce energy requirements for defibrillation.
2Reliability
If subcutaneous defibrillators are used, then lead failure is avoided, but bradycardia pacing and anti-tachycardia pacing become limited and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pacing and defibrillation electrodes into the same lead structure with overlapping positions. This allows the system to deliver both pacing and defibrillation therapies through a single subcutaneous lead, maintaining reliability while improving patient comfort by eliminating the need for separate leads and reducing the discomfort associated with traditional subcutaneous pacing.
3Volume of stationary object
If pacing and defibrillation electrodes are placed at the same longitudinal location, then device size is reduced, but electrical isolation between electrodes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested electrode configuration where ring electrodes are positioned around a coil electrode at overlapping longitudinal locations. This nesting arrangement allows multiple electrodes to occupy the same space while maintaining electrical isolation through the insulating properties of the ring electrode structure and spacing, thereby reducing device size without compromising isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses insulating materials and structural spacing as intermediaries between overlapping electrodes. The ring electrode structure acts as an intermediary that provides both electrical isolation and mechanical support, enabling close positioning of electrodes while preventing electrical interference between them.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead for use with cardiac stimulus device with at least two electrodes positioned at a single longitudinal location is provided. The electrodes may include a shocking coil electrode and a sensing and/or pacing ring electrode and may be separated by an insulating element. The at least two electrically insulated electrodes may be electrically isolated and serve separate purposes in the device.