Interlacing Hook Pacemaker Electrode Fixator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fixing pacemaker electrodes using sutures are time-consuming, prone to slippage, can damage the electrode, and are labor-intensive for repositioning or removal.

Innovation Solution

A wire fixing device with an electrode fixator featuring interlacing hooks and a hinged clamping mechanism that securely clips the electrode without the need for sutures, allowing for easy detachment and re-implantation, and includes a soft lining for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suture is used to fix the electrode, then the electrode can be fixed, but it is time and labor consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode fixation stabilityVSAvoidfixation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the suture from the fixation system entirely, replacing it with a clamping mechanism that directly secures the electrode to the pacemaker body, eliminating the time-consuming suturing process while maintaining fixation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual suturing mechanical system with an automated or semi-automated clamping mechanism that uses spring force and mechanical interlocking to secure the electrode, significantly reducing the time and labor required for fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a suture is used to fix the electrode, then the electrode can be fixed, but the suture slips easily and the electrode may shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode fixation stabilityVSAvoidfixation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or rounded clamping surfaces that conform to the electrode geometry, creating a friction-based grip that prevents slippage and shifting, unlike linear sutures that can easily slide along the electrode surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism uses composite structural elements combining different materials with complementary properties (e.g., friction-enhancing surfaces, elastic components, and rigid locking elements) to create a multi-mode fixation system that resists slippage from multiple physical mechanisms simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If an excessively tight ligation is used with a suture, then the electrode can be fixed firmly, but it may damage the electrode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode fixation stabilityVSAvoidelectrode damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses spring-loaded clamping elements where the clamping force is automatically regulated by the spring constant and compression distance, providing consistent optimal pressure that secures the electrode without exceeding damage thresholds, eliminating the risk of excessive tightness inherent in manual suturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism incorporates cushioning elements or compliant materials between the clamping surfaces and the electrode to distribute and limit the clamping force, preventing concentrated stress that could damage the electrode while maintaining sufficient overall fixation strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a suture is used to fix the electrode, then the electrode can be fixed, but it is even more time and labor consuming to remove the suture and stitch again if the electrode needs to be moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode repositioning capabilityVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed as a dynamic system that can be quickly released and re-applied, allowing the electrode to be easily repositioned by simply opening the clamp, moving the electrode, and closing the clamp again, without the complex removal and re-suturing required by traditional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides a secure, quick, and non-damaging fixation of pacemaker electrodes with reduced labor and risk of slippage, facilitating efficient repositioning and removal.

Implementation Method 1

the clamp hinge connector is an elastic hinge with two statuses, open and closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10773078B2Wire fixing device for pacemaker electrode

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 WUXI PEOPLES HOSPITAL

AI summary

Provided is a wire fixing device for a cardiac pacemaker electrodes, including: an electrode fixator having an electrode clamping component, first hooks and second hooks; the electrode clamping component includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece that are semicircular cylindrical, the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are connected by a clamp hinge connector, and a circular tube is formed when the electrode clamping component is closed; first hooks are provided on the back of the first clamping piece, second hooks are provided on the back of the second clamping piece, and hook tips of the first and second hooks are all bent towards a rotation direction of the electrode clamping component during closing; and the first and second hooks can be interlaced with each other when the electrode clamping component is closed, and can be separated when the electrode clamping component is open.