Implantable Pulse Generator Feedthru EMI Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current feedthru designs for implantable pulse generators, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, have high material and manufacturing costs due to the use of discoidal filter assemblies and feedthru wires made of expensive materials like platinum iridium, necessitating a cost-effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implantable pulse generator feedthru with an electrically insulating body, a power circuit, and a ground circuit that utilizes off-the-shelf chip capacitors as EMI filters, eliminating the need for expensive feedthru wires and reducing material costs by integrating a compact, low-profile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discoidal filter assemblies and feedthru wires made of platinum iridium are used, then EMI filtering performance is improved, but material cost and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive platinum iridium feedthru wires with cost-effective alternative conductive materials such as gold-plated copper or silver-plated copper wires that maintain adequate electrical conductivity and EMI filtering performance while significantly reducing material costs. The feedthru assembly uses disposable-like replacement strategies where standardized connectors allow for cost-efficient manufacturing and potential replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material parameters of the feedthru wires by changing from precious metal compositions (platinum iridium) to base metal compositions with protective plating (gold-plated copper, silver-plated copper). This parameter change maintains the essential electrical conductivity and EMI shielding functions while dramatically reducing material costs and improving manufacturability.
2Reliability
If expensive feedthru wires and discoidal filter assemblies are used, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedthru assembly into distinct functional components: connector blocks with contact elements, insulating feedthru wires, and filter assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining electrical connection reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal connector blocks and standardized feedthru wire interfaces that can accommodate multiple wire types and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed connections for each application, simplifying the overall feedthru design while ensuring reliable electrical connections across different implantable pulse generator models.
3Reliability
If traditional feedthru designs with discoidal filters are used, then EMI protection is improved, but the size and compactness of the feedthru are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky discoidal filter assemblies with thin-film EMI filtering structures integrated directly into the feedthru wire insulation layer. This thin-film approach provides effective EMI protection while maintaining a compact, space-efficient feedthru design that fits within the constrained geometry of implantable pulse generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the EMI filter functionality within the existing feedthru wire structure by incorporating filtering layers within the insulation coating itself. This nested design eliminates the need for separate external filter assemblies, reducing overall feedthru volume while maintaining EMI protection capabilities.
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
This solution significantly reduces material and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective EMI filtering, allowing for a more compact and efficient feedthru design that can be integrated into various parts of the implantable pulse generator.
Implementation Method 1
a chip capacitor coupled to the body and including a power side electrically coupled to the power circuit and a ground side electrically coupled to the ground circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable pulse generator includes a header, a can and a feedthru. The feedthru is mounted in a wall of the can and includes an electrically insulating core, a PCB, a shield, a chip capacitor, a power circuit and a ground circuit. A first side of the PCB abuts against the core and a second side of the PCB abuts against an edge of the shield. The chip capacitor is mounted on the second side of the PCB. The chip capacitor is enclosed in a volume defined by an interior of the shield and the second side of the PCB. A first electrical contact of the chip capacitor is electrically coupled to the power circuit, and a second electrical contact of the chip capacitor is electrically coupled to the ground circuit.