Lead Adapter for Multi-Vector Pacing Threshold Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern medical leads with up to four electrical contacts pose challenges for existing spring-loaded clips used in connecting Pacing System Analyzers, due to limited spacing between contacts and the need for electrical isolation, making it difficult to test pacing thresholds effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lead adapter with a main body, connector module, and switch assembly that includes actuatable elements to selectively couple adapter contacts to testing device connectors, allowing for testing across multiple vectors, featuring conductive clips and double pole, double throw switches for efficient electrode configuration during pacing threshold testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded clips are used to connect PSA to lead terminal contacts, then connection simplicity is maintained, but the clips become inadequate for modern leads with up to four electrical contacts due to limited spacing and electrical isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter divides the connection task into separate functional modules: a first adapter section with first adapter contacts for the first two terminal contacts, and a second adapter section with second adapter contacts for the second two terminal contacts. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific contact configuration, resolving the contradiction between simple connection and adaptability to modern multi-contact leads.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the PSA conductors and the lead terminal contacts. It provides a bridge that accommodates the limited spacing and electrical isolation requirements of modern leads while maintaining the simplicity of the connection process through standardized adapter interfaces.
2Reliability
If the space between contacts is used as sealing area to ensure electrical isolation, then electrical isolation is improved, but the spacing between contacts becomes insufficient for proper clip engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter separates the electrical isolation function from the mechanical engagement function by providing dedicated sealing structures between the first and second adapter sections. This allows the contacts to be spaced closely for electrical isolation while the adapter's structural design ensures proper mechanical engagement with the PSA clips.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is used in conjunction with a testing device to test pacing thresholds of an implanted lead. A main body of the adapter includes a plurality of adapter contacts that are configured to electrically couple to the plurality of connector contacts. A connector module includes a first port configured to couple to a first testing device connector and a second port configured to couple to a second testing device connector. A switch assembly includes a plurality of actuatable elements each associated with one of the adapter contacts. The actuatable elements are each selectably actuatable between a first state that electrically couples the associated adapter contact to the first port, a second state that electrically couples the associated adapter contact to the second port, and a third state that electrically decouples the associated adapter contact from the first and second ports.