Lead Anchoring Sleeve for Deep Incision Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for anchoring implantable medical leads and closing incision wounds in patients are inconsistent and difficult, particularly for deep incisions, often requiring delicate suturing procedures that are time-consuming and challenging in moist environments.
Innovation Solution
A lead anchoring system with an anchoring sleeve and engagement mechanism that can transition between expanded and contracted states, allowing simultaneous anchoring and wound closure by engaging with patient tissue, using features like tines, shape-memory alloys, or expanding mechanisms to pull tissue together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional suturing methods are used to close incision wounds, then wound closure can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult particularly for deep incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lead anchoring and wound closure functions into a single integrated device. The anchoring sleeve includes both anchoring features (tines, barbs, or adhesive surfaces) for securing the lead and closure features (clamps, clips, or constricting elements) for closing the incision wound, eliminating the need for separate suturing procedures and reducing overall procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the lead to the tissue, constricts the incision wound to promote healing, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate devices (lead anchor and sutures) with a single universal device that performs both anchoring and wound closure
2Reliability
If delicate suturing procedures are performed in moist environments, then wound closure is achieved, but the difficulty and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring sleeve is designed to self-constrict the incision wound through its inherent elastic properties or shape memory alloy characteristics. The device automatically closes the wound by returning to its original configuration after lead insertion, eliminating the need for manual suturing operations in the challenging moist environment and providing consistent, reliable wound closure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical suturing process with a simpler elastic constricting mechanism. The anchoring sleeve uses elastic recovery or shape memory effects to automatically close the wound, substituting the delicate hand-sewing operation with a self-actuating mechanical system that is easier to operate and more reliable in moist conditions
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
Facilitates stable anchoring of medical leads and efficient wound closure, reducing the need for complex suturing and providing consistent, safer results by simplifying the implantation procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The anchoring sleeve may include an engagement mechanism configurable between an expanded state and a contracted state... when the engagement mechanism transitions from the expanded state to the contracted state, pulling patient tissue together, thereby assisting closure of the incision
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of tines may include one or more shape-memory alloy features... transitioning from the constrained state to the unconstrained state causes the plurality of tines to engage with the patient tissue... pulling the patient tissue inward towards the anchoring sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples a medical device system includes an implantable medical lead configured to be delivered through an incision site on a body of a patient and an anchoring sleeve surrounding a portion of the lead and including an engagement mechanism configured to: engage with patient tissue at the incision site; and assist closure of an incision in the patient tissue at the incision site.