Neurological Stimulation Lead Anchor with Movable Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lead anchors for neurological stimulation systems can negatively impact lead performance and reliability by allowing the lead body to slide or change position, reducing the accuracy of stimulation and limiting therapy effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of lead anchors with a retainer that releasably attaches the lead to the anchor, allowing for secure fixation and repositioning, along with a longitudinally extending anchor body and suture grooves for attachment to the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing lead anchors are used to secure the lead, then the lead is fixed in position, but the lead can slide or change position relative to the treatment area, reducing therapy accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The lead anchor incorporates a movable retainer that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the lead to be securely fixed during therapy while enabling repositioning when needed. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both stable fixation and positioning adjustability through the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead anchor is divided into distinct functional components: an anchor body for tissue engagement and a separate retainer for lead retention. This segmentation allows each component to independently fulfill its function - the anchor body provides stable fixation while the retainer controls lead positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If the lead is securely fixed to prevent movement, then therapy accuracy is maintained, but the lead cannot be repositioned if a different position is needed for more effective therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with movable components that allow it to switch between a locked state (providing stable fixation) and an unlocked state (enabling repositioning). This dynamic behavior allows the same device to provide both position stability and repositionability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead anchor is pre-configured with the retainer in an engaged position that automatically secures the lead upon implantation. If repositioning is needed, the retainer can be disengaged and re-engaged at a different position. This preliminary setup provides stable fixation while maintaining the capability for adaptation when therapy effectiveness requires adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lead anchor allows lead movement, then the lead can be repositioned, but the lead body slides relative to the anchor, reducing stimulation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism provides controlled movement capability - the lead can be repositioned when the retainer is disengaged, and securely fixed when the retainer is engaged. This dynamic control ensures that repositioning can occur without compromising stimulation accuracy, as the lead maintains precise positioning relative to the anchor during both repositioning and therapy delivery.
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 proposed lead anchors effectively mitigate lead movement, ensuring accurate positioning and repositioning, thereby enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of neurological stimulation therapies.
Implementation Method 1
A retainer is positioned in the anchor body and includes a first grip member, having at least one first aperture, and a second grip member, having at least one second aperture. At least one spring portion (e.g., having a U-shape) connects the first and second grip members.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead anchor comprising a longitudinally extending anchor body and a retainer. The longitudinally extending anchor body having a lumen positioned to receive a spinal cord lead therethrough and having a retainer pocket intersecting the lumen. The retainer is positioned in the retainer pocket. The retainer comprises a first grip member having at least one first aperture, a second grip member having at least one second aperture, and at least one U-shaped resilient portion connecting the first and second grip members.