Percutaneous Lead Connector With Blade Contact for Stable Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical nerve stimulation systems face challenges such as lead dislodgment, discomfort, muscle fatigue, and limited efficacy due to the need for clinical supervision and the use of large, awkward controllers.
Innovation Solution
A lead connector system that includes an electrically passive connector base, a blade-like interface for establishing electrical contact, and a lead anchor to promote stability, along with a protective cover to safeguard the connector and lead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surface electrodes are used for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, then the therapy can be delivered externally without surgical implantation, but the stimulation induces pain in cutaneous pain receptors and causes muscle fatigue limiting patient tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces percutaneous leads as an intermediary component that penetrates the skin to deliver electrodes directly to nerve targets, thereby mediating between the external stimulator and the target nerves while avoiding stimulation of cutaneous pain receptors. The lead system includes insulated wires with exposed conductors at the tip that can be precisely positioned adjacent to or within the nerve, eliminating the need for surface electrode contact with pain-sensitive skin areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If surface electrodes are used to deliver electrical stimulation, then the setup is non-invasive, but it is difficult to stimulate deep nerves without stimulating overlying superficial nerves resulting in unwanted stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation system into distinct components: an external stimulator, percutaneous leads with insulated conductors, and exposed electrode tips. This segmentation allows the electrodes to be physically isolated from superficial nerves and positioned precisely at the target deep nerve location. The insulated wiring separates the electrical pathway from surrounding tissues, enabling selective stimulation of the intended nerve while avoiding adjacent superficial nerves.
Solution Approach 2:
The percutaneous lead acts as an intermediary delivery system that guides the electrode precisely to the target nerve. The lead includes insulated conductors that protect the electrical signal during insertion and positioning, with the exposed conductor tip serving as the precise stimulation point at the deep nerve location, thereby achieving accurate spatial targeting.
3Manufacturing precision
If percutaneous leads are used for deep nerve stimulation, then precise nerve targeting is achieved, but the leads are susceptible to dislodgment and require secure anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary anchoring actions during the lead insertion and positioning process. The percutaneous lead is designed with features that enable secure fixation to the skin or underlying tissue at the insertion site before and during the stimulation period. This preliminary anchoring prevents subsequent dislodgment while maintaining the precise nerve targeting position that was established during insertion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lead connector system for use with electrical nerve stimulators is described herein. An example lead connector for an electrical stimulator system includes a body, a blade, and an insert. The body includes a cable interface and defines lead ports. The blade is affixed to the body. The blade has at least one angled portion. The insert slidably connects to the body. The insert includes a handle and a chassis. The chassis defines a lead channel coaxial with the lead ports and blade channels transverse the lead channel to accept the blade. The angled portion of the blade provides electrical contact between the cable interface and a lead inserted into the lead channel and extending through at least one of the lead ports