Implantable Lead Connector With Lamella Basket and Collet Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting implantable lead devices within the body of a patient are inefficient and cumbersome, leading to incorrect positioning and repositioning of the proximal end of the connector, which can cause displacement and repositioning of the connector, which can cause displacement and repositioning of the distal end of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can result in incorrect placement of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can result in incorrect positioning of the connector, which can lead to severe consequences.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a lamella basket and lead clamping fixture that securely contacts and rotates the proximal end of the lead device, ensuring stable electrical connection and controlled rotation, even if the electrode rotates, by using a lamella basket and lead clamping fixture with collet and collet sleeve for secure fixation and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple plastic sleeve with alligator clips is used to connect the lead device, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining correct lead positioning deteriorates due to displacement during rotation and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: it combines the electrical connection function (via contacts engaging the electrode), the mechanical fixation function (via the clamping fixture securing the lead body), and the rotation control function (via the rotatable mechanism with thumb screw). This eliminates the need for separate alligator clips and plastic sleeve, preventing displacement issues while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the lead device and the testing apparatus. It provides a stable interface that maintains electrical connection and mechanical positioning throughout the surgical procedure, including during rotation operations. The connector's design ensures that the lead cannot be accidentally displaced while still allowing controlled rotation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the alligator clips and plastic sleeve are removed to rotate the lead for fixation deployment, then the ease of operation is improved for lead manipulation, but the loss of time increases due to removal, repositioning, and retesting steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the clamping fixture and electrical contacts in position before the lead device is fully implanted. The thumb screw mechanism is ready for immediate engagement, allowing the surgeon to secure the lead and perform rotation operations without removing any components. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for removal and reattachment steps, saving significant time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a dynamic rotatable mechanism that allows controlled rotation of the lead device during the surgical procedure. The thumb screw enables the surgeon to easily rotate the lead for helix deployment while maintaining secure clamping and electrical connection. This dynamic capability is built into the connector itself, eliminating the need for component removal and reducing procedural time.
3Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is implemented to prevent lead displacement, then the reliability of lead positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional clamping fixtures and contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the body housing, the clamping fixture with collet, the electrical contacts, and the rotatable mechanism with thumb screw. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently, then assembled into the complete connector. This segmentation allows for reliable performance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical clamping of the lead, maintains reliable electrical connection, enables controlled rotation for fixation deployment, and prevents accidental displacement. By integrating these multiple functions into a single device, the apparent complexity is justified by the significant improvement in reliability and elimination of multiple separate components.
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 connector provides a secure and efficient electrical connection, allowing for controlled rotation and fixation of the lead device, reducing the risk of incorrect positioning and repositioning, thereby improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of severe consequences.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring contact members to engage a terminal pin and one or more ring contacts of the implantable lead
Implementation Method 2
a lead clamping fixture with collet and collet sleeve for secure fixation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A connector (1) for electrically connecting a proximal end of a lead device (2) that is implantable within the body of a patient and comprises a lead (3, 5), wherein the connector (1) comprises a lead contact (15, 16) for, directly or indirectly, electrically contacting, at the proximal end of the lead device (2), an electrode (8) of the lead (3, 5). The first lead contact (15, 16) comprises a lamella basket. A lead clamping fixture comprises a collet (20, 27) that can embrace the lead (3, 5) at a proximal end of the lead (3, 5) and has an external taper, and the lead clamping fixture moreover comprises a collet sleeve (21, 28) that has an internal taper for cooperating with the external taper of the collet (20, 27) to secure the collet (20, 27) on the lead (3, 5) by compressing the collet (20, 27) if the collet's (20, 27) external taper is pressed against the collet sleeve's (21, 28) internal taper.