Lead Extension Replacement Without Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing lead extensions in implantable medical devices often require tunneling, which can be difficult and lead to injuries and complications due to the need for long subcutaneous paths and the use of tunneling tools.
Innovation Solution
The use of tethers to secure and withdraw the old lead extension, allowing the new extension to be drawn into the tunnel path without the need for tunneling, reducing the complexity and risk of the replacement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tunneling is used to replace lead extension, then the new extension can be fed through the subcutaneous path, but the procedure becomes complex and causes injury and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful tunneling step from the lead extension replacement procedure. Instead of tunneling through subcutaneous tissue to create a path, the method removes the old lead extension through a surgical incision and directly implants the new extension through the same incision, eliminating the tunneling process that causes injury and complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not creating a tunnel first and then passing the extension through it. Instead, it removes the old extension through an open incision and directly places the new extension through the same open pathway, reversing the sequence of tunneling followed by extension insertion.
2Manufacturing precision
If tunneling is used to replace lead extension, then the extension can be positioned correctly, but the procedure requires long subcutaneous paths and intermediate cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex tunneling process and intermediate cuts from the procedure. By removing these steps and using direct open implantation through a single surgical incision, the method maintains proper extension positioning while dramatically simplifying the overall replacement procedure.
3Productivity
If tunneling tools are used, then the extension can be passed through the path, but the time and cost of the procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the use of specialized tunneling tools from the procedure. By using standard surgical instruments through an open incision approach, the method reduces procedure time and cost while achieving the same clinical outcome of successful lead extension replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Tether apparatus may be used to replace an implanted lead extension with a replacement lead extension without tunneling or the use of tunneling tools.