Multi-conductor Lead Implant Tool with Spring Contact Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lead implant tools are inadequate for modern multi-conductor electrical leads with increased contacts, due to limited spacing between contacts and the need for reliable electrical isolation, which complicates connection and testing processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implant tool with a main body, spring contact clips, and a knob mechanism that includes a distal clamping mechanism, levers for adjusting the opening size, and a self-braking mechanism to securely engage and disengage the terminal pin, allowing for effective connection and testing of multi-conductor leads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing spring-loaded clips are used to connect PSA to terminal contacts, then connection is facilitated, but the limited spacing between contacts and sealing area requirements make them inadequate for modern multi-conductor leads
Solution Approach 1:
The implant tool divides the connection interface into multiple independent spring-loaded clips, each capable of engaging with individual terminal contacts. This segmentation allows each clip to be independently positioned and adjusted to accommodate the limited spacing between contacts on modern multi-conductor leads while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant tool serves as an intermediary device between the PSA and the multi-conductor lead. It provides a standardized interface that adapts to varying lead configurations, allowing universal connection facilitation across different lead types including modern multi-conductor designs with limited spacing.
2Reliability
If the space between contacts is used as a sealing area, then electrical isolation is ensured, but connection and testing processes become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The implant tool extends the connection interface in the axial dimension, providing connection points that are distributed along the length of the tool rather than confined to a single plane. This dimensional arrangement allows electrical connections to be made without compromising the sealing area between contacts, maintaining electrical isolation while simplifying the connection process.
3Productivity
If lead connectors are exposed during implantation, then implantation can proceed, but the connectors are vulnerable to damage from electrical clips and surgical implements
Solution Approach 1:
The lead connector is nested within the protective housing of the implant tool during the implantation process. The implant tool acts as an outer shell that encloses and protects the vulnerable connector from damage by electrical clips and surgical implements, while still allowing the implantation procedure to proceed uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant tool provides pre-implantation protection for the lead connector by enclosing it within its housing. This preliminary protective action prevents damage before it can occur during the implantation process, eliminating the need for post-damage repairs or replacements.
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 implant tool provides a secure and reliable interface for connecting testing devices to multi-conductor leads, ensuring proper positioning and function during implantation and testing, while protecting the lead connector from electrical clips and surgical implements.
Implementation Method 1
The connectors use resilient spring action to mechanically retain the lad in the connector by lateral clamping and maintain reliable electrical contact.
Implementation Method 2
The main body of the implant tool includes a distal clamping mechanism with an opening adapted to frictionally receive a terminal boot of the implantable lead.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for implanting and testing multi-conductor electrical leads are disclosed. An illustrative implant tool for use with an implantable lead includes a main body, a plurality of spring contact members, and a knob mechanism. The main body of the implant tool includes a distal clamping mechanism with an opening adapted to frictionally receive a terminal boot of the implantable lead. The spring contact members are configured to provide an interface for connecting electrical connectors from a Pacing System Analyzer (PSA) or other testing device to the terminal contacts on the implantable lead. A knob mechanism coupled to the main body can be actuated to engage a terminal pin of the implantable lead, allowing an implanting physician to engage a fixation helix into body tissue by rotating the mechanism.