Lead Implantation Tool with Retention Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantation techniques for stimulation leads, particularly in complex anatomical regions like the head, face challenges in efficiently inserting paddle leads due to their size and the need to minimize cosmetic damage, while conventional methods may cause tissue separation issues and lead migration.
Innovation Solution
A lead implantation tool with a flexible body, a blunt tip, and tissue-separating members that form a tunnel to accommodate paddle leads, allowing for secure advancement and separation from the lead, minimizing tissue damage and preventing migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implantation techniques are used for paddle leads, then the lead can be implanted, but tissue separation issues and cosmetic damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
A lead implantation tool serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the patient's tissue. The tool includes a body with a blunt tip configured to separate tissue to form a tunnel, and a lead-retention element with a protrusion that securely holds the paddle lead during insertion. This intermediary tool prevents direct manipulation of the lead that causes tissue damage and ensures proper lead placement without cosmetic damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantation tool performs preliminary actions by first forming a tunnel through the tissue using the blunt tip before the lead is inserted. The lead-retention element secures the lead in position during this preliminary tunnel formation and insertion process, ensuring the lead is properly positioned before final implantation, thereby preventing migration and tissue damage.
2Productivity
If paddle leads are inserted using conventional methods, then implantation is achieved, but lead migration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lead-retention element acts as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily secures the paddle lead during implantation. The protrusion on the retention element engages with the lead to prevent migration, while allowing controlled movement during insertion. This ensures both efficient implantation and stable lead positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the implantation tool advances through tissue, then a tunnel is formed for lead insertion, but tissue separation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The blunt tip of the implantation tool performs preliminary tissue separation to form a tunnel before the lead is inserted. This preliminary action creates a prepared pathway that facilitates easy lead insertion while minimizing the need for additional tissue separation during the actual lead placement, thereby reducing overall tissue damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead-implantation tool for implanting a lead into a patient includes an elongated body having a distal portion with a tip configured to separate patient tissue to form, or extend through, a tunnel in the tissue when the body is advanced along the tissue. A lead-retention element is formed along the distal portion of the body and includes a cutout defined along the body with a cutout surface wall inset from the body's outer surface. A protrusion extends outwardly from the cutout surface wall with at least a portion of the protrusion extending towards the tip. The protrusion is entirely inset from, or flush with, the body's outer surface. The protrusion is configured to removably receive and retain a portion of the lead while the distal portion of the body is advanced along the tissue and to separate from the lead as the body is withdrawn from the tissue.