Lead Spacer Tool for Paddle Lead Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paddle leads in implantable neurostimulation systems are difficult to manipulate and control due to limited torsional stiffness and bending rigidity, often requiring oversized tissue spaces for implantation, leading to imprecise positioning and migration within the patient.
Innovation Solution
A combination dissection tool and blank with a maximum cross-sectional area matching that of the paddle lead, featuring a guide wire for column strength and flexibility to create a precise space for implantation, minimizing pressure on spinal cord or nerve roots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dissection tool with larger cross-sectional area is used to create space for paddle lead implantation, then the space creation capability is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to oversized space
Solution Approach 1:
The dissection tool's cross-sectional area parameter is changed to match the paddle lead's dimensions exactly, rather than using a larger tool. This parameter optimization allows the tool to create a precisely sized space that accommodates the paddle lead without excess room, thereby improving positioning precision while maintaining space creation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dissection tool is designed as a dimensional copy of the paddle lead, with matching width and thickness. This copying approach ensures that the space created by the dissection tool perfectly accommodates the paddle lead, eliminating oversized spaces and improving implantation precision
2Manufacturing precision
If a dissection tool with smaller cross-sectional area is used, then the positioning precision is improved, but the tissue separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dissection tool's cross-sectional area is optimized to match the paddle lead's dimensions exactly. This precise parameter matching provides sufficient surface area for effective tissue separation while preventing the creation of oversized spaces, thus maintaining both tissue separation capability and positioning precision
3Strength
If a dissection tool with larger surface area is used, then the column strength is improved, but the pressure on spinal cord or nerve roots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dissection tool's cross-sectional dimensions are optimized to match the paddle lead's width and thickness exactly. This provides sufficient column strength for tissue separation while minimizing the surface area in contact with the spinal cord and nerve roots, thereby reducing pressure on these sensitive structures
Data Source
AI summary
A combined dissection tool and blank for implanting a paddle lead having an electrode portion and a lead body. The combined dissection tool and blank includes a blank with a maximum cross-sectional area substantially equal to a maximum cross sectional area of the electrode portion of the paddle lead. An elongated body portion is attached to the blank. A guide wire extends through the body portion substantially to a distal end of the blank. The guide wire provides sufficient column strength to separate fatty tissue to create a space for receiving the paddle lead.