Lead Splitter Junction for Multi-Site Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable electrical stimulation systems face limitations in providing effective therapeutic treatment when multiple target sites require stimulation, as existing connectors have a limited number of ports, necessitating additional device implantation to accommodate multiple leads or lead extensions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a splitter device that couples multiple leads or lead extensions to a single connector, featuring a junction with a proximal member and distal members, where conductors route terminals to connectors, allowing each terminal to be coupled to only one connector, thereby expanding the number of stimulation sites without increasing the number of connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple leads are connected to a single connector using a splitter device, then the number of stimulation sites can be expanded without increasing the number of connectors, but the device complexity increases due to the junction and conductor routing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter device divides the connection system into distinct segments: a proximal member with terminals, a junction, and multiple distal members with connectors. This segmentation allows one connector to serve multiple leads by creating separate connection pathways for each lead while maintaining a unified structure that interfaces with the control module through a single connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the single proximal connector and multiple distal connectors. It provides the necessary conductor routing and connection points to enable signal distribution from one connector to multiple leads without requiring multiple connectors at the control module interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional connectors are implanted to accommodate multiple leads, then more stimulation sites can be achieved, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter device merges the function of multiple connectors into a single connector interface. By combining multiple lead connections at the distal end into one proximal connector, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate connector implantations, thereby reducing procedural invasiveness while maintaining the capability to stimulate multiple sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The single proximal connector on the splitter device serves multiple functions by accommodating multiple distal leads through its junction structure. This multi-functionality allows one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple connectors, reducing the number of implantation sites needed and thereby reducing invasiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If all distal members are of equal length, then manufacturing is simplified, but health care professionals cannot distinguish between different leads
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter device applies local quality differentiation by making only certain distal members (specifically at least one and at most two) of different lengths than the others. This localized variation in length provides a simple visual or physical means for healthcare professionals to distinguish between different leads during implantation and operation, while the majority of distal members can remain uniform for manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members.