Implantable Lead Tracking via Impedance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implants for nerve stimulation are large, invasive, and require frequent battery replacements, limiting their application due to size and cost, and suffer from migration issues that compromise treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus comprising a delivery device with multiple electrodes and leads, using impedance measurements to determine the position and migration of the leads relative to each other and the patient's anatomy, with an algorithm that calculates position information based on mathematical models and resistivity profiles to ensure accurate placement and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large implantable devices with batteries and long conduits are used, then nerve stimulation therapy can be delivered, but the device size and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the implantable device, creating a battery-free system where power is delivered wirelessly from an external source. This eliminates the need for large implanted batteries while maintaining continuous therapy delivery capability through periodic wireless power transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device serves multiple functions: it delivers wireless power to the implantable device, programs the device parameters, and retrieves data. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate implanted components into a single external unit, reducing implantable volume.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional implantable devices are used, then nerve stimulation can be provided, but periodic battery replacement requiring additional surgery is needed
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the battery from the implantable device entirely, the system eliminates the need for battery replacement surgeries. The external device provides unlimited power on demand, making the implantable device permanently operational without maintenance interventions.
3Reliability
If implanted leads are used for nerve stimulation, then treatment can be delivered, but migration of leads occurs compromising treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors lead position through impedance measurements and provides feedback to adjust stimulation parameters or alert clinicians to migration. This closed-loop monitoring maintains treatment effectiveness despite potential lead movement by compensating for position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and planning to map the optimal lead trajectory and target nerve locations before implantation. This pre-planning, combined with real-time impedance-based position tracking, ensures the lead is initially placed correctly and maintains effectiveness throughout the patient's lifetime.
4Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes and leads are implanted, then precise nerve stimulation is achieved, but the implantation procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrodes into multiple small contacts along the lead, allowing precise targeting of different nerve fibers without requiring a single large invasive implant. The segmented electrodes can be activated selectively to stimulate specific nerve pathways with minimal tissue disruption.
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 solution enables precise positioning and tracking of implantable leads, reducing migration and enhancing the effectiveness of nerve stimulation treatments while minimizing the need for invasive procedures and battery replacements, thus expanding the applicability of these devices.
Implementation Method 1
The delivery device is configured to measure impedance between multiple pairs of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus is provided comprising a delivery device and an algorithm. The delivery device comprises: a plurality of electrodes, a first lead, and a second lead. The plurality of electrodes comprises a first set of electrodes comprising one or more electrodes, and a second set of electrodes comprising one or more electrodes. The first lead comprises the first set of electrodes, and the second lead comprises the second set of electrodes. The delivery device is configured to measure impedance between multiple pairs of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The algorithm is configured to determine position information of the first lead and/or the second lead.