Low-Profile Neurostimulation Control Module for Skull Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in terms of size and shape, which limit implantation locations and can cause undesirable cosmetic issues due to their bulk, requiring invasive procedures and lengthy tissue tunnels for lead placement.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile control module design where the power assembly is positioned laterally from the electronics housing, forming a sealed cavity, allowing for a more compact and cosmetically appealing implantation by reducing the height dimension and enabling implantation on the patient's skull surface without recesses, with leads extending through burr holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems are used, then the system provides therapeutic electrical stimulation, but the size and bulk of the control module limit implantation locations and cause undesirable cosmetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into separate components: an electronics housing containing the pulse generator and a separate power assembly (battery). This segmentation allows the power assembly to be positioned laterally, reducing the height profile while maintaining all necessary functions within the sealed cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power assembly is positioned laterally from the electronics housing rather than stacked vertically, changing the spatial arrangement from a vertical configuration to a horizontal one. This dimensional reorganization reduces the height dimension while expanding the lateral footprint, enabling low-profile implantation on curved surfaces like the skull.
2Reliability
If conventional control modules are used, then the system functions properly, but invasive procedures and lengthy tissue tunnels are required for lead placement
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the power assembly from the electronics housing, the control module can be configured with leads extending from the lateral sides of the electronics housing. This allows leads to exit through burr holes in the skull rather than requiring lengthy subcutaneous tunnels, simplifying the implantation procedure while maintaining sealed connectivity.
3Length of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned laterally from the electronics housing, then the height dimension is reduced for cosmetic appeal, but the sealed cavity configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly and electronics housing are merged to form a single sealed cavity, with the power assembly laterally positioned within the same hermetic enclosure. This integration maintains the sealed environment required for implantable operation while achieving the low-profile lateral configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power assembly is nested within the sealed cavity formed by the electronics housing, with both components contained within the same hermetic enclosure. This nesting approach allows the lateral positioning of the power assembly while maintaining the integrity of the sealed environment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes an electronic subassembly disposed within an electronics housing. A power assembly extends outwardly from the electronics housing and collectively with the electronics housing forms a sealed cavity. The power assembly includes a power source; a conduit assembly extending from the power source to the electronics housing; and one or more power conductors extending along the conduit assembly and electrically coupling the power source to the electronic subassembly. The control module further includes one or more connector assemblies. Each of the one or more connector assemblies includes a connector lumen configured to receive a lead; connector contacts arranged along the connector lumen and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly; and connector conductors electrically coupled to the connector contacts.