Modular Electrode With Contoured Ends And Keels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical electrodes are difficult to manipulate and connect during surgical implantation, especially when multiple electrodes are required, due to their irregular shapes and lack of specialized tools, leading to increased surgical complexity and cost inefficiencies in providing varied electrical stimulation configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrode system with contoured ends and keels for snap-type attachment, along with a dedicated insertion tool, allows for secure connection and separation of electrode sections, facilitating easier implantation and adaptation to different patient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrodes are used for multiple electrode configurations, then various electrical stimulation configurations can be achieved, but surgical complexity and cost increase due to difficulty in manipulation and connection
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each section has a standardized interface with protrusions and recesses that enable secure connection while allowing easy separation, transforming the complex task of implanting multiple electrodes into a simpler modular assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
An insertion tool serves as an intermediary device to facilitate the connection and manipulation of electrode sections. The tool includes engagement features that interface with the electrode sections, enabling the surgeon to securely hold, position, and connect multiple electrode modules without direct manual manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electrodes are implanted, then various electrical stimulation configurations can be provided, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode sections can be pre-assembled into a modular configuration before surgery. The standardized connection interfaces allow pre-configured electrode arrays to be prepared in advance, reducing intraoperative time by eliminating the need to assemble and connect multiple separate electrodes during the surgical procedure
3Ease of operation
If traditional electrodes without specialized tools are used, then implantation can be performed, but manipulation and connection become difficult and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool acts as a specialized intermediary that interfaces with the modular electrode sections. The tool includes engagement features such as slots and protrusions that match the electrode interfaces, providing the surgeon with enhanced control and ease of manipulation while keeping the electrode design relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a modular system for providing electrical stimulation, in which a first modular electrode section has a contoured back end configured to engage a contoured front end of another electrode section or a tool that may be used to place the first modular electrode section in the patient's body. The contours of the modular electrode section allow the two components to engage with one another so as to prevent their separation in the horizontal plane, and a lead extending from the first modular electrode is configured to engage keels on the top surface of the second electrode portion or tool, with such keels providing a snap-type attachment between the lead and the second electrode portion or tool, such that the two components may be joined together but easily separated from one another through the intentional separation of the lead from the keels on the second electrode portion or tool.