Modular Implantable Medical Device Coupling Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face limitations in size and shape due to rigid housings, which restrict their implantation locations within the body, requiring lengthy leads that increase surgical complexity and risk of complications, especially for brain-related therapies where IMDs are implanted far from the treatment site.
Innovation Solution
A modular implantable medical device architecture with distributed modules and flexible coupling mechanisms that allow for mechanical and electrical interconnections, enabling a smaller profile and greater flexibility in implantation locations, such as under the scalp for brain therapies, by distributing the device footprint over a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid housing is used to protect components, then component protection and structural integrity are improved, but the device size and shape flexibility deteriorate, limiting implantation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple modules (pulse generator module, battery module, telemetry module) that can be distributed and positioned independently within the implantation site, allowing the rigid components to be segmented into smaller protected units that collectively achieve the required structural integrity while providing shape flexibility for various implantation locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single compact housing to a distributed modular architecture where modules can be arranged in different spatial configurations (linear, triangular, clustered), adding dimensional flexibility to the device layout while maintaining protective housing structures around each individual module
2Volume of stationary object
If the IMD is implanted far from the treatment site to accommodate device size, then device housing constraints are satisfied, but lead length increases, causing increased surgical complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the IMD into smaller functional modules, the overall device footprint can be distributed more compactly near the treatment site, reducing the necessary lead length and associated surgical complexity while maintaining all required functions in separate protected housings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible connectors and positioning mechanisms that allow the modular components to be dynamically adjusted during implantation, enabling optimal positioning of modules to minimize lead length and surgical trauma while accommodating the necessary device volume
3Device complexity
If a single compact housing is used, then device integration is simplified, but the profile size increases, limiting available body locations for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple smaller modules that can be distributed across a larger area, reducing the maximum profile dimension (thickness) of any single point while maintaining all necessary functions across the modular system, enabling implantation in locations with limited space depth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes device volume from a single compact housing to a distributed modular configuration that spreads components across two or more dimensions, reducing the profile size in the critical implantation dimension while maintaining overall device integration through standardized interconnection protocols
Data Source
AI summary
In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.