MRI-Safe Implantable Lead With Variable Contact Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for MRI-safe implantable medical devices and components that can only be used with other MRI-safe components to prevent undesirable interactions during MRI scans, as existing devices may not be compatible and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical electrical lead and connector assembly with variable spacing of electrical contacts and insulating regions, where the lengths of the contacts and insulators are distinct, allowing for proper electrical connections and isolation, and a method to determine if the lead is MRI-safe by measuring characteristics of the contacts and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable spacing of electrical contacts and insulating regions is implemented, then compatibility control for MRI-safe components is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead body is segmented into multiple electrical contacts with variable spacing, and the connector block is segmented into corresponding receptacles with matching variable spacing. This segmentation allows each contact-receptacle pair to be independently configured, enabling unique spacing patterns that serve as compatibility keys for MRI-safe device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lead and connector assembly have different spacing characteristics. Specifically, at least one electrical contact has a different spacing distance from its adjacent contact compared to other contacts. This local variation in spacing creates a unique geometric signature that enables differentiation between MRI-safe and non-MRI-safe components without requiring additional markers or indicators.
2Reliability
If variable spacing configuration is used to ensure MRI-safe component compatibility, then safety during MRI procedures is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable spacing configuration is predetermined and built into the lead and connector assembly during manufacturing. The specific spacing distances between electrical contacts are established in advance as part of the device design, allowing for precise control during fabrication. This preliminary configuration enables the spacing to serve as a built-in identification feature for MRI-safe compatibility without requiring additional quality control steps during implantation.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.