Multi-lead Multi-electrode System with Separable Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-electrode leads with inseparable electrode contacts are limited in targeting spatially distributed nerve or muscle tissues over large areas, as they cannot be used for stimulating multiple sites across a 2-dimensional area effectively, and lack flexibility in inter-electrode distance adjustment and entanglement prevention.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lead multi-electrode system with separable electrode contacts, where connecting elements are coated with biocompatible materials and ensheathed in individual protective sheaths, allowing for flexible placement and separation of electrodes over a large area, and a packaging system that includes a coil sheath and outer sheath with flaps for secure anchoring and infection prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode contacts are placed on an inseparable substrate at predetermined distances, then the lead structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot target spatially distributed nerve or muscle tissues over large areas effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-electrode lead into separable components: individual electrode contacts that can be detached from the lead body. This segmentation allows each electrode to be independently positioned at different spatial locations to match the distributed anatomy of neural or muscular tissues, while the lead itself remains a simple carrier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear electrode arrangements on a single lead to two-dimensional spatial distribution by allowing electrodes to be separated and positioned across multiple leads and locations. This dimensional expansion enables coverage of large tissue areas while maintaining manageable lead structures.
2Ease of operation
If individual connecting elements are left free and coiled without protective bundling, then flexibility and ease of separation are improved, but entanglement and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested protective sheaths that encase individual connecting elements and electrodes. These sheaths are inserted one within another, providing layered protection while allowing the elements to remain flexible and separable. The nested structure prevents entanglement during implantation while maintaining ease of manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible protective sheaths made of biocompatible materials that envelop the connecting elements. These thin-film sheaths prevent entanglement and mechanical damage while allowing the soft, flexible nature of the individual elements to be maintained for easy separation and positioning during surgery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple leads with separable electrodes are used to target distributed tissues, then adaptability to large area stimulation is improved, but packaging and surgical management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent packages multiple leads with their associated protective sheaths in a nested configuration, where smaller sheaths are inserted within larger ones. This nested packaging consolidates multiple separate leads into a compact, organized assembly that is easier to manufacture, sterilize, and handle during surgical implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal packaging system and lead design that can accommodate variable numbers of electrodes and leads depending on the specific clinical application. The standardized nested sheath structure and modular lead configuration allow the same basic system to be adapted for different tissue areas and stimulation requirements, simplifying both manufacturing and surgical management.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-lead multi-electrode system and method of manufacturing the multi-lead multi-electrode system includes a multi-electrode lead that may be used to deploy multiple separable electrodes to different spaced apart contact sites, such as nerve or muscle tissues, for example, that are spatially distributed over a large area.