Multi-pad Defibrillator Electrodes for Restricted Anatomical Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional defibrillators face challenges in placing electrodes in restricted regions due to their size and limited space availability during medical procedures, which can lead to surface burns and inefficient energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-pad electrodes that are independently positionable and can be arranged in various configurations to avoid restricted regions, allowing for a wider distribution of electrical energy and reducing current density, thereby minimizing injury and improving energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional single-pad electrodes are used, then the electrode structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrode cannot be properly placed in restricted regions and causes surface burns due to high current density
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad is divided into multiple independently positionable segments or sub-pads. Each segment can be separately placed on the patient's body, allowing flexible configuration to navigate around restricted regions while maintaining effective electrical contact for defibrillation therapy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrodes are used in restricted regions, then the device is simple to use, but surface burns occur due to concentrated energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the electrode into multiple segments distributes the electrical energy delivery across separate contact points, reducing current density at any single location and thereby minimizing the risk of surface burns while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode segment can be independently positioned to optimize local energy distribution. The segments allow customization of contact area and placement location, enabling energy to be delivered effectively while avoiding concentration that causes burns in restricted anatomical regions
3Reliability
If multi-pad electrodes are used, then energy distribution is improved and surface burns are reduced, but the electrode structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple functional pads that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation enables reliable energy delivery by ensuring proper contact in restricted regions while distributing energy to prevent harmful effects, despite the increased structural complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective placement of electrodes in restricted areas, reducing the risk of surface burns and enhancing the delivery of therapeutic electrical pulses to the heart, even in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The use of multi-pad electrodes that are independently positionable and can be arranged in various configurations to avoid restricted regions, allowing for a wider distribution of electrical energy and reducing current density
Data Source
AI summary
A defibrillator can include a first electrode and a second electrode where at least one of the electrodes includes more than one independently positionable pad. Such independently positionable pads, in various instances, may allow for alternative positioning of the components of an electrode when defibrillation is carried out during electrophysiological procedures in which placement of conventional electrodes is inadvisable, difficult, or impractical.