Multichannel Clip for Neurostimulation Lead Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation lead verification processes are time-consuming and complex due to the need for repetitive testing of multiple electrodes, increasing procedure costs and patient exposure time.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel clip device that allows for rapid testing and verification of multiple neurostimulation electrodes by securely coupling a neurostimulation lead to a programming device via a stimulation cable with multiple conductors, enabling concurrent or sequential testing of each electrode without requiring separate attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-contact clip is used to test each electrode individually, then verification accuracy is maintained, but procedure time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual electrode contacts into a single integrated multichannel clip device. The clip simultaneously engages multiple electrodes on the lead, establishing multiple electrical connections at once rather than testing each electrode separately. This merging of multiple testing operations into a single action directly reduces procedure time while maintaining verification accuracy through concurrent multi-channel testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel clip is designed as a universal device that can test multiple electrode channels simultaneously through a single attachment. The clip incorporates multiple contacts that correspond to multiple electrodes, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple individual testers. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive lead verification without requiring repetitive separate testing of each channel.
2Reliability
If repetitive verification of multiple electrodes is performed using conventional methods, then thorough testing is achieved, but device complexity and procedure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate testing operations into a single integrated action. The multichannel clip establishes simultaneous electrical connections with multiple electrodes through one attachment, eliminating the need for repetitive sequential testing. This reduces procedure complexity while maintaining thoroughness by testing all channels concurrently in a single verified connection event.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel clip is designed to establish all necessary electrical connections simultaneously before the testing process begins. By pre-configuring multiple contacts within a single clip structure that engages all electrodes at once, the device performs the preliminary action of connecting all channels in one step, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all electrode connections.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate attachments are used to test each electrode, then individual channel verification is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate attachment operations into a single clip device that engages multiple electrodes simultaneously. The user performs one attachment action rather than repeatedly connecting and disconnecting separate testers for each electrode. This merging maintains channel verification accuracy through dedicated contacts for each electrode while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating repetitive manual attachment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A multichannel clip device and methods of use that facilitate connection of multiple electrical components of a first device and a second device for testing and/or verification are provided herein. Such multichannel clip devices can include a spring-loaded clip having multiple electrical contacts for coupling with a contact portion of a first device and which are connected to a proximal connector through a flexible stimulation cable. The contacts can be included within a neurostimulation lead connector and the proximal connector adapted to couple with standard connectors on a clinician programmer, each contact being coupled to a corresponding contact of the proximal connector to define multiple separate channels. Such clip devices allow clinicians to test and/or verify multiple neurostimulation lead electrodes with a clinician programmers without requiring separate connection of each electrodes to a probe or test device and further allows for repeated sequencing or multi-plexing of neurostimulation leads during testing.