Multichannel Clip for Neurostimulation Lead Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for verifying neurostimulation leads with multiple electrodes are time-consuming and complex, requiring repetitive testing of each electrode channel, which increases procedure costs and lengthens patient exposure during implantation.
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 all electrodes without the need for separate attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-contact clip is used to test each electrode channel one at a time, then electrical continuity can be verified for each electrode, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-contact clips into a single multichannel clip device that can test multiple electrode channels simultaneously. The clip includes multiple contacts arranged to engage with multiple electrodes on the lead, allowing concurrent verification of electrical continuity across all channels rather than requiring sequential testing of each channel individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel clip is designed as a universal testing device that can verify multiple electrode channels through a single attachment. The clip incorporates multiple independent contacts that can simultaneously engage with multiple electrodes, providing multi-functional capability to test all channels in one operation rather than requiring separate single-contact clips for each channel.
2Reliability
If a single-contact clip is used for each electrode, then individual channel verification is achieved, but device complexity and procedure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate single-contact clip devices into a single integrated multichannel clip. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete devices from multiple individual clips to one unified device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the capability to verify each channel individually through its multiple contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel clip serves as a universal testing device that replaces multiple specialized single-contact clips. By incorporating multiple contacts within a single device, it provides multi-functional capability to test all electrode channels through one attachment, reducing device complexity and the number of components required.
3Reliability
If repetitive verification of each channel is performed, then thorough testing is achieved, but patient exposure to the procedure is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing operations into a single simultaneous action. The multichannel clip enables all electrode channels to be tested at the same time through one attachment and testing operation, rather than requiring repeated sequential testing of each channel, thereby maintaining thoroughness while reducing procedure duration.
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 to engage with multiple electrodes in a single attachment action, the device eliminates the need for repetitive connection and disconnection operations, reducing the overall procedure time while maintaining comprehensive testing.
Data Source
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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.