Multiplexing Chip Lead for Medical Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active implantable medical device leads face challenges with the increasing number of electrodes and sensors, which lead to unacceptable dimensions and manufacturing difficulties due to the need for multiple conductors, and existing multiplexing solutions either restrict the internal lumen diameter or are difficult to implement reliably.
Innovation Solution
A lead design featuring a flexible sheath with a central lumen, a rigid cylindrical supporting tube encapsulating a multiplexing chip, and sector electrodes, allowing for a constant diameter and effective electrical insulation and mechanical protection, enabling standard implantation techniques and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrodes and sensors is increased to enable multisite stimulation and hemodynamic monitoring, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the lead dimensions become unacceptable and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal paths into a single shared lumen by integrating a multiplexing chip that handles multiple electrodes and sensors through common conductors, eliminating the need for separate conductors for each electrode and sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexing chip provides multi-functionality by enabling a single conductor to carry multiple signals through time-division multiplexing, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support both pacing and sensing functions across multiple sites
2Device complexity
If multiplexing circuits are integrated into the lead to manage multiple signals, then the number of conductors is reduced, but the internal lumen diameter is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple parallel conductors) to temporal multiplexing (single conductor used at different times), adding the time dimension to signal transmission and eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible printed circuit board for the multiplexing chip allows for compact integration within the lead structure while maintaining flexibility and not compromising the internal lumen diameter
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple conductors are used to connect each electrode and sensor, then the electrical connections are straightforward, but the manufacturing difficulty and lead dimensions become unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexing chip acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the connection architecture by providing a centralized interface between multiple electrodes/sensors and a single conductor, making the system easier to manufacture with fewer components
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a lead. The method includes providing a supporting tube, and disposing a conductive strip on an outer surface of the supporting tube such that the conductive strip extends in an axial direction along a length of the supporting tube. The method also includes mounting a chip having a first conductive contact pad and a second conductive contact pad to the supporting tube such that the first conductive contact pad is in contact with the conductive strip. The method further includes fitting an electrode to the supporting tube such that the electrode is in contact with the second conductive contact pad, and coupling a conductor to each end of the supporting tube such that each conductor is in contact with the conductive strip. The method also includes covering at least one of the chip and the conductors with a sheath to provide the lead.