Neurostimulation Paddle Lead Inductor Shielding MRI Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation leads are prone to heating and induced current when exposed to MRI magnetic fields, and their manufacturing process is labor-intensive and costly due to small wire conductors and delicate electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of a paddle lead with a wire wound around a bobbin to form an inductor, which is encapsulated within an electrode assembly, providing improved stability and shielding against MRI fields, and a method for assembling the lead that includes welding wire terminations to contact plates and integrating the inductor within the electrode for enhanced reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional leads are used in MRI environments, then the lead structure is simple, but heating and induced current occur due to magnetic field exposure
Solution Approach 1:
An inductor component is introduced as an intermediary element between the electrode and the magnetic field. The inductor, with its specific inductance value (e.g., 10-1000 µH), acts as a mediator that reduces induced current and heating effects by opposing changes in magnetic flux through electromagnetic induction, thereby protecting the electrode assembly during MRI procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is nested within or integrated with the electrode assembly structure. The bobbin containing the inductor wire is positioned within or adjacent to the electrode body, creating a nested configuration where the inductor is protected by and integrated with the existing lead structure, minimizing additional complexity while providing MRI compatibility
2Ease of manufacture
If small wire conductors are used in lead manufacturing, then the lead profile is small, but the manufacturing process becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is pre-assembled on a bobbin before integration with the electrode assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for standardized manufacturing of the inductor component separately, enabling automated winding and assembly processes that reduce labor intensity and cost while maintaining a compact final product profile
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
The solution reduces unwanted heating and induced current in MRI environments, simplifies the manufacturing process, and enhances the reliability of neurostimulation leads, making them more MRI-compatible and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
prone to heating and induced current when exposed to MRI magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for neurostimulation. The system includes an electrode assembly for a paddle lead. The electrode assembly includes a wire wound around a bobbin to form an inductor. The wire is coupled to an input contact plate and an output contact plate. The bobbin is inserted into an aperture defined through an electrode, such that the inductor is substantially surrounded by the electrode.