Non-Stationary Electrode Electrical Interconnect for Pacemaker Leads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pacemaker leads face challenges in establishing a reliable non-stationary to stationary electrical interconnect, particularly in complex vasculature, where co-radial constructions do not allow for active fixation.

Innovation Solution

A lead system with an elongate body and an active fixation assembly that includes a non-stationary electrode and an electrical interconnect, allowing the non-stationary electrode to move relative to the stationary electrode while maintaining a reliable electrical connection, utilizing a canted coil or similar electrical interconnect for redundancy and tolerance compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If co-radial construction is used for electrical conductors, then the lead can be manufactured with simple structure, but active fixation is not permitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidactive fixation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static co-radial conductor arrangement to a dynamic configuration where the fixation helix can rotate and extend relative to the lead body. The electrical conductors are routed to accommodate this movement, allowing the helix to actively engage with tissue while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lead is divided into distinct functional segments: a stationary lead body containing electrical conductors, and a movable fixation assembly containing the helix. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the conductors remain protected and stationary while the helix can actively move for fixation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and active fixation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-stationary electrode is used for active fixation, then active fixation is enabled, but reliable electrical interconnection becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive fixation capabilityVSAvoidelectrical interconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection system that mediates between the stationary lead body and the movable non-stationary electrode. The electrical conductors are configured to maintain continuous contact with the helix throughout its range of motion, acting as an intermediary that transfers electrical signals reliably despite the relative movement between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical interconnection system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, accommodating the movement of the non-stationary electrode. The conductors and their connections are configured to maintain reliable electrical contact while allowing the electrode to move relative to the lead body, ensuring continuous electrical connectivity during active fixation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If electrical interconnect allows movement between electrodes, then active fixation is permitted, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical interconnect is designed as a dynamic system that accommodates movement between the stationary electrode and the movable electrode. The conductors are routed and configured to maintain reliable electrical contact throughout the full range of motion, allowing the lead to be actively fixedated while ensuring continuous electrical connectivity for pacing and sensing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical interconnection system incorporates design features that anticipate and compensate for movement between electrodes. The conductor routing and connection geometry are configured in advance to maintain reliable contact even when the electrodes move relative to each other during active fixation, preventing connection failure before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8682451B2Lead system having a non-stationary to stationary electrical interconnect and method therefor

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

A lead system has an elongate body, an active fixation assembly movable relative to the elongate lead body, including a non-stationary electrode. The lead system further includes a non-stationary electrode member and an electrical interconnect electrically connected between the non-stationary electrode member and the stationary electrode member. The electrical interconnect provides a reliable electrical interconnection between the stationary electrode and the non-stationary electrode, while allowing the non-stationary electrode to move relative to the stationary electrode.