Implantable Optical Lead with Hermetic Light Transmissive Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable active medical devices (IMDs) lack an efficient and integrated solution for both optical stimulation and hermetic sealing of optical leads, which is crucial for reliable and long-term medical device functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implantable medical device with an optical lead featuring a solid state lighting device at the distal end, where the solid state light source is disposed within a light transmissive ring forming a portion of the hermetic cavity, addresses the need for both optical stimulation and hermetic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ferrule-based hermetic seal is used for optical fiber passage, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hermetic sealing function and optical transmission function into a single integrated optical window component. The optical window directly seals the canister while transmitting light to the distal end, eliminating the need for separate ferrule assemblies and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hermetic sealing of the canister, transmits optical signals to the distal end, and protects internal components. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional multi-component ferrule system.
2Reliability
If a ferrule with hermetic seal is used to guide optical fiber through the canister, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sealing and optical transmission functions into one optical window component, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and assembly steps. This integration lowers manufacturing precision requirements compared to aligning multiple components like ferrules, seals, and optical fibers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical stimulation and hermetic sealing are implemented as separate components, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical stimulation system and hermetic sealing into a unified structure where the optical window and distal end assembly work together as a single hermetic unit. This eliminates separate sealing mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end assembly serves multiple functions: it provides hermetic sealing, transmits light from the optical window, and delivers optical stimulation to target tissue. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed.
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
This solution enables effective optical stimulation techniques, such as optogenetic stimulation, while ensuring a reliable hermetic seal to protect the device's circuitry and maintain the integrity of the optical lead, thereby enhancing the device's functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end portion (32) includes a solid state light source (70) disposed within a light transmissive ring element (36)
Implementation Method 2
the light transmissive ring element can define at least a portion of a hermetic cavity (33)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3E
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An implantable active medical device system includes an active medical device and a lead extending between a proximal portion electrically coupled to the active medical device and a distal end portion configured to emit light. The distal end portion includes a solid state light source disposed within a light transmissive ring element.