Paddle Lead Insertion Tool with Curved Delivery Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for implanting paddle leads, such as using forceps, face challenges in steering the paddle body around obstacles within the epidural space and centering it on the spinal cord, often requiring complex procedures and risking damage due to the anatomy of the area.
Innovation Solution
A specialized insertion tool with a slider mechanism, extenders, and a center push piece that allows for controlled delivery of the paddle lead at an angled trajectory, facilitating easier navigation through the epidural space and precise placement, including the use of a curved delivery ramp and cabling for enhanced steerability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods like forceps are used to implant paddle leads, then the procedure can be performed with simpler tools, but the ability to steer the paddle body around obstacles and center it on the spinal cord is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple functional segments: a slider mechanism for actuation, extenders for engagement with the paddle body, and a center push piece for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (steering, centering, pushing) while working together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between improved steerability and procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the paddle body. It provides specialized interfaces (extenders and center push piece) that mediate the interaction, enabling precise steering and centering capabilities that neither simple forceps nor direct manual manipulation can achieve alone.
2Length of moving object
If the paddle body is delivered at a steep angle to reach the implantation site, then the insertion distance is reduced, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool incorporates a curved delivery ramp that guides the paddle body along a curved trajectory rather than a straight steep angle. This curvature allows the paddle to navigate through tissue more gently, reducing the risk of damage while still achieving the necessary insertion depth and angle for proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery ramp changes the angular parameter of paddle body insertion dynamically during the implantation process. The ramp transitions the paddle from a more horizontal approach angle to the final steep implantation angle, allowing the insertion angle to be adjusted progressively rather than forced at a single steep angle, thereby reducing tissue damage risk.
3Manufacturing precision
If the paddle body is manually centered on the spinal cord during implantation, then no additional centering mechanism is needed, but the precision and efficiency of centering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The center push piece is designed to automatically center the paddle body on the spinal cord through its geometric configuration and interaction with the delivery ramp. As the paddle is advanced along the curved ramp, the center push piece naturally guides it into the correct centered position without requiring manual adjustment, making the system self-centering and thereby improving both precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool performs the centering action preliminarily during the insertion process itself, rather than requiring a separate manual centering step afterward. The curved delivery ramp and center push piece work together to pre-position the paddle body correctly as it is being inserted, ensuring precise centering is achieved before the paddle is fully deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
A paddle lead insertion tool includes an insertion tool body having a delivery end portion, a delivery end portion, and a slider slit; a slider partially disposed within the slider slit; extenders coupled to the slider and extending to the delivery end portion to receive a paddle body between or upon the extenders; and a center push piece coupled to the slider and disposed between the extenders to push against a proximal end of the paddle body. The slider moves between an insertion position and a delivery position. The insertion tool extends the extenders and center push piece when the slider moves from the insertion position to the delivery position to extend a paddle body received by the insertion tool. The insertion tool retracts the extenders without retracting the center push piece when the slider moves from the delivery position towards the insertion position.