Percutaneous Lead Interface with Friction Brake and Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interfaces for percutaneously implantable medical leads face challenges in secure and easy attachment and detachment, leading to discomfort and potential dislodgment during trial periods or temporary treatments, as they often fail to accommodate stiffening wires or steering styles and are cumbersome for patients.

Innovation Solution

A novel interface system with a lead engaging mechanism that includes a brake and cam follower mechanism, allowing for secure electrical communication and adjustable friction coupling to maintain the lead in place, while accommodating stylets and stiffening wires, and featuring a design that minimizes the force required for removal without dislodging the lead from the implantation site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional interface is used to couple to a percutaneously implantable medical lead, then the interface can be attached and detached, but it cannot securely maintain the lead in place during trial periods or temporary treatments, leading to potential dislodgment and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of lead to interfaceVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface employs a dynamic engagement mechanism with movable components including a movable contact that transitions between engaged and disengaged positions, and a movable member that can be positioned in first and second positions. This dynamic system allows the interface to securely hold the lead during normal use while enabling easy detachment when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface utilizes parameter changes in the form of movable contacts and members that change their physical state or position. The movable contact changes position to establish or break electrical connection, while the movable member transitions between first and second positions to control engagement. This parameter-based control enables both secure attachment during use and easy detachment when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the interface is designed to securely hold the lead, then the lead remains stable, but the interface becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients wearing it during trial periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of lead connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of interface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing, a movable contact, a movable member, and a lead engaging mechanism. Each component performs a specific function - the housing provides structure, the movable contact handles electrical connection, the movable member controls engagement state, and the lead engaging mechanism secures the lead. This segmentation allows the interface to achieve stable lead connection through coordinated component action rather than a single complex structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the interface accommodates stiffening wires or steering styles, then the lead can be properly positioned, but the interface design becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of stylets and stiffening wiresVSAvoidease of interface manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple types of leads including those with stiffening wires or steering styles. The lead engaging mechanism and housing structure are configured to universally receive various lead configurations without requiring specialized components for each type. This multi-functional design enables the interface to handle different lead types while maintaining a standardized, manufacturable structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 interface system provides secure and reliable connection and disconnection of medical leads, reducing discomfort and the risk of dislodgment, while being designed for ease of use and patient comfort during extended wear periods.

Implementation Method 1

a brake (703) configured to apply a friction force to the lead (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a cam (500) and cam follower (600) mechanism, allowing for secure electrical communication and adjustable friction coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP3218053B1Percutaneous lead interface
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 ALFRED E MANN FOUND FOR SCI RES
  • EP3218053B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3218053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3218053B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An interface for coupling with a percutaneously implantable lead is described. The interface includes a rotation based system to engage the terminal connector of the lead. The interface includes a brake which retains the lead in the lead port through friction, but allows the lead to exit the lead port if sufficient force is applied. The interface can be coupled with the lead without removing a stylet or stiffening wire from the lead.