Pivotable Baroreflex Electrode Implantation for Minimal Vessel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baroreflex activation therapy systems face challenges in efficiently positioning electrodes during implantation, requiring multiple adjustments and large incisions, which affect procedure time and battery life, and lack effective methods for tracking optimal electrode positions.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive electrode implantation technique using a monopolar electrode with a backing material and a releasable pivotable interface, allowing precise positioning and fixation on a blood vessel surface, facilitated by an implant tool, and a control system for delivering baroreflex therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrode implantation techniques are used, then electrodes can be positioned on blood vessels, but multiple adjustments and large incisions are required, increasing procedure time and invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly incorporates a pivotable interface that allows dynamic adjustment of the electrode orientation relative to the blood vessel. The interface can pivot between a first position for initial contact and a second position for optimized therapy delivery, enabling single-adjustment positioning that eliminates multiple repositioning operations and reduces procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
An implant tool serves as an intermediary device during the implantation procedure. The tool includes a pivotable interface that facilitates precise electrode placement and positioning, allowing the surgeon to achieve optimal electrode-blood vessel contact with minimal adjustments and smaller incisions, thereby reducing procedure time and invasiveness
2Reliability
If electrodes are repositioned multiple times during implantation, then optimal contact with baroreceptors can be achieved, but battery life is reduced and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable interface enables the electrode assembly to transition between positions to achieve optimal contact with baroreceptors on the blood vessel wall. By allowing a single dynamic adjustment rather than multiple repositioning operations, the system maintains reliable electrode contact while minimizing the time the electrode remains in place, thereby preserving battery life
Solution Approach 2:
The implant tool is designed with a pivotable interface that pre-configures the electrode assembly for optimal positioning before final implantation. This preliminary setup ensures that when the electrode is secured to the blood vessel, it is already in the optimal position for therapy delivery, eliminating the need for subsequent repositioning that would drain the battery
3Ease of operation
If large incisions are made for electrode implantation, then adequate access to blood vessels is achieved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant tool acts as an intermediary that provides a minimally invasive approach to blood vessel access. The tool includes a pivotable interface that allows precise electrode placement on the blood vessel surface through smaller incisions, reducing tissue trauma and improving patient outcomes while maintaining adequate access for effective therapy delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode as part of a minimally invasive technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is near one end of the electrical lead, and includes a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the electrode, and a releasable pivotable interface to mate with an implant tool. The electrode is configured for implantation on an outer surface of a blood vessel and the control system is programmed to deliver a baroreflex therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel.