Pivotable Connector for Implanted Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological stimulation systems face challenges in accurately positioning implanted leads during implantation and post-operative trial periods due to cumbersome and prone-to-break connectors, making it difficult for practitioners to manipulate and secure the leads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a pivotable connector system that allows for easy one-handed operation and secure connection of implanted leads to external stimulators, featuring a slot-and-portion design with snap-fit latches and alignment indicators to facilitate precise positioning and reduce the risk of connector failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional releasable connectors are used to attach cable to lead, then connection and disconnection can be achieved, but the connector is difficult to manipulate and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a pivotable cable assembly that rotates between a first position (when engaged with lead) and a second position (when disengaged). This dynamic movement allows the cable to clear the lead during disconnection without requiring precise manual manipulation, reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable cable assembly is designed to automatically rotate away from the lead position before complete disengagement occurs. This pre-positioning prevents the cable from being pinched or damaged during the disconnection process, providing protective cushioning against connector failure
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are placed outside patient's body for external stimulation, then stimulation can be applied during post-operative trial, but the connectors become awkward and cumbersome for patient
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable cable assembly allows the connector to dynamically adjust its position - remaining outside the body during stimulation for versatility, but rotating clear of the patient's body during movement to improve comfort and reduce awkwardness
3Measurement precision
If practitioner repeatedly manipulates connector to reposition lead, then optimal lead position can be achieved, but the connector may be inadvertently broken
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pivoting mechanism reduces the number of manual manipulation steps required. The cable assembly self-adjusts during engagement and disengagement, allowing practitioners to reposition leads accurately while minimizing repetitive manual handling that could cause connector failure
Data Source
AI summary
Couplings for implanted leads and external stimulators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A connector in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion pivotably connected to each other. The first housing portion has an elongated fixed stop opening. The second housing portion has a stop element and a plurality of connector contacts positioned to electrically contact a plurality of connection contacts of a spinal cord stimulation lead. The first and second housing portions are pivotably connected to each other to move between a partially-opened position in which the stop element is in a first location in the elongated fixed stop opening, and a closed position in which the stop element has a second location in the elongated fixed stop opening.