Pivotable Connector for Implanted Leads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological stimulation systems face challenges in accurately positioning implanted leads during implantation and post-operative trial periods due to cumbersome 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, featuring a first and second connector portion that securely engage the lead or signal delivery element, enabling precise positioning and reduced bulkiness for patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional releasable connectors are used to connect external stimulators to implanted leads, then the practitioner can adjust lead position during implantation and post-operative trial, but the connector becomes cumbersome and difficult to manipulate repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first portion that remains attached to the implanted lead and a second portion that connects to the external stimulator. This segmentation allows the lead to be manipulated independently while the external stimulator remains stationary, eliminating the need to repeatedly manipulate a single cumbersome connector during lead repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable assembly serves as an intermediary element connecting the lead to the external stimulator. The cable with its integrated connector system enables the practitioner to adjust lead position without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting the stimulator, thereby reducing manipulation difficulty while maintaining adaptability for lead repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external stimulators are connected to implanted leads during post-operative trial period, then stimulation can be applied to optimize signal characteristics, but the connector becomes awkward and cumbersome for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into a lead-attached portion and a stimulator-attached portion, the system allows the patient to wear the external stimulator comfortably during the trial period while the lead remains implanted. The segmented design eliminates the need for a single bulky connector that would be awkward for the patient to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is extracted from a single integrated unit and distributed into separate portions attached to different components (lead and stimulator). This extraction reduces the bulkiness and awkwardness for the patient during the post-operative trial period while maintaining the full functionality of stimulation optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed to be releasable for lead repositioning, then lead position can be adjusted during implantation, but the connector requires two-handed manipulation which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a first portion attached to the lead and a second portion attached to the external stimulator. This segmentation enables the practitioner to manipulate only the lead portion during repositioning operations, eliminating the need for two-handed manipulation of a single complex connector and thereby reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system is designed with dynamic characteristics where the lead-attached portion can be independently manipulated while the stimulator-attached portion remains stationary. This dynamic design simplifies the manipulation process from requiring two-handed operation to allowing single-handed lead adjustment during implantation.
Data Source
AI summary
Couplings for implanted leads and external stimulators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cable assembly that in turn includes an electrical cable having a proximal end and a distal end. A first connector is attached to the cable toward the proximal end and has a plurality of first connector contacts positioned to releasably connect to an external patient device. A second connector is attached by the cable toward the distal end, and includes a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to the first portion. The first portion has a slot elongated along a slot axis and positioned to receive an implantable patient signal delivery element axially along the slot axis. The second portion has a plurality of second connector contacts positioned to releasably, electrically contact the signal delivery element when the signal delivery element is positioned within the slot and the first and second portions are placed in a secured position. At least one of the first and second portions is pivotable relative to the other between the secured position and an unsecured position.