Quadripolar Phrenic Nerve Electrode with Elastic Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar electrodes for neurostimulation of the phrenic nerve are invasive and cause post-operative inflammatory problems due to complete encirclement of the nerve, leading to constraint and modification of stimulation parameters, and are not suitable for minimally invasive procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques.
Innovation Solution
A quadripolar electrode design featuring two branches with hooks and extensions that allow contact with the phrenic nerve without encircling it, connected by a bridge for adjustable positioning, and made of polytetrafluoroethylene with silicone coating for flexibility, enabling implantation through thoracoscopy using a standard trocar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode completely encircles the nerve bundle, then stable contact and positioning are achieved, but post-operative inflammatory problems and nerve constraint occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two separate branches (first branch passing under the nerve, second branch passing over the nerve) instead of completely encircling the nerve. This segmentation maintains stable contact through strategic positioning while avoiding the harmful effects of complete encirclement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the electrode pass completely around the nerve, the design inverts the approach by having branches pass on opposite sides (under and over) of the nerve, connected by a bridge. This maintains electrical contact stability while eliminating nerve constraint and inflammatory problems.
2Reliability
If the electrode is designed for open surgery, then proper positioning and contact are achieved, but invasive procedure and long intervention time result
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates a flexible bridge with elastic properties that allows the branches to rotate and adjust relative to each other. This dynamic structure enables the electrode to adapt to the nerve's position and shape, ensuring proper contact during minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures without requiring lengthy open surgery for positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the electrode structure is rigid for precise positioning, then contact precision is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to nerve shape are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge connecting the two branches is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to flex and rotate as needed. This flexible connection maintains precise positioning of the contactors on the nerve while adapting to the nerve's natural shape and movement, combining manufacturing precision with biological adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention concerns an implantable quadripolar electrode (1) for multiple-sequence nerve stimulation of the phrenic nerve (2). It essentially consists of a matrix (1) provided with two branches (11) and (12) each consisting of a hook (111, 121) designed to come into contact with the phrenic nerve without totally encircling it, and an extension (112, 122), or tab, designed to pass through the corresponding incision provided in the pleura and to attach the latter to the pericardium, each hook (111, 121) having an opening (113, 123) capable of allowing the phrenic nerve to pass through same. The hooks (111) and (121) are connected by a bridge (13) intended to keep them at a well defined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of said phrenic nerve (2) and to allow, as a result of the elasticity of same, the branches (11) and (12) to rotate relative to each other in order to position the hooks (111) and (121) around the phrenic nerve via the respective openings (113, 123) of same, said hooks each being provided with two contactors (14, 15) and (16, 17) arranged symmetrically around the axis of said phrenic nerve (2), in contact with same, and designed to be powered, with multiple-sequence nerve stimulation current, by means of a bundle (3) of fours wires (34, 35, 36, 37).