Radially-Aligned Segmented Electrodes for Neural Stimulation Leads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical stimulation leads with ring-shaped electrodes lack the ability to direct stimulus current to specific positions, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue and potential side effects during deep brain stimulation procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of electrical stimulation leads with multiple sets of radially-aligned segmented electrodes, which allow for precise current steering by varying the location and configuration of segmented electrodes along the lead, enabling targeted stimulation of neural tissue while minimizing stimulation of other tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ring-shaped electrodes are used, then the lead structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stimulus current cannot be directed to specific positions and unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidunwanted stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be activated or deactivated to direct stimulus current to specific angular positions around the lead, enabling precise targeting of neural tissue while avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If segmented electrodes are used for precise current steering, then unwanted stimulation is reduced, but the lead structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunwanted stimulationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple independent sections, each capable of being individually activated or deactivated. This segmentation enables precise control of stimulus current direction, allowing clinicians to target specific neural structures while avoiding adjacent sensitive areas, thereby reducing unwanted side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular positioning capability around the lead circumference, adding a rotational dimension to the traditional linear electrode array. This enables three-dimensional current steering by controlling which angular segments are active, providing precise spatial selectivity without requiring multiple separate leads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9795779B2Systems and methods for making and using radially-aligned segmented electrodes for leads of electrical stimulation systems

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.