Rotatable Implant Lead Adapter for Noise-Free Signal Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical leads face challenges during implantation procedures due to noise artifacts introduced by relative rotation of conductive paths between the electrode and test devices, making it difficult to determine the adequacy of the electrode's position or depth within cardiac tissue.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable adapter is used that includes a rotational electrical coupling with a first conductive component rotating with the lead and a second component fixed relative to the adapter body, utilizing materials with low friction and an elastically deformable element to maintain electrical contact, reducing noise in sensed signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lead is rotated during implantation to advance the electrode, then the electrode position can be adjusted, but noise artifacts are introduced into the sensed signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode positioningVSAvoidnoise artifacts in signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive pathway is divided into two independent segments: a rotatable portion that rotates with the lead and a fixed portion that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the lead to rotate for electrode positioning while the fixed portion maintains stable electrical contact, preventing noise artifacts in the sensed signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rotational electrical coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the rotating lead and the stationary test device. This intermediary component transfers electrical signals while accommodating rotational motion, eliminating direct relative movement between conductive paths and thus preventing noise generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the conductive pathway remains fixed during lead rotation, then signal stability is maintained, but the lead cannot be rotated to position the electrode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidlead rotation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates a dynamic rotational electrical coupling that transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system that accommodates rotational motion. The rotatable conductive component allows the lead to rotate freely while maintaining continuous electrical contact, enabling both signal stability and lead rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds rotational freedom in a different dimension (angular rotation) while maintaining electrical continuity. The rotational electrical coupling allows motion in the rotational dimension without compromising the electrical connection, effectively decoupling mechanical rotation from electrical signal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a rotatable connection is used to allow lead rotation, then lead rotation is enabled, but electrical contact may be lost or noisy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead rotationVSAvoidelectrical contact quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational electrical coupling employs flexible conductive components that can accommodate rotational motion while maintaining continuous electrical contact. The flexible nature of these components ensures reliable signal transmission even during rotation, preventing contact loss or noise generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter utilizes composite construction with both rotatable and fixed conductive components made from materials optimized for their specific functions. This composite approach combines the rotational flexibility needed for lead positioning with the electrical stability required for noise-free signal sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This allows for continuous, noise-free signal observation during rotation, reducing the time and effort required to identify an adequate implant position for the electrode.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable element to maintain electrical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing materials with low friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12447351B2Rotatable adapter for connecting implantable medical leads to test devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

An adapter configured to electrically connect a test device to an implantable medical lead comprises a rotational electrical coupling. The rotational electrical coupling is configured to electrically connect a lead electrical connector to an adapter electrical connector. The rotational electrical coupling comprises a first conductive component configured to be electrically connected to the lead electrical connector and rotatable with a proximal portion of the implantable medical lead, and a second conductive component electrically connected to the first conductive component and the adapter electrical connector. The second conductive component may be rotationally fixed. The first and second conductive components may comprise graphite or another soft metal.