Segmented Contact Arrays for Precise Neural Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in precisely delivering electrical stimuli due to the limitations of conventional electrode and terminal designs, which can lead to inefficient targeting of neural tissue and potential stimulation of non-intended areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical stimulation lead with segmented-contact sets, where each segmented contact extends around less than the entire circumference of the lead and is electrically isolated from others, allowing for precise current steering and improved alignment with connector contacts, enhancing the precision and efficiency of electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrode and terminal designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the precision of electrical stimulation delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact array is divided into multiple segmented contacts arranged in a two-dimensional pattern around the lead body, with each contact extending around less than the entire circumference. This segmentation enables precise targeting of neural tissue by selecting specific contacts for stimulation, directly improving stimulation precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The contacts are arranged in a two-dimensional array around the lead body rather than in a simple linear or radial pattern. This two-dimensional arrangement provides additional spatial dimensions for current steering and precise targeting, improving stimulation precision by enabling selective activation of contacts in different angular and longitudinal positions
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrode designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the alignment with connector contacts is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features are incorporated into the lead body and connector assembly before final connection. The segmented contacts are pre-positioned in specific angular and longitudinal locations with reference to alignment features, ensuring precise alignment when the lead is connected to the connector without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The contact array uses an asymmetric two-dimensional arrangement where contacts are positioned at specific non-uniform intervals around the lead body. This asymmetric positioning, combined with corresponding alignment features, enables precise identification and alignment of contacts with connector terminals, improving manufacturing precision while the features are designed to be self-aligning to maintain ease of manufacture
3Quantity of substance
If conventional terminal arrangements are used, then the connector size is compact, but the terminal density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal array is segmented into multiple contacts arranged in a two-dimensional pattern around the lead body, with each contact extending around less than the entire circumference. This segmentation allows for increased terminal density by utilizing the angular dimension around the lead, enabling more terminals to be packed into a conventional connector size without increasing the connector's overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The terminals are arranged in a two-dimensional array around the lead body rather than in a simple linear sequence. This two-dimensional arrangement increases the effective space utilization, allowing more terminals to be accommodated within the same connector volume by distributing terminals across different angular positions and longitudinal locations
4Measurement precision
If segmented contacts extending around the entire circumference are used, then the coverage area is maximized, but the precision of targeting specific neural areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each contact is segmented to extend around only a portion of the lead body circumference rather than the entire circumference. This partial-circumference segmentation creates discrete, isolated contact zones that can be selectively activated, improving precision of neural tissue targeting by limiting the spatial extent of each contact while maintaining sufficient coverage through the array of multiple segmented contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented-contact set of a lead includes segmented contacts extending around less than an entire circumference of the lead and not in electrical contact with one another. The segmented-contact set includes first and second segmented contacts that each include a stimulation portion and a retention member. The stimulation portion has a stimulation surface exposed along an outer surface of the lead. The retention member is coupled to the stimulation portion. The stimulation portion and the retention member collectively form a loop of material that extends around a center transverse axis of the lead beneath the outer surface. A first insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the first segmented contact and the retention member of the second segmented contact. A second insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the second segmented contact and the retention member of the first segmented contact.