Segmented Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable neurostimulators face challenges in accurately targeting small brain regions due to the difficulty in placing leads without causing tissue damage, especially with larger leads that can injure the tissue intended for therapy.
Innovation Solution
Designing leads with thin distal ends (less than 1 millimeter in diameter) that can be implanted deeper into the brain with minimal damage, allowing for multiple leads to be placed to capture the desired region effectively, and incorporating thicker mid sections for structural integrity and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If leads with large outer diameters are used, then structural integrity and anchoring capability are improved, but tissue damage during implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead is divided into two distinct segments with different diameters: a thin distal end portion (≤1mm) for brain implantation to minimize tissue damage, and a thicker proximal mid portion (>1mm) for anchoring and providing structural integrity. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lead have different local qualities (diameters) tailored to their specific requirements. The distal end has thin quality for minimal tissue injury, while the mid portion has thick quality for mechanical strength and anchoring capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and tissue damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If leads with thin distal ends are used, then tissue damage during implantation is reduced, but anchoring capability and structural robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lead is segmented into a thin distal end portion for minimal tissue damage and a thicker proximal mid portion for anchoring capability. The thicker mid portion provides the necessary mechanical strength and robustness for secure anchoring, while the thin distal end ensures minimal tissue injury during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead exhibits local quality variation where the mid portion has increased diameter for anchoring strength and the distal end has reduced diameter for tissue compatibility. This local differentiation allows the lead to simultaneously achieve both reduced tissue damage and adequate anchoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If a single lead is used to target small brain regions, then placement precision is improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead's segmented design with a thin distal end portion enables precise placement into small brain regions while minimizing tissue damage. The thin diameter (≤1mm) allows the lead to be inserted into targeted areas with minimal injury, while the thicker mid portion provides anchoring stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple leads are placed in the brain to capture the desired region, then therapeutic coverage is improved, but the total tissue damage from implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the diameter parameter of the lead to be ≤1mm at the distal end, the patent enables placement of multiple leads in the brain while minimizing total tissue damage. The thin diameter reduces the injury footprint per lead, allowing multiple leads to be implanted to achieve comprehensive therapeutic coverage without excessive cumulative damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A deep brain stimulation lead includes a distal end portion having a length of greater than 5 millimeters and a largest outer diametric dimension of 1 millimeter or less. One or more electrodes are disposed at the distal end portion. The lead also includes a proximal end portion having one or more contacts electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes. The lead further includes a mid portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The mid portion has an outer diametric dimension of greater than 1 millimeter and is configured and positioned to be located in proximity to a burr hole of a skull of patient when the distal end portion is positioned in the brain of the patient at a location to deliver a signal to a target region.