Segmented Electrode Carrier for Neural Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical stimulation leads with ring electrodes lack the ability to direct stimulation current to specific positions, often resulting in unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue, leading to undesired side effects during treatments like deep brain stimulation.

Innovation Solution

The development of stimulation leads with segmented electrodes that extend around no more than 75% of the circumference, allowing for precise current steering and targeted stimulation by using an electrode carrier with lattice regions and conductors to couple the electrodes to terminals, enabling radial current steering and three-dimensional targeting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ring electrodes are used to deliver stimulation current, then the electrode structure is simple and provides omnidirectional coverage, but the stimulation current cannot be directed to specific positions and unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional control of stimulation currentVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes arranged in a circular array, where each segment can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific electrode segments to direct stimulation current to desired spatial locations while avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue, resolving the contradiction between directional control and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If segmented electrodes are used to achieve precise current steering and directional targeting, then unwanted stimulation of neighboring tissue is reduced, but the electrode structure and manufacturing process become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of stimulation targetingVSAvoidelectrode structure and manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented electrodes are nested within a cylindrical insulating element that provides structural support and electrical isolation. This nested configuration simplifies the overall assembly process and manufacturing while maintaining the precision of directional targeting, as the insulating element naturally positions and protects the segmented electrodes without requiring additional complex mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead body, insulating element, and segmented electrodes are combined into an integrated assembly where the insulating element serves multiple functions including structural support, electrical isolation, and positioning of the segmented electrodes. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while preserving the high precision of stimulation targeting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional ring electrodes are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to provide targeted stimulation to specific brain regions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidlead fabrication process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented electrodes are pre-assembled in their final circular configuration within the insulating element during the manufacturing process, rather than being assembled after lead implantation. This preliminary assembly ensures precise spatial positioning and electrical isolation before the lead is implanted, enabling effective targeted stimulation while streamlining the overall manufacturing process by eliminating post-implantation adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9427567B2Leads with electrode carrier for segmented electrodes and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A stimulation lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal length, a distal portion, and a proximal portion; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; an electrode carrier coupled to, or disposed along, the distal portion of the lead body; segmented electrodes disposed along the electrode carrier; and conductors extending along the lead body and coupling the segmented electrodes to the terminals. The electrode carrier includes a lattice region defining segmented electrode receiving openings. Each of the segmented electrodes extends around no more than 75% of a circumference of the lead and is disposed in a different one of the segmented electrode receiving openings of the electrode carrier.