Segmented Electrode Leads Using Flanged Carrier for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical stimulation leads with ring 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 segmented electrodes arranged on a flanged carrier, which allows for precise current steering by directing the stimulus current to a selected angular range around the lead, enabling radial positioning and three-dimensional targeting of neural tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ring electrodes are used to provide stimulation, then electrical stimulus current can be delivered through selected electrodes, but the stimulus current cannot be directed to one or more specific positions around the ring electrode, resulting in unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The ring electrode is divided into multiple discrete contact elements arranged around the circumference of the lead. Each contact element can be independently controlled to deliver stimulation current to specific angular positions, enabling precise control over the stimulation field and avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue.
2Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes are attached to a carrier and the carrier is formed into a cylinder, then precise current steering is enabled, but the carrier must be removed to separate the segmented electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier is used as an intermediary tool during manufacturing to hold and position the segmented electrodes in their final cylindrical arrangement. The carrier facilitates precise electrode positioning during assembly but is subsequently removed, leaving the segmented electrodes integrated into the lead structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flanges with leg portions are used to extend toward the central longitudinal axis, then the carrier can be formed into a cylinder with segmented electrodes disposed within, but the flanges must be removed after molding the lead body
Solution Approach 1:
Flanges with leg portions are provided on the carrier to facilitate formation of the cylindrical structure during manufacturing. The flanges extend toward the central longitudinal axis to help maintain the cylindrical shape and stabilize the segmented electrodes within the lead body during the molding process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a stimulation lead includes providing a carrier with a body having a first surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. The carrier also includes flanges and each flange has a leg portion attached to the body and extending away from the first surface at a non-zero angle. The method further includes attaching segmented electrodes to the first surface of the carrier; attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with the cylinder defining a central longitudinal axis through a center of the cylinder with the segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder and the leg portions of the flanges extending toward the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier and around the flanges; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.