Segmented Electrodes with Notches for Directional Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep brain stimulation leads with ring electrodes lack directional control, leading to undirected stimulation of neural tissue and potential side effects due to the inability to target specific areas around the electrode.
Innovation Solution
The use of segmented electrodes with internal retention features such as channels, notches, and arcuate grooves allows for precise current steering and targeting by distributing electrodes partially around the lead's circumference, enabling radial and axial current steering for precise neural stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ring electrodes are used to provide stimulation, then the electrode structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stimulus current cannot be directed to specific positions around the electrode resulting in undirected stimulation of neural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The ring electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes that can be independently controlled. Each segment can deliver current selectively, enabling directional stimulation while maintaining the overall circular arrangement. This segmentation allows precise control over which neural populations are stimulated without requiring complete redesign of the lead structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic selection and activation of different electrode segments based on treatment requirements. The ability to independently control each segment allows the stimulation pattern to be dynamically adjusted to target specific neural populations, transforming a static undirected stimulus into a dynamically controllable directed stimulus.
2Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes are used to enable directional current steering, then stimulation precision is improved, but the lead structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent elements arranged in a circular pattern around the lead. This segmentation provides directional control capability while maintaining a compact cylindrical structure that does not significantly increase overall lead diameter or complexity compared to traditional ring electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented electrode design serves multiple functions: it provides directional current steering capability, maintains mechanical flexibility of the lead, and allows for selective activation of different segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components that would otherwise increase complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes with retention features are used, then electrode retention and positioning precision are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional formation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features are integrated directly into the segmented electrode structure itself rather than being separate components. The electrodes are formed with built-in retention characteristics during the same manufacturing process, combining the electrode function and retention function into a single integrated element, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention features are pre-formed as part of the electrode structure during manufacturing, before implantation. This preliminary formation of retention characteristics ensures precise positioning is built into the electrode design itself, eliminating the need for complex post-implantation adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stimulation lead, comprising a lead body comprising a longitudinal surface, a distal end, and a proximal end, wherein the lead body comprises a material that is biocompatible, nonconducting, and polymeric, and a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body, the plurality of electrodes comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes, each of the segmented electrodes comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a lateral side surface between the interior surface and the exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, at least one of the segmented electrodes comprising a notch formed in the segmented electrode, extending from or toward the lateral side surface, and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the segmented electrode, wherein the notch is filled with material from the lead body to facilitate retention of the at least one of the segmented electrodes in the lead body.