Segmented Neurostimulator Housing for Neck Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable neurostimulators face challenges in the difficulty of implantation and positioning of leads and catheters, particularly when located far from the treatment site, leading to increased surgical time, trauma, and risk of complications, along with challenges in selecting an efficacious target site for neurostimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized neurostimulator with a low-profile, curved housing designed to conform to the subcutaneous region at the back of the neck, equipped with an array of electrodes that can be selectively activated to target specific stimulation sites, allowing for subcutaneous implantation adjacent to neuralgic regions and alleviating symptoms such as occipital neuralgia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If leads or catheters are used to deliver therapy from a remotely located neurostimulator, then the neurostimulator can be positioned away from the treatment site, but surgical time, surgical trauma, and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments (first housing portion, second housing portion, and intermediate portion) that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows the neurostimulator to be placed away from the treatment site while reducing the length of leads required, thereby decreasing surgical trauma and complications while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion of the housing provides dynamic flexibility in positioning, allowing the device to be oriented at various angles relative to the treatment site. This dynamic positioning capability reduces the need for long, rigid leads while maintaining the ability to reach the target area, thus lowering surgical risk.
2Strength
If a rigid housing is used to protect fragile components, then component protection is improved, but the ability to conform to curved implantation sites is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple portions connected by an intermediate portion, allowing each segment to maintain structural integrity for component protection while the overall structure can bend and conform to curved implantation sites like the back of the neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design incorporates curved geometry with a radius of curvature that matches anatomical surfaces. The intermediate portion enables the housing to conform to the curved contour of the back of the neck, improving adaptability to implantation sites while maintaining component protection through the segmented rigid structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the neurostimulator is located a significant distance from the treatment site, then surgical access is simplified, but lead length and surgical trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented housing structure allows the neurostimulator to be positioned optimally for surgical access while minimizing the distance to the treatment site. The intermediate portion enables compact configuration that reduces lead length and implanted material while maintaining ease of surgical access.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.