Segmented Spinal Cord Stimulation Lead with Bent Distal Portion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinal cord stimulation leads either require invasive surgical methods for implantation or have limited electrode configurations, such as eight or sixteen ring electrodes, which may not effectively target specific spinal cord structures for precise stimulation.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrical stimulation lead with a proximal portion, a straight distal portion, and a bent distal portion, featuring segmented electrodes and a unique conductor arrangement, allowing for precise directional stimulation by positioning electrodes over specific spinal cord structures like the dorsal horn, rootlet, or root, and enabling midline, lateral, or dorsal column stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional spinal cord stimulation leads with limited electrode configurations (eight or sixteen ring electrodes) are used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to effectively target specific spinal cord structures for precise stimulation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration precisionVSAvoidlead structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lead is divided into multiple segments with different electrode configurations along its length. The lead includes a proximal portion with first electrodes, a medial portion with second electrodes, and a distal portion with third electrodes. Each segment can be independently configured to target specific spinal cord structures, enabling precise directional stimulation without requiring a single complex electrode array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If invasive surgical methods are used for lead implantation, then reliable electrical connection and stable lead positioning are achieved, but the ease of operation and patient risk are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead implantation reliabilityVSAvoidimplantation procedure ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lead incorporates a flexible construction that allows it to be dynamically positioned and shaped during implantation. The lead body includes flexible portions that can be bent and oriented to navigate the epidural space and position electrodes against specific spinal cord structures. This dynamic flexibility enables less invasive implantation while maintaining reliable electrical connection through proper electrode-tissue contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lead outer diameter is increased to accommodate more electrodes and conductors, then the electrode configuration capability is improved, but the ease of insertion into the epidural space is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration versatilityVSAvoidlead insertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lead is segmented into multiple portions with different electrode configurations arranged along its length rather than all electrodes at one location. This allows the lead to maintain a smaller overall diameter while still providing diverse electrode options for targeting different spinal cord structures at various positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode configurations are distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the lead, with proximal, medial, and distal portions each having different electrode arrangements. This dimensional distribution allows versatile electrode configuration without requiring a large cross-sectional area, enabling the lead to maintain a small diameter for easy insertion while providing multiple stimulation options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This lead configuration enables more precise and effective stimulation of the spinal cord by allowing for targeted delivery of electrical impulses to specific areas, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes for conditions like chronic pain and incontinence.

Implementation Method 1

first conductors extending along the electrical stimulation lead and electrically coupling some of the electrodes to the proximal terminals, and second conductors extending along the electrical stimulation lead and electrically coupling some of the electrodes to the medial terminals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3796966B1Directional electrical stimulation leads and systems for spinal cord stimulation

Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An implantable electrical stimulation lead can be used for spinal cord stimulation. Leads with segmented electrodes can be used to provide both medial and lateral stimulation. Multiple leads with segmented electrodes can provide paddle-like stimulation. Leads with bent distal portions can facilitate stimulation of multiple elements of the spinal cord and associated anatomy such as, for example, the dorsal column, dorsal, horn, dorsal root ganglia, and the like.