Slip Ring Anchor with Fluted Elastomeric Lead Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor structures for implantable medical device leads are prone to movement, leading to potential lead fractures and ineffective therapy delivery due to sharp concentrated shear forces and axial displacement within the anchor.
Innovation Solution
A slip ring anchor configuration with inelastic members and a fluted elastomeric casing that distributes radial compressive forces evenly around the lead, providing a tight friction interface without sharp shear stresses, and can be secured independently of tissue fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchor structures are used to secure leads, then lead fixation is achieved, but sharp concentrated shear forces cause lead fractures and axial displacement occurs within the anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure transitions from a rigid uniform design to a fluted elastomeric structure with varying local properties. The flutes create zones of different compliance and force distribution, transforming concentrated shear forces into distributed radial compressive forces that contact the lead body along multiple surfaces, eliminating stress concentration points
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor employs a composite structure combining fluted elastomeric material with inelastic members. This composite design allows the elastomeric portion to provide compliant force distribution while the inelastic members maintain structural integrity, creating a tight friction interface without sharp stress concentrations
2Reliability
If traditional anchor structures are used to secure leads, then lead fixation is achieved, but axial displacement within the anchor leads to ineffective therapy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure incorporates dynamic characteristics through the fluted elastomeric design that allows controlled deformation and adaptation to lead movements. This dynamic structure maintains consistent radial compressive forces that prevent axial displacement while accommodating physiological movements, ensuring stable lead positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is designed to be crimped onto the lead body before implantation, pre-establishing a tight friction interface. This preliminary action ensures that when the anchor is deployed, the lead is already secured against axial displacement, preventing movement before therapy delivery begins
3Reliability
If force is applied to secure the anchor to the lead, then lead fixation is improved, but this creates stress concentration points that lead to lead fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor design changes the force application parameters from high-magnitude concentrated forces to low-magnitude distributed forces. The fluted elastomeric structure transforms the crimping force into distributed radial compression, maintaining fixation reliability while reducing peak stresses below fracture thresholds
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
The slip ring anchor maintains lead position effectively, preventing fractures and ensuring consistent therapy delivery by distributing compressive forces evenly, decoupling the force required for lead fixation from tissue attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a fluted elastomeric casing operable in cooperation to impart a radial compressive force to a lead body
Implementation Method 2
providing a tight friction interface without sharp shear stresses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which provide a slip ring anchor configuration in which an anchor body includes inelastic members and a fluted elastomeric casing operable in cooperation to impart a radial compressive force to a corresponding lead body are described. A slip ring anchor body may comprise a plurality of inelastic members alternately disposed in flutes of a fluted elastomeric casing portion of the anchor body. The fluted elastomeric casing may form an anchor lumen through which a lead body may be inserted. Once a slip ring anchor is disposed at a desired position axially along the lead body, manipulation of one or more slip rings may be used to cause a radial compressive force to be imparted upon the lead body. A slip ring actuator tool may be used to manipulate a slip ring between unlocked and locked positions.