Implantable Stimulator Connector Assembly for Lead Interchangeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimal placement of implantable stimulators within patients is challenging, making it difficult to achieve effective electrical stimulation while minimizing power consumption and accommodating variations in patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A stimulator system with a connector assembly that allows for removable coupling of leads with electrodes, enabling flexible configuration and placement to suit different stimulation sites, and an encasing that surrounds the stimulator and connector assembly for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stimulator is placed at a fixed position in the patient's body, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to achieve optimal stimulation效果 for different patients and anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a reusable stimulator body and interchangeable lead assemblies. The lead assembly includes a connector that couples to the stimulator and a separate electrode portion. This segmentation allows the electrode configuration to be changed by swapping leads while keeping the main stimulator body in place, providing adaptability without requiring complete device replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through removable and reconfigurable lead assemblies. The leads can be disconnected and reconnected to the stimulator body, allowing the electrode configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on patient needs and anatomical variations, transforming a static device into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Reliability
If the electrodes are optimally placed near the stimulation site, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of achieving optimal placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead assembly is segmented into a connector portion that interfaces with the stimulator and a separate electrode portion with multiple electrodes at different positions and configurations. This allows the electrode array to be optimally positioned at the stimulation site while the connector remains accessible for coupling to the stimulator body, separating the optimization function from the connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of lead assemblies with different electrode configurations, positions, and arrangements to optimize stimulation parameters for different patients and anatomical variations. By providing multiple lead options with varying electrode parameters, the system enables optimal placement without increasing the complexity of the placement procedure itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stimulator uses a removable connector assembly, then adaptability and ease of lead replacement are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that interfaces between the stimulator body and the lead assembly. This segmentation allows the connector to be independently designed for ease of coupling and decoupling operations, providing adaptability without requiring complex integration throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the stimulator and lead, enables easy attachment and detachment of different lead assemblies, and maintains a sealed interface. By consolidating these functions into a single universal connector design, the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.