Terminal Extension for Implantable Lead Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in efficiently coupling leads with varying electrode and terminal configurations to control modules, leading to bulkier and more complex systems due to the need for additional components like splitters or adapters, which can increase fragility and error risk.

Innovation Solution

The development of lead assemblies with terminal and electrode extensions that can be coupled to terminal or electrode arrays, allowing for flexible configuration and alignment, enabling direct connection to control modules without additional adapters, thus maintaining isodiametric leads and facilitating easier implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional components like splitters or adapters are used to couple leads with varying electrode and terminal configurations to control modules, then the system can accommodate more electrode configurations, but the system becomes bulkier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal extension is designed with a universal connector that can couple to multiple different terminal arrays (e.g., 4-terminal, 8-terminal, 16-terminal arrays) and a single control module connector interface. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace multiple specialized adapters, accommodating various electrode configurations without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal extension incorporates a nested structure where the connector is integrated within the extension body, and the extension itself couples to the lead assembly. This nesting eliminates the need for separate adapter components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration compatibilityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal extension merges the functions of multiple separate components (adapter, connector, and extension lead) into a single integrated component. This consolidation reduces the total volume occupied by multiple separate parts while maintaining the ability to accommodate various electrode configurations through its universal coupling design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration compatibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal extension extracts and eliminates the need for multiple separate adapter components from the system. By providing a single universal solution, it removes the points of failure associated with multiple connection interfaces, thereby improving reliability while maintaining configuration compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal connector design reduces the number of connection points and interfaces in the system. Fewer connection points mean fewer potential failure points, improving reliability while still accommodating various electrode configurations through its multi-functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If electrode extensions are coupled to electrode arrays, then larger tissue regions can be stimulated with increased electrode numbers, but the lead assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulated tissue region areaVSAvoidlead assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lead assembly is segmented into modular components (lead body, terminal extension, electrode extension) that can be independently configured. The electrode extension can be selectively coupled to different electrode arrays depending on the desired stimulation pattern, allowing large tissue coverage without permanently increasing the complexity of the base lead assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9308364B2Systems and methods for making and using electrode or terminal extensions for coupling to leads of implantable electrical systems

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A lead assembly includes an implantable lead. Electrodes are disposed along a distal end of the lead in an electrode array. Terminals are disposed along a proximal end of the lead in a proximal-most terminal array and a medial terminal array. A terminal extension electrically couples to the medial terminal array. A port is defined in a connector at a first end of the terminal extension. The port has a first end and an opposing second end and forms a continuous passageway therebetween. The port receives the medial terminal array. A contact array includes connector contacts that are disposed within the port and that couple electrically with a terminal array disposed along a second end of the terminal extension. The contact array couples electrically with terminals of the medial terminal array of the lead when the medial terminal array is received by the port.