Tissue Anchor Fiber Loops for Secure Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchors for securing devices or components to internal tissue in patients fail to effectively prevent migration, are difficult to install, and can damage tissue during implantation, while also being challenging to remove without causing significant harm.
Innovation Solution
A tissue anchor system comprising fiber loops or annular protruding elements that are designed to secure electrode leads and mechanical supports to internal tissue, preventing migration and allowing for easy installation and removal while minimizing tissue damage, using biocompatible materials and configurations that provide electrical contact and flexibility to accommodate tissue movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional helical coil anchors are used to secure electrode leads to tissue, then the anchors can provide secure fixation, but they are difficult to install and remove, and can damage tissue during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple independent fiber loops instead of a single helical coil structure. Each fiber loop can independently engage with tissue, allowing the anchor to be pushed through tissue more easily while maintaining secure fixation. The segmented structure enables easier removal as individual loops can be pulled through tissue separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor uses flexible fiber loops made from biocompatible materials that can bend and conform to tissue geometry. This flexibility allows the anchor to be easily pushed through tissue during installation and to adapt to tissue movement without causing damage, while still providing reliable fixation when engaged.
2Reliability
If traditional helical coil anchors are used to secure devices to tissue, then fixation is achieved, but tissue damage occurs during implantation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fiber loops can bend and conform to tissue geometry, distributing mechanical stress across a larger area and reducing localized tissue damage. The flexibility allows the anchor to adapt to tissue movement without causing shear forces or tearing that would occur with rigid helical coils.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the anchor penetrating and anchoring itself through tissue like traditional helical coils, the fiber loops are pushed through tissue and then expand to engage tissue from the opposite side. This inverted mechanism reduces the force required for implantation and minimizes tissue disruption.
3Reliability
If anchors are designed to prevent migration, then device stability is improved, but the anchors restrict temporary repositioning during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber loops are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to transition between a compressed state during installation (enabling movement and repositioning) and an expanded state during operation (providing stable fixation). This dynamic behavior allows temporary repositioning during installation while ensuring device stability afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an anchor used to secure a position of a device or component relative to internal tissue of a patient and prevent migration of the component relative to the tissue of the patient. In one embodiment, the anchor is combined with an electrode lead that is configured for implantation in a patient. The electrode lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, a stimulating electrode and the anchor. The stimulating electrode is attached to the lead body at the distal end. The anchor is attached to the distal end of the lead body. In one embodiment, the anchor comprises a plurality of fiber loops each including a fiber having first and second ends attached to the lead body, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends that is displaced from the lead body.