Vented Set Screw for Implantable Medical Device Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges in maintaining a secure connection with leads due to pressure buildup from liquids and gases during the implantation procedure, which can lead to improper locking and function failure.
Innovation Solution
A vented set screw with channels that allow fluid to escape, preventing pressure buildup and ensuring a reliable connection between the medical device and lead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set screw is used to secure the connection between implantable medical device and lead, then the connection reliability is improved, but pressure buildup from liquids and gases during implantation causes improper locking and connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw is segmented with multiple venting channels (first, second, and third venting channels) that create separate fluid communication pathways. These channels divide the internal cavity into regions that can vent pressure independently, allowing liquid and gas to escape through different routes simultaneously, thereby preventing pressure buildup while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channels act as intermediary pathways between the internal cavity and the external environment. These channels provide a controlled medium for fluid escape, mediating the pressure differential by allowing gradual venting of liquids and gases during the implantation process, preventing direct pressure buildup that would compromise the set screw's locking function
2Ease of manufacture
If the set screw structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to vent multiple types of fluids (liquid and gas) simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating three different types of venting channels (first, second, and third venting channels) within a single component structure. Each channel type can handle different fluid dynamics characteristics, allowing the set screw to universally vent both liquid and gas phases simultaneously while maintaining a unified manufacturing approach that doesn't significantly increase complexity
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 vented set screw ensures a secure and reliable connection by allowing the escape of liquids and gases, preventing pressure buildup and ensuring proper function of the medical device.
Implementation Method 1
The vented set screw includes one or more venting channels that allow liquid and/or gas to flow out of the implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A vented set screw is used to secure a connection between an implantable medical device and an implantable lead. The vented set screw includes one or more venting channels that allow liquid and/or gas to flow out of the implantable medical device when the implantable lead is being inserted into the implantable medical device and secured during an implantation procedure. This prevents pressure from building up at the connection, thereby ensuring proper performance of sensing and/or therapy delivery functions of the implantable medical device.