Implantable Lead Extraction Planning from X-Ray Adhesion Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting implantable devices, such as electrical leads of pacemakers and ICDs, face challenges in deciding which techniques and tools to use due to varying adhesion strengths and tortuous paths through the vasculature, especially when adhesion becomes stronger over time.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using X-ray attenuation data to determine the amount of adhesion between the implantable device and tissue, providing guidance information for extraction procedures through analysis of Hounsfield Units, spectral attenuation, or neural networks to predict adhesion levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the lead has been in place for more than a few months, then adhesion between the lead and contacting tissue becomes relatively stronger, but this makes extraction by simple pulling unsuitable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of implantationVSAvoidextraction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of adhesion strength using X-ray attenuation data before the extraction procedure begins. This allows the medical professional to pre-determine the appropriate extraction technique and tools needed, rather than reacting to difficulties during the procedure itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

X-ray attenuation data serves as an intermediary measurement that indirectly quantifies adhesion strength between the lead and tissue. This mediator enables non-invasive assessment of the extraction difficulty without requiring actual extraction attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If various tools such as locking stylets or laser sheaths are used to facilitate extraction, then extraction capability is improved, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidtool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides localized adhesion assessment at different positions along the lead using X-ray attenuation measurements. This allows selection of extraction tools and techniques tailored to specific high-adhesion segments, rather than using complex tools for the entire lead length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lead itself provides information about its adhesion state through its effect on X-ray attenuation. The lead's interaction with surrounding tissue modifies the X-ray signal, allowing the lead to 'report' its own adhesion status without requiring external sensors or markers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If X-ray attenuation data is analyzed to determine adhesion amount, then extraction guidance precision is improved, but measurement and analysis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion assessment accuracyVSAvoidanalysis system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical assessment of adhesion (which would require physical manipulation or surgical exploration) with non-invasive X-ray attenuation measurements. This substitution provides precise measurement without the complexity of mechanical testing apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in X-ray attenuation parameters to infer adhesion strength. By tracking how attenuation values change with implantation time and position, the system derives adhesion information from naturally occurring physical parameter variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides a reliable, non-invasive technique for guiding the extraction of implantable devices by accurately assessing adhesion, enabling effective tool selection and procedural decisions.

Implementation Method 1

receiving attenuation data representing an implantable device in an anatomical region, the attenuation data defining X-ray attenuation within the anatomical region; analyzing the attenuation data to determine an amount of adhesion between the implantable device and a tissue contacting the implantable device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4601546B1Providing guidance information for an implantable device extraction procedure

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

A system (200) for providing guidance information for an implantable device extraction procedure, is provided. The system includes one or more processors (210) configured to: receive (S 110) attenuation data (110) representing an implantable device (120) in an anatomical region, the attenuation data defining X-ray attenuation within the anatomical region; analyze (S120) the attenuation data (110) to determine an amount of adhesion (130) between the implantable device (120) and a tissue (140) contacting the implantable device; and output (S130) guidance information for the implantable device extraction procedure based on the amount of adhesion (130).