Using human simulation in developing implantable medical device leads

Abstract

Implantable medical device systems such as pacemakers and neuromodulators use leads, like those shown in Figure 1, to transmit signals from a source generator. The leads are routed within the body to a specific location such as the heart, epidural space, brain, or a specific nerve. Manufacturers must produce leads which are thin and flexible, for patient comfort, while being highly reliable as repair requires surgical intervention. Reliable leads contribute to a better quality of life, and reduce the trauma and expense of the surgeries required to replace failures, across the patient population.