Using human simulation in developing implantable medical device leads

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.