Built-in bladder electro-therapeutic device

Abstract

A medical device, in particular a built-in bladder electro-therapeutic device, which can be placed in the bladder and can regulate bladder functions or relieve urinary tract symptoms by means of electrical stimulation. The technical problem to be solved is that existing bladder nervous regulation devices need surgeries for implantation, need to carry devices out of body, and cannot directly act on the bladder. Provided is a novel therapeutic device which can be placed into the body without a surgery, can be repeatedly placed and removed and can regulate bladder functions by means of electrical stimulation. A main body is of an elastic bendable tubular structure, and a housing is made of an insulating elastic bendable material, so that the therapeutic device can be bent or straightened under an external force, and thus can be completely placed into the bladder through the urethra. A conductive head is provided outside the tubular structure, and a power supply, a discharge module and a central control module are provided inside the tubular structure. The discharge module releases electric pulses by means of the conductive head, the electric pulses emitted by the discharge module act on the inner wall of the bladder via the conductive head to form circuitry, so as to suppress or enhance the feeling of the bladder or the contraction of the detrusor by means of the effect of a current. The central control module can regulate and control the function of the discharge module.

Description

An intravesical electrotherapy device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device, in particular to an intravesical electrotherapy device which can be placed in the bladder and can adjust bladder function or improve urinary tract symptoms through electrical stimulation. Background Art

[0002] Symptoms of overactive bladder are widespread, with frequent and urgent urination as the primary symptoms. These symptoms often significantly impact daily life and reduce quality of life. A key mechanism underlying this is high autonomic nervous system activity in the bladder. Treatment options for overactive bladder include behavioral training, medication, and neuromodulation. Neuromodulation is a relatively effective treatment for persistent and intractable overactive bladder. Currently, sacral neuromodulation is a treatment method that surgically implants electrodes, leads, and an electrical pulse generator. Low-frequency electrical pulses stimulate the sacral nerves, which, through reflex stimulation, affect bladder-related nerves and inhibit involuntary bladder contractions. Limitations of this approach include the need to identify effective nerves, surgically implant permanent electrodes, and carry an external device. The surgery is physically invasive and can lead to various complications. If the device fails, surgical incision is required for removal and replacement. The device cannot be re-implanted at will, and long-term implantation can cause irreversible damage to the device itself. Wearable devices also regulate bladder function by stimulating peripheral nerves in the lower limbs or perineum. However, these devices work indirectly, acting at a distance from the bladder. This requires wearable devices, making treatment difficult to access at any time. Carrying an external device can also affect social interactions and daily life. Currently, there are no non-invasive bladder nerve regulation devices that directly affect the bladder. Technical issues

[0003] The technical problem addressed by this invention is that existing bladder neuromodulation devices require surgical implantation, external carrying, and inability to directly affect the bladder. This invention proposes a novel, surgically non-invasive, implantable therapeutic device that can be repeatedly placed and removed without damage, regulating bladder function through electrical stimulation. The device is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, similar to a catheter, and stored within the bladder's natural cavity, where it discharges electricity directly into the bladder to exert its effects. This invention represents a novel medical device for regulating bladder function. Technical Solutions

[0004] The present invention relates to an intravesical electrotherapy device. The main body comprises an elastic, flexible tubular structure. The tubular structure can be curved or straight, including straight cylinders, capsules, closed loops, open loops, spirals, and S-shaped shapes. The outer shell of the tubular structure is made of an insulating, elastic, flexible material. It can be entirely elastic, or mostly elastic with small sections made of a rigid material. Due to the elastic nature of the material, the outer shell of the tubular structure can bend or straighten under external force and return to its preformed shape in the absence of external force. The tubular structure can have a uniform or non-uniform diameter. Non-uniform diameters can form shapes such as dumbbells or beads. The tubular structure has a diameter smaller than the urethra and can be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The tubular structure has a conductive tip on the outside and a power supply, discharge module, and central control module on the inside. The discharge module can be independent or integrated into the central control module, which controls the discharge module's functions, including but not limited to starting and stopping discharge, the frequency and intensity of the electrical pulses, and the waveform of the electrical pulses. The conductive tip is made of conductive material, including metal, non-metal, soft, and hard conductive materials. It contains a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are connected to the discharge module via internal wires. The electrical pulses emitted by the discharge module act on the inner wall of the bladder through the conductive tip, forming a circuit. The current suppresses or enhances bladder sensation or detrusor contraction. Parameters such as the frequency and intensity of the electrical pulses emitted by the discharge module can be fixed or adjustable. Control methods for the discharge module include, but are not limited to, programmable control by the central control module, sensor feedback control, wireless communication control, and a combination of multiple control methods. The present invention may include a wireless communication module, either independent or integrated into the central control module. The forms of wireless communication include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth short-range wireless communication, Wi-Fi wireless local area communication, fourth-generation mobile communication, and fifth-generation mobile communication. The present invention may include a wireless charging module, either independent or integrated into the central control module. The wireless charging module may include a wireless charging chip and a wireless charging induction coil. The present invention may include a pressure sensor connected to the central control module or the wireless communication module. The present invention may include a potential sensor connected to the central control module or the wireless communication module. The tubular structure of the present invention may contain a buoyancy chamber filled with gas or ultra-lightweight material. The tubular structure may also have a lumen extending through the long axis of the tubular structure for placement of a guidewire. One end of the tubular structure may be provided with a thin wire for traction and gripping. The tubular structure may also be provided with elastic tentacles. These tentacles may be coiled, including but not limited to rings and spirals. The diameter of the tentacles themselves may be smaller than that of the main tubular structure, and their curved diameter may be larger than the diameter of the urethra. The conductive tip may be located on the tentacles. Beneficial effects

[0005] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention can be inserted into the body without surgery, thus avoiding surgical damage, can be placed at any time, and can be removed repeatedly, thus preventing permanent irreversible damage and complications; the present invention has simple placement procedures, low technical requirements, does not require operating room conditions, and has low environmental requirements, making it suitable for widespread application; the present invention directly acts on the inner wall of the bladder, improving bladder function through direct stimulation, without relying on stimulation of the sacral nerves or other peripheral nerves; the present invention utilizes internal space and circuits, and can also be built with multiple sensors, thus simultaneously having multiple functions such as bladder function testing. There are no similar designs to the present invention, and the present invention is an innovation with practical application significance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0007] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0008] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of Example 3 of the present invention;

[0009] Explanation of the numbers in the figure: 1. Housing, 2. Conductive head, 3. Power module, 4. Discharge module, 5. Central control module, 6. Wire, 7. Buoyancy chamber, 8. Pressure sensor, 9. Potential sensor, 10. Wireless communication module, 11. Wireless charging module, 12. Thin wire, 13. Tentacle, 14. Cavity. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Example 1: As shown in Figure 1, a fully internal bladder electrotherapy device has a main body comprising a straight tubular structure. The tubular structure's outer shell 1 is constructed of an insulating, elastic, flexible material. The tubular structure bends under external force and returns to its preformed shape without external force. The tubular structure's diameter is smaller than the urethra's, allowing it to be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The tubular structure's exterior contains four conductive heads 2, each with a positive and negative electrode. Inside, the tubular structure houses a power supply 3, a discharge module 4, and a central control module 5. The discharge module 4 is connected to the conductive heads 2 via wires 6. Electrical pulses emitted by the discharge module 4 pass through the conductive heads 2 and act on the inner wall of the bladder, forming a circuit. This electrical stimulation suppresses or enhances bladder sensation or detrusor contraction. The central control module 5 controls the functions of the discharge module 4, including starting and stopping discharge, and the frequency and intensity of the electrical pulses. The tubular structure contains a pressure sensor 8, a potential sensor 9, and a wireless communication module 10, all connected to the central control module 5. The tubular structure also houses a wireless charging module 11, which charges the power supply 3. The wireless charging module 11 includes a charging chip and a wireless charging coil. There are two gas-containing buoyancy chambers 7 inside the tubular structure, and a thin line 12 is provided at one end of the tubular structure. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Example 2: As shown in Figure 2, a fully internal bladder electrotherapy device comprises a spiral tubular structure. The tubular structure's outer shell 1 is constructed of an insulating, elastic, flexible material. The tubular structure can bend or straighten under external force and return to its preformed shape without external force. The tubular structure's diameter is smaller than the urethra's, allowing it to be fully inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The tubular structure's exterior contains five conductive heads 2, each with a positive and negative electrode. Inside, the tubular structure houses a power supply 3, a discharge module 4, and a central control module 5. The discharge module 4 is connected to the conductive heads 2 via wires 6. The electrical pulses emitted by the discharge module 4 pass through the conductive heads 2 and act on the inner wall of the bladder, forming a circuit. This electrical stimulation suppresses or enhances bladder sensation or detrusor contraction. The central control module 5 controls the functions of the discharge module 4, including starting and stopping discharge, and the frequency and intensity of the electrical pulses. The tubular structure houses a wireless communication module 10 connected to the central control module 5, and a wireless charging module 11 to charge the power supply 3. Inside, the tubular structure contains three gas-filled buoyancy chambers 7, with a thin wire 12 attached to one end.

[0012] Example 3: As shown in Figure 3, a fully internal bladder electrotherapy device has a main body comprising a straight tubular structure. The outer shell 1 of the tubular structure is made of an insulating, elastic, flexible material. The tubular structure bends under external force and returns to its preformed shape in the absence of external force. The tubular structure has a diameter smaller than the urethra, allowing it to be placed entirely through the urethra into the bladder. Each end of the straight tubular structure has a conductive tip 2. Extending from each end of the tubular structure is a spiral elastic tentacle 13, each of which has two conductive tips 2. The tubular structure and the elastic tentacle 13 have an internal lumen 14 that runs through the long axis of the tubular structure and extends to the end of the tentacle, allowing for the placement of a guidewire. The other internal components of the tubular structure are the same as those of Example 1, including a buoyancy chamber, a power supply, a discharge module, a central control module, a pressure sensor, a potential sensor, a wireless communication module, and a wireless charging module. The electrical pulses emitted by the discharge module act on the inner wall of the bladder through the conductive tip 2, forming a circuit. This electrical stimulation suppresses or enhances bladder sensation or detrusor contraction. The central control module can regulate the functions of the discharge module, including the start and stop of discharge, the frequency and intensity of electric pulses, etc. Industrial Applicability

[0013] The present invention can be realized by utilizing existing production technology and has industrial applicability.

[0014] Type your sequence listing free description paragraph here.

Claims

1. An intravesical electrotherapy device, characterized in that: The main body of the intravesical electrotherapy device is an elastic and flexible tubular structure with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the urethra. It can be placed entirely into the bladder through the urethra. The tubular structure has a conductive head on the outside and a power supply, a discharge module, and a central control module on the inside. The discharge module releases electrical pulses through the conductive head, and the central control module can regulate the function of the discharge module.

2. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the tubular structure may be curved or straight, including but not limited to a straight cylinder, a capsule, a closed ring, an open ring, a spiral, and an S-shape.

3. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell of the tubular structure is made of an insulating elastic and bendable material. It can be made entirely of elastic and bendable material, or most of it can be made of elastic material with a small part made of hard material. Based on the characteristics of the elastic material, the outer shell of the tubular structure can bend or straighten under the action of external force, and restore the prefabricated shape when there is no external force.

4. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure may have a uniform diameter or a non-uniform diameter. When the diameter is non-uniform, the tubular structure may be formed into a dumbbell shape, a beaded shape, or the like.

5. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure may have a lumen inside thereof that passes through the long axis of the tubular structure and is used for placing a guide wire.

6. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure may contain a buoyancy chamber inside, and the inside of the buoyancy chamber is gas or ultra-light density material.

7. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular structure may be provided with elastic tentacles, and the shape of the elastic tentacles may be coiled, including but not limited to rings and spirals. The diameter of the elastic tentacles themselves is smaller than the main tubular structure, and the bending diameter of the elastic tentacles is larger than the diameter of the urethra. The conductive head may be located on the elastic tentacles.

8. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive head is made of conductive materials, including metal, non-metal, soft and hard conductive materials.

9. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive head includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are connected to the discharge module through built-in wires. The electric pulses emitted by the discharge module act on the inner wall of the bladder through the conductive head to form a loop, and the electric current suppresses or enhances the bladder sensation or the contraction of the detrusor muscle.

10. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central control module can regulate the functions of the discharge module, including but not limited to the start and stop of discharge, the frequency and intensity of the electric pulse, and the waveform of the electric pulse.

11. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge module can be independent or integrated into the central control module.

12. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Parameters such as the frequency and intensity of the electric pulses emitted by the discharge module can be fixed or adjustable.

13. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control methods of the discharge module include but are not limited to central control module program control, sensor feedback control, wireless communication control, and mixed control of multiple methods.

14. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It may contain a wireless communication module, which may be independent or integrated into the central control module. The forms of wireless communication include but are not limited to Bluetooth short-range wireless communication, Wi-Fi wireless local area communication, fourth-generation mobile communication, and fifth-generation mobile communication.

15. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It may contain a wireless charging module, which may be independent or integrated into a central control module. The wireless charging module may include a wireless charging chip and a wireless charging induction coil.

16. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It can contain a pressure sensor connected to a central control module or a wireless communication module.

17. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It can contain a potentiometric sensor connected to a central control module or a wireless communication module.

18. The intravesical electrotherapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the tubular structure may be provided with a thin wire for pulling and grasping.

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