Ankle-Worn Tibial Nerve Stimulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stimulation therapies for the tibial nerve, such as those for treating overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, often require invasive percutaneous electrodes or devices that may not provide optimal comfort and convenience for patients.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation therapy device comprising a support member worn around the ankle, with first and second pairs of electrodes and a stimulation circuit that delivers electrical pulses through these electrodes to the tibial nerve, allowing for non-invasive and adjustable electrical stimulation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If percutaneous electrodes are used for tibial nerve stimulation, then effective nerve stimulation is achieved, but patient comfort and convenience deteriorate due to invasive insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the electrode system into multiple independent electrode pairs (first pair and second pair) that can be positioned separately on the ankle. This allows transcutaneous application while maintaining effective stimulation by distributing the stimulation across multiple electrode contacts, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective nerve stimulation and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary device that holds the electrodes in proper position on the ankle without requiring percutaneous insertion. This intermediary structure enables transcutaneous electrode placement while maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of the stimulation, thus improving patient comfort without sacrificing treatment efficacy.
2Reliability
If multiple electrode pairs are used for stimulation, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple electrode pairs and the support member into a single integrated assembly. The first and second pairs of electrodes are attached to the same support member, creating a unified device that delivers coordinated stimulation through multiple electrode pairs while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it holds the first pair of electrodes, holds the second pair of electrodes, provides structural support, and ensures proper positioning on the ankle. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve effective stimulation through multiple electrode pairs without proportionally increasing overall device 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 device provides effective electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve, treating conditions like overactive bladder and urinary incontinence with improved comfort and convenience by using a wearable device with transcutaneous or percutaneous electrodes and a controlled stimulation circuit.
Implementation Method 1
The stimulation circuit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses through the first and second pairs of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation therapy device provides an electrical stimulation therapy to branches of the tibial nerve of a patient. The device comprises a support member configured to be worn around the ankle or foot of the patient, first and second pairs of electrodes attached to the support member, and a stimulation circuit attached to the support member. The stimulation circuit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses through the first and second pairs of electrodes.