Appendicular Rectal Stimulator Enteric Nervous System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation devices for gastrointestinal disorders are primarily located in the gastric region and lack effective solutions for treating disorders in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the appendix and rectum, which are linked through the enteric nervous system.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation device is inserted into the luminal cavity of the appendix or rectum, equipped with electrodes and a pulse generator, delivering pulses via electricity, acoustic waves, or radiation to stimulate the enteric nervous system, treating various gastrointestinal and eating disorders, including obesity, nausea, and chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation devices are located in the gastric region, then treatment for gastric motor dysfunction is effective, but treatment for disorders in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract (appendix, rectum) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gastrointestinal stimulation system into multiple independent segments that can be placed at different locations (stomach, appendix, rectum). Each segment contains its own electrodes and can be controlled independently, allowing targeted treatment for specific regions while maintaining the option to treat multiple areas with a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal stimulation platform where the same basic device architecture can be applied to multiple gastrointestinal regions. The device can be configured for gastric, appendicular, or rectal stimulation, and can treat both gastrointestinal disorders and eating disorders, making it multi-functional across different therapeutic applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation is used to delay gastric emptying for obesity treatment, then appetite reduction is achieved, but the mechanism for treating other gastrointestinal disorders remains unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring stimulation parameters and electrode configurations to specific gastrointestinal regions and disorder types. Different stimulation patterns, intensities, and durations are used for gastric emptying delays versus appetite control versus motility disorders, optimizing treatment effectiveness for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor gastrointestinal function and adjust stimulation parameters accordingly. Sensors detect physiological responses such as gastric emptying rate, bowel movements, or appetite changes, and the system automatically modifies stimulation to maintain optimal therapeutic effects across different disorders and patients.
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 targeted stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract, altering motor functions, activating neuronal pathways, and soliciting hormonal releases, effectively treating a range of disorders without the need for extensive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical stimulation has been shown to be able to alter, inhibit, or excite gastrointestinal motor functions, activate intrinsic and extrinsic neuronal pathways and/or solicit hormonal/peptide releases
Implementation Method 2
delivering pulses via electricity, acoustic waves, or radiation to stimulate the enteric nervous system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a stimulation device to emit a medium to an appendicular region and/or rectal region of a user for treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder is described. The method includes placing the stimulation device into the appendicular region and/or rectal region, and delivering the medium, wherein the medium stimulates at least a portion of the enteric nervous system. Additionally, apparatus and delivery devices are disclosed.