Asymmetric Cuff Nerve Interface for Unidirectional Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively stimulating specific nerve fibers within complex nerves, such as the vagus nerve, are limited by the invasiveness of electrode insertion, which can cause fiber damage and result in off-target effects, and require multiple neural stimulation systems for treating multiple diseases, especially in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A nerve interface device with an asymmetric cuff configuration and paired electrode rings that apply signals unidirectionally along the nerve, minimizing damage and allowing precise stimulation of specific fibers, thereby reducing side effects and enabling treatment of multiple diseases with a single, compact system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If penetrating electrodes are inserted into the nerve to selectively stimulate specific fiber types, then stimulation specificity is improved, but fiber damage and harmful effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode configurations where electrodes are positioned at different distances from the nerve center or with different orientations. This asymmetric arrangement creates directional current fields that selectively activate specific fascicles within the nerve while avoiding penetrating electrodes, thus achieving stimulation specificity without fiber damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrode arrays with varying electrode geometries, sizes, and positions to create locally differentiated current distributions. By tailoring the electrode properties at specific locations around the nerve, the system can selectively stimulate particular fiber types or fascicles without requiring penetration, thereby maintaining nerve integrity while achieving targeted stimulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple neural stimulation systems are implanted to treat multiple diseases, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single neural stimulation system with reconfigurable electrode configurations and programmable stimulation patterns that can treat multiple diseases. By utilizing the same electrode array with different stimulation protocols and targeting strategies, the system provides versatile treatment options without requiring multiple separate implantable devices, thus reducing overall system complexity and invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple stimulation capabilities and disease treatment functions into a single integrated neural stimulation system. By merging the functionality of multiple specialized systems into one unified device with adjustable parameters and multiple electrode configurations, the system achieves treatment versatility while minimizing the number of implants required.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric electrode configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but directional control and unidirectional stimulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetric electrode configurations where electrodes are positioned at different radial distances from the nerve center or with different angular orientations. This asymmetry enables directional current flow and unidirectional stimulation along the nerve, providing precise spatial control over which fascicles are activated. While slightly more complex to manufacture than symmetric designs, the asymmetric configuration is essential for achieving the desired directional stimulation control.
Data Source
AI summary
A nerve interface device including at least one cuff portion having an assembled position in which the cuff portion forms at least part of a passageway for receiving a nerve along a longitudinal axis passing through the passageway; and first and second rings of electrodes mounted on the at least one cuff portion, each ring of electrodes including a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode in the first ring has a corresponding longitudinally-aligned electrode in the second ring so as to form a plurality of pairs of electrodes spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of pairs of electrodes includes at least a first pair of electrodes, the first pair of electrodes mounted on the at least one cuff portion. The at least one cuff portion includes an asymmetric configuration about a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal cuff axis.