Asymmetric Electrode Cuff for Selective Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation techniques, such as vagus nerve stimulation, often result in significant side effects due to the invasive nature of the procedures and the limited selectivity in stimulating nerve bundles, leading to cardiac issues and other complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implantable stimulation system with a cuff containing electrode contacts positioned asymmetrically around nerves, allowing for flexible spacing and configuration to reduce stimulation thresholds and improve depth selectivity, coupled with a stimulator unit that can be implanted elsewhere for easier management and recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional symmetric electrode contacts are used on the cuff, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stimulation selectivity is poor and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring electrode contacts with different spacing patterns on opposite sides of the cuff. Specifically, at least one electrode contact is positioned at a first distance from a reference point while another electrode contact is positioned at a second distance greater than the first distance, creating an asymmetric arrangement that enables selective stimulation of target nerves while avoiding adjacent structures, thereby improving stimulation selectivity without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the spacing between electrode contacts at different locations around the cuff. The asymmetric configuration allows specific electrode contacts to be positioned at optimized distances from the reference point, creating locally tailored stimulation fields that target specific nerve bundles or neurovascular structures while minimizing stimulation of surrounding tissues, thus enhancing reliability through spatially differentiated electrode properties
2Ease of operation
If invasive surgical procedures are used to expose the carotid sheath for VNS, then the vagus nerve can be accessed for stimulation, but significant side effects occur including cardiac issues and vocal cord dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode contacts into functionally distinct groups with different spacing characteristics. This allows selective activation of specific electrode contacts or combinations thereof, enabling targeted stimulation of the vagus nerve while avoiding stimulation of adjacent cardiac-innervating nerve fibers. The segmented electrode configuration provides independent control over different stimulation zones, reducing harmful cardiac side effects while maintaining ease of operation through programmable selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric electrode spacing configuration enables differential stimulation patterns that can selectively engage the vagus nerve while sparing cardiac-innervating fibers. By positioning electrode contacts at non-uniform intervals, the system creates asymmetric current distribution that favors activation of the target nerve bundle while minimizing spread to adjacent structures, thereby reducing cardiac side effects without compromising device management ease
3Measurement precision
If uniform electrode spacing is used on the cuff, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the depth selectivity of stimulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry in electrode spacing to achieve depth selectivity. By positioning electrode contacts at different distances from a reference point on the cuff, the system creates multiple stimulation zones with different depths of penetration. This asymmetric arrangement allows selective activation of superficial versus deeper nerve structures by choosing appropriate electrode pairs, thereby improving measurement precision in terms of depth selectivity while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through fixed positional relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the spacing between specific electrode contacts at different locations around the cuff. Each electrode contact or pair is positioned at a locally optimized distance from the reference point to achieve desired depth selectivity for specific target structures. This localized optimization of electrode spacing enables precise control over stimulation depth without requiring complex manufacturing, as the asymmetric pattern can be implemented through straightforward positioning relative to anatomical landmarks or cuff features
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
This approach minimizes side effects by optimizing electrode contact placement for targeted nerve stimulation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like epilepsy and erectile dysfunction while reducing the risk of cardiac complications and improving the ease of device management.
Implementation Method 1
electrical signals are provided from the stimulator unit to the electrode contacts of the cuff to stimulate the nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.