Percutaneous Auricular Electrode Arrays for Precise Neurovascular Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation devices for auricular acupuncture primarily rely on traditional acupuncture points and theories, lacking a precise anatomical approach to target cranial and peripheral nerves and neurovascular bundles for effective pain management and other therapeutic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for percutaneous implantation of an electrode array into anatomically defined cranial and peripheral nerves and neurovascular bundles of the auricle, utilizing transillumination and neuroanatomy to deliver electrical stimulation based on defined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional acupuncture points and theories are used for electrical stimulation, then the device is simple to operate and based on established protocols, but the precision of nerve and vascular structure targeting is insufficient for effective pain management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transillumination as an intermediary technique to visualize neurovascular bundles in the auricle. By illuminating the ear from behind, the system makes invisible nerve and vascular structures visible, enabling precise targeting without requiring complex surgical equipment. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between simple acupuncture points and complex anatomical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical needle insertion based on empirical acupuncture points with a systematic approach using optical visualization (transillumination) to identify and target specific neurovascular bundles. This substitution transforms the practice from experience-based mechanical insertion to anatomy-based precise targeting, improving both precision and therapeutic effectiveness.
2Reliability
If percutaneous implantation of electrode array into specific neurovascular bundles is performed, then pain reduction and vascular effects are enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring precise anatomical locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Transillumination serves as the intermediary detection method that makes invisible neurovascular bundles visible. By shining light through the auricle, the system creates visual contrast that reveals the location and structure of nerves and blood vessels, solving the detection difficulty without requiring invasive procedures or complex imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in light transmission parameters (intensity, direction, wavelength) through the auricular tissue to detect and visualize neurovascular bundles. By monitoring how light interacts with different tissue types, the system identifies precise anatomical locations for electrode placement, transforming an undetectable task into a visually guideable procedure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple needle electrodes are implanted into the auricle for continuous stimulation, then duration of therapeutic action is extended, but the complexity of electrode array implantation and connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual needle electrodes into a single integrated electrode array that can be implanted together. This merging reduces the number of separate implantation procedures and simplifies the connection system, as all electrodes are connected to a common connector that interfaces with the stimulation device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous stimulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is designed with universal connectivity features, including a common connector that can interface with standard stimulation devices. The array can stimulate multiple neurovascular bundles simultaneously and can be configured for different therapeutic protocols, making it a multi-functional device that reduces the need for multiple specialized electrodes and simplifies the overall implantation system.
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
Provides continuous, intermittent neural stimulation with enhanced pain reduction and vascular effects by targeting specific nerve and vascular structures, offering a more effective alternative to traditional acupuncture.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing transillumination and neuroanatomy to deliver electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 2
a stimulator containing a generator for producing electrical stimulation pulses with defined stimulation parameters
Data Source
AI summary
An auricular peripheral nerve field stimulator may include at least one therapy electrode configured for percutaneous insertion into an auricle of a human ear near at least one neurovascular bundle located therein, and an electrical stimulation device electrically coupled to the electrical stimulation device, the electrical stimulation device programmed to generate and deliver electrical stimulation signals, with defined stimulation parameters, to the at least one therapy electrode to stimulate, with the at least one therapy electrode percutaneously inserted, at least one auricular peripheral nerve field within the auricle, the defined stimulation parameters including a defined pulse frequency and at least one of a defined pulse width and a defined duty cycle.