Batteryless Leadless Microstimulator for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems for treating chronic inflammation are complex to implant, prone to mechanical damage, and require separate components like electrodes and pulse generators, which can lead to complications such as adverse cardiac and laryngeal effects.
Innovation Solution
Development of batteryless and leadless microstimulators with integrated electrodes and power management circuitry, capable of inductive charging and communication, specifically designed for sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation to treat chronic inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional implantable electrical stimulation systems with separate electrodes and pulse generators are used, then comprehensive stimulation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and surgical implantation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate electrodes, pulse generator, and power source into a single integrated microstimulator device. This merging eliminates the need for lead connections between components, reducing mechanical failure points while maintaining comprehensive stimulation functionality. The integrated design directly addresses the technical contradiction by simplifying the system structure without compromising operational capabilities.
2Productivity
If separate electrodes and pulse generators are used, then stimulation coverage is comprehensive, but surgical implantation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple components into a single microstimulator device directly reduces the number of surgical steps required for implantation. Instead of separately implanting electrodes, connecting leads, and placing a pulse generator, the surgeon implants a single integrated device, thereby improving surgical efficiency while the patent maintains comprehensive stimulation coverage through the device's design.
3Reliability
If traditional systems with leads are used, then flexible electrode placement is achieved, but mechanical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the vulnerable lead component from the system by integrating the electrode directly into the pulse generator housing. This removal of the external lead connection eliminates the mechanical failure point while the integrated electrode maintains placement flexibility through the device's modular design and various electrode configuration options.
4Duration of action of moving object
If battery-powered microstimulators are used, then continuous operation is achieved, but device size and power source requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery power source with a wireless electromagnetic power transfer system. An external transmitter coil inductively couples with an internal receiver coil to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating the need for a physical battery within the device. This substitution enables continuous operation without increasing device volume, as the power is supplied externally through electromagnetic fields.
5Volume of moving object
If batteryless inductive charging is implemented, then device volume is reduced, but power transfer efficiency and charging reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system for the wireless power transfer. The microstimulator monitors the inductive coupling conditions and communicates with the external transmitter to optimize power transfer parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable power transfer by dynamically adjusting transmission characteristics based on actual coupling conditions, thereby maintaining power transfer reliability while keeping the device batteryless and compact.
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 microstimulators provide stable and effective neuronal stimulation with reduced adverse effects, improved surgical efficiency, and increased reliability by eliminating the need for separate electrodes and pulse generators.
Implementation Method 1
a coil for inductively receiving a power signal from an external charger
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor in electrical communication with the coil and the stimulation circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.