Burst-Patterned Sacral Nerve Stimulation for GI Dysmotility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical stimulation methods for treating gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders, such as gastroparesis and fecal incontinence, are ineffective and often exacerbate symptoms due to the use of continuous or tonic stimulation, failing to address the underlying motility issues effectively.

Innovation Solution

Applying burst-patterned electrical stimulation with specific parameters, including pulse amplitude, frequency, and duration, to target nerves like the sacral nerve, modulating gastrointestinal motility and treating disorders like constipation and colonic dysmotility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous or tonic stimulation is applied to the sacral nerve, then electrical stimulation is delivered to the target nerve, but the treatment fails to effectively address slow-transit constipation and may exacerbate symptoms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsymptom exacerbation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using burst-patterned stimulation where electrical pulses are delivered in intermittent bursts rather than continuously. Each burst consists of multiple pulses at a specific frequency (e.g., 20 Hz), separated by inter-burst intervals. This periodic delivery pattern mimics physiological nerve firing patterns and effectively treats slow-transit constipation without causing the harmful effects associated with continuous stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the same stimulation parameters are used for constipation and fecal incontinence, then device simplicity is maintained, but the treatment fails to address the opposite motility symptoms effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment adaptabilityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stimulation parameters adaptable and adjustable based on the specific condition being treated. The system allows different burst patterns, frequencies, and amplitudes to be programmed for different indications (constipation vs. fecal incontinence). This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the same device to effectively treat opposite motility symptoms by optimizing stimulation characteristics for each specific condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 burst-patterned stimulation effectively treats gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders by enhancing motility, reducing symptoms like constipation, and improving fecal output, as demonstrated in animal models and computational simulations.

Implementation Method 1

Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is one approach to restore communication and control of gastrointestinal organs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260021297A1Systems and methods related to neuromodulation of gastrointestinal dysmotility

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 DUKE UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods relating to the neuromodulation of gastrointestinal dysmotility. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering temporal patterns of electrical stimulation comprising burst-patterned stimulation according to various stimulation parameters to treat gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders in a subject. The system may be implantable.