Coiled Electrode Disc Therapy for Fluid Loss and Hypoxia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intervertebral disc degeneration due to loss of water content in the nucleus pulposus, leading to decreased disc height and abnormal loading of spinal structures, is not effectively addressed by existing treatments.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral-disc-treatment system with a flexible electrode implanted partially within the nucleus pulposus and extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces outside the nucleus, utilizing control circuitry to alternately apply voltages for fluid electroosmotic pressure increase and oxygen generation by electrolysis, reducing trauma and promoting nutritional substance introduction and oxygenation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing treatments are used to address intervertebral disc degeneration, then the treatment approach is simple, but the effectiveness in addressing water content loss and preventing degeneration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is divided into multiple functional segments: a first electrode for electroosmotic fluid drive, a second electrode for voltage application, and control circuitry for coordinated operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment system integrates multiple functions into a unified device: it can perform electroosmotic fluid drive, voltage application, and coordinated control operations. This multi-functionality improves the effectiveness of treating disc degeneration by addressing multiple aspects of the condition simultaneously, from fluid pressure regulation to electrical stimulation
2Stress or pressure
If electroosmotic fluid drive is applied to increase fluid pressure in the nucleus pulposus, then disc height and fluid pressure are improved, but trauma to the disc may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system employs periodic voltage application through control circuitry that alternates between different voltage levels and durations. This periodic electroosmotic drive allows fluid pressure to be increased in cycles, enabling the disc to adapt gradually and reducing the risk of trauma from continuous or excessive pressure application
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters including voltage magnitude, pulse duration, and frequency based on treatment requirements and disc response. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective fluid pressure increase while minimizing harmful effects such as trauma to the disc structure
3Quantity of substance
If voltage is applied for oxygen generation by electrolysis, then oxygenation is improved, but hydrogen buildup and trauma may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry implements periodic voltage application for electrolysis, alternating between oxygen generation phases and rest or reverse polarity phases. This periodic operation enables oxygen to be generated and accumulated in the nucleus pulposus while allowing hydrogen to dissipate or be neutralized, preventing harmful hydrogen buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful electrolysis byproducts into beneficial effects by controlling the electrical parameters and timing. The electrolysis process generates oxygen for treating hypoxia, while the controlled conditions prevent excessive hydrogen accumulation, effectively turning a potentially harmful process into a therapeutic benefit
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 system effectively increases fluid pressure and oxygenation in the nucleus pulposus, preventing further degeneration, treating hypoxia, and improving glucose metabolism while minimizing trauma and hydrogen buildup.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing control circuitry to alternately apply voltages for fluid electroosmotic pressure increase
Implementation Method 2
oxygen generation by electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes providing an electrode, which includes a wire that has a wire diameter of between 75 and 125 microns. The wire includes a non-electrically-insulated current-application longitudinal segment, which, in the absence of any applied forces, is coiled and has (i) an outer coil diameter of between 3 and 7 times the wire diameter, and (ii) an entire longitudinal length of between 5 and 35 mm. The wire further includes an electrically-insulated lead longitudinal segment, which has an entire longitudinal length of at least 10 mm, in the absence of any applied forces. At least a portion of the electrode is implanted in a body of a subject. Other embodiments are also described.