Coiled Stimulation Cuff with Self-Uncoiling Tool for Nerve Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanting cuffs around nerves or other small targets is challenging due to their small size and difficulty in maneuvering in a surgical environment, requiring efficient and reliable implantation methods and tools.
Innovation Solution
A cuff stimulation system comprising a main body with inner and outer tabs and an intermediate portion, biased to assume a coiled arrangement, along with a tool featuring a first tubular member and elongate elements to uncoil and wrap the cuff around a target, facilitating secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cuff is made small to wrap around a nerve or other small target, then the cuff can fit the target, but the cuff becomes difficult to implant and maneuver in a surgical environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently manipulated. These segments are held in an open, non-circular configuration during implantation to facilitate easy insertion and positioning, then collapsed into a circular configuration around the target to achieve the desired small fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff transitions from a static small circular shape to a dynamic configuration that can expand and collapse. The implantable cuff includes mechanisms (such as shape memory materials or mechanical collapse features) that allow it to change from a compact implantable form to an expanded functional form around the target.
2Ease of operation
If a cuff is made small and compact for implantation, then the cuff can be easily inserted, but the cuff becomes difficult to uncoil and wrap around the target
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff incorporates self-uncoiling mechanisms such as shape memory materials that automatically return the cuff to its circular configuration after insertion, or self-collapsing features that allow the cuff to naturally fold and wrap around the target without complex external manipulation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff is pre-configured with features that facilitate easy uncoiling and wrapping, such as pre-formed memory shapes or mechanical biases that guide the uncoiling process, reducing the complexity of the implantation procedure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a cuff is made with a simple structure, then the cuff is easy to manufacture, but the cuff lacks the necessary features for secure electrode placement and reliable implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff incorporates nested structures where electrodes and conductive elements are integrated within the cuff body or attached to internal struts. This nested arrangement maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable electrode placement and electrical contact with the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff employs asymmetric designs where specific regions have enhanced features (such as concentrated electrodes or reinforced struts) while other regions remain simpler, allowing reliable electrode placement in critical areas without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments concern wrapping a stimulation cuff around a nerve. The cuff can comprise a main body and at least one electrode. The main body can comprise an inner tab, an outer tab, and an intermediate portion extending between the inner tab and the outer tab, the at least one electrode disposed on the intermediate portion, the main body biased such that the cuff assumes the coiled arrangement. The cuff can be uncoiled by pulling on a first elongate element attached to a first tubular member, the first tubular member encircled within the cuff. The nerve can be engaged with an inner surface of the main body along the intermediate portion while the inner tab is releaseably attached to the first elongate element. The first elongate element can be released to allow the cuff to wrap around the nerve.