Columnar Electrode Optic Nerve Stimulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stimulating optic nerve fibers are either structurally complex, costly, or pose safety risks due to the need for invasive procedures, with limited effectiveness in restoring vision in damaged or diseased eyes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring columnar electrodes arranged parallel and circumferentially around the optic nerve, with a power source for electrical stimulation, and optionally including lateral electrodes and a sensor-controller system to enhance stimulation efficacy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an electrode wire is wrapped around the protection layer of the optic nerve, then the device structure is simple, but the electrical stimulation has limited effects due to the protection layer blocking the electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the protection layer from the optic nerve to expose the nerve fibers directly. By taking out this interfering protective layer, the electrode can directly contact and stimulate the optic nerve fibers without the blocking effect of the protection layer, thereby solving the contradiction between simple device structure and effective stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of wrapping the electrode around the protection layer (external stimulation), the invention inverts the approach by removing the protection layer and inserting the electrode directly into the optic nerve (internal stimulation). This inversion allows direct electrical contact with the nerve fibers, transforming the stimulation method from indirect to direct and thereby improving effectiveness.
2Reliability
If an electrode pin is inserted into the optic nerve, then the electrical stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the implementation becomes dangerous and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optic nerve into multiple individual nerve fibers and uses multiple columnar electrodes arranged in arrays to stimulate different fibers separately. This segmentation approach allows for more precise and controlled stimulation, reducing the risk of damaging the entire nerve while still achieving effective visual stimulation through targeted activation of multiple fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by using columnar electrodes with specific geometries and arrangements that concentrate electrical stimulation at precise locations within the optic nerve. The electrodes are designed to deliver localized stimulation to specific nerve fibers while minimizing impact on surrounding tissues, thereby reducing implementation danger while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a retina chip is disposed in the macular area to simulate photoreceptor cells, then vision can be restored, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical retina chip system with a simpler electrical stimulation system. Instead of using a retina chip to mechanically simulate photoreceptor cells and convert light to electrical signals, the invention directly stimulates the optic nerve fibers electrically, bypassing the need for photoreceptor simulation and thereby simplifying the device structure while achieving vision restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing the retina to restore vision (retina chip approach), the invention inverts the approach by directly stimulating the optic nerve downstream of the retina. This inversion allows vision restoration without needing to replace or repair the retina itself, thereby avoiding the complexity of retina chip structures while achieving the same functional outcome.
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 device provides effective and safe electrical stimulation of optic nerve fibers, improving vision by stimulating damaged fibers with a simple structure and reduced risk of injury, while allowing for adjustable electrode lengths and arrangements to match the curvature of the optic nerve.
Implementation Method 1
The columnar electrodes are configured to stimulate the optic nerve fibers around the optic nerve with electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for stimulating optic nerve fibers. The device includes a plurality of columnar electrodes and a power source. The columnar electrodes are disposed respectively in parallel to a length direction of an optic nerve of a human eye and are also disposed around the optic nerve along a circumferential direction thereof. Each of the columnar electrodes has a length. The power source is configured to supply power to the columnar electrodes. A human retina consists of the optic nerve fibers, which are connected to the optic nerve and a macular area of the human eye in a form of layers. The columnar electrodes are configured to stimulate the optic nerve fibers around the optic nerve with electrical stimulation.