Conductive Hydrogel Nerve Stimulation via High-Frequency Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for nerve regeneration, such as autografts, nerve guidance conduits, and electrical stimulation devices, face limitations in effectiveness, stability, and efficiency, particularly for large nerve damage and long-distance regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electrical stimulation device using a conductive hydrogel injected with induced current from a high-frequency induction coil, allowing for long-distance and wireless nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive hydrogels are used for nerve regeneration, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but biostability and long-term current maintenance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the hydrogel by incorporating conductive polymers and adjusting crosslinking density to achieve optimal balance between conductivity and biostability. The conductive polymer content and molecular weight are specifically tuned to maintain structural integrity while enabling sustained current flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining conventional hydrogel base materials with conductive polymer additives. This composite structure provides both the biocompatibility and biodegradability of hydrogels and the electrical conductivity and stability of conductive polymers, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and biostability.
2Reliability
If implantable nerve electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then direct electrical contact is achieved, but open surgery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical implantation system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. Instead of physically implanting electrodes that require surgical insertion, the system uses external coils to generate electromagnetic fields that induce currents in the conductive hydrogel, eliminating the need for open surgery while maintaining electrical stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive hydrogel acts as an intermediary between the external wireless coil and the nerve tissue. The hydrogel is injected minimally invasively and then serves as the medium that receives electromagnetic energy from the external coil and converts it to electrical stimulation for the nerve, bridging the gap between wireless external application and internal nerve stimulation.
3Ease of operation
If TENS devices are used for nerve stimulation, then non-invasive application is achieved, but stimulation efficiency for specific areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electromagnetic field and conductive hydrogel application specifically at the nerve injury site rather than diffuse TENS pad placement. The hydrogel is injected directly into or around the damaged nerve area, and the external coil is positioned to focus electromagnetic energy on the specific target region, achieving both non-invasive application and high stimulation efficiency.
4Reliability
If autografting is used for nerve regeneration, then regeneration success rate is improved, but damage at harvesting site and limited reusability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive hydrogel serves as an intermediary material that creates a conductive pathway between the two severed nerve ends, replacing the need for autografting. This intermediary approach allows direct connection of the damaged nerve ends without requiring additional nerve tissue from other body sites, eliminating harvesting site damage while maintaining regeneration success through electrical stimulation and physical bridging.
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 effectively promotes nerve regeneration by inducing eddy currents in the hydrogel, restoring motor and sensory functions in damaged nerves, verified through improved Sciatic Functional Index, Tibialis Anterior muscle weight ratio, and Compound Muscle Action Potential evaluations.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current is induced within the conductive hydrogel by electromagnetic waves generated from a coil carrying a high-frequency alternating current
Implementation Method 2
inducing eddy currents in the hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rehabilitation assistive device utilizing wireless electrical stimulation based on a high-frequency induction coil and conductive hydrogel. Specifically, the present invention concerns a nerve regeneration device using wireless electrical stimulation, which is based on the phenomenon where current is induced within the conductive hydrogel by the electromagnetic waves generated from a coil carrying high-frequency alternating current. The present invention can be applied as a nerve regeneration-promoting system, wherein conductive hydrogel is injected into the damaged area of the subject's nerve tissue using the wireless electrical stimulation device, thereby aiding in nerve regeneration.