Conductive Member for Selective Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving selective activation of targeted nerve tissue while minimizing activation of non-targeted tissue, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy and increased side effects.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system that includes an external electrical generator, a surface stimulator, and an implanted electrically conductive member positioned near the target nerve tissue, which modifies the electrical field to enhance selective nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used, then non-invasiveness and patient comfort are improved, but selective nerve activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An implanted electrically conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between the external stimulator and the target nerve tissue. This member modifies the electrical field to concentrate stimulation at the desired nerve location, enabling selective activation while maintaining transcutaneous application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive member is positioned specifically at or near the target nerve tissue to create localized field modification. This concentrates the electrical field effect at the intended site while minimizing activation of non-targeted tissue, achieving spatial selectivity.
2Reliability
If implanted electrodes are used to achieve selective nerve activation, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but invasiveness and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive member serves as a minimally invasive intermediary that can be positioned near the nerve with reduced surgical complexity compared to traditional electrode implantation. It enables effective nerve stimulation while reducing direct tissue penetration and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical field parameters through the conductive member to achieve effective nerve activation with lower current requirements. This reduces the need for high-power stimulation that would require more invasive implantation methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between electrode and nerve target is minimized, then selective activation is improved, but implantation complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive member acts as a positioning intermediary that can be placed in proximity to the nerve with simpler implantation procedures. It mediates between the external stimulator and the nerve target, achieving close effective distance without complex microneurostimulator implantation.
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 achieves improved therapeutic efficacy by selectively stimulating specific nerve branches or portions of nerves, reducing side effects, and providing a non-invasive, comfortable, and cost-effective treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
an implanted, electrically conductive member positioned on, or contiguous to, a target nerve tissue for stimulation of the target nerve tissue to modify the electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient having overactive bladder symptoms by a combination of stimulation of the patient's saphenous nerve and the patient's posterior tibial nerve. The method uses a neurostimulator having a computer processor and a signal generator which generates a first stimulation signal which is used to target the patient's saphenous nerve and a second stimulation signal which is used to target the posterior tibial nerve of the patient in accordance with a treatment protocol. The neurostimulator sends the first and second electrical stimulation signals to respective stimulators which then transmit the respective electrical stimulation signals to the patient's saphenous nerve and the patient's posterior tibial nerve in accordance with the stimulation protocol. The first and second stimulators are positioned in locations on the body of the patient to effectively modulate the patient's saphenous nerve and posterior tibial nerve respectively.