Conductive Mesh for Targeted Neurostimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for medical conditions such as urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis, and fecal incontinence are often invasive, have unwanted stimulation effects on other body areas, and require lifelong therapy, which can be uncomfortable and ineffective for many patients.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation device with a transdermal signal transmission system and an implantable mesh with conductive elements that modulates waveforms to selectively stimulate nerves, allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple medical conditions without invasive procedures, using a modulated waveform to conduct electrical stimulation deeper into the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional transdermal electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then the treatment can be applied non-invasively, but the energy disperses widely and fails to reach the target nerve effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implantable mesh with conductive elements as an intermediary component between the transdermal electrode and the target nerve. The mesh is positioned adjacent to the nerve and conducts electrical signals from the external electrode more efficiently to the nerve, reducing energy dispersion while maintaining non-invasive application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point external electrode to a distributed mesh structure with multiple conductive elements arranged in specific patterns. This dimensional change allows the electrical energy to be delivered through multiple pathways simultaneously, improving energy concentration at the target nerve while maintaining non-invasive access.
2Device complexity
If conventional electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then the setup is simple, but the stimulation affects other body areas unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mesh structure with conductive elements positioned at specific locations adjacent to the target nerve. This localizes the electrical stimulation to the immediate vicinity of the nerve, preventing widespread dispersion that causes unwanted stimulation of other body areas, while the overall system remains relatively simple to implement.
3Ease of operation
If conventional electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then the treatment can be applied easily, but it requires lifelong therapy which reduces patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for continuous, high-intensity electrical stimulation with a more efficient energy delivery system. The mesh structure enables lower intensity, more targeted stimulation that achieves therapeutic effects with less energy, reducing side effects and improving patient tolerance for long-term use.
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 solution provides targeted and selective nerve stimulation, reducing energy dispersion and increasing the efficiency of energy transfer, thereby improving treatment outcomes for conditions like urinary and fecal incontinence while minimizing side effects and the need for lifelong therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable mesh having conductive elements incorporated therein. The mesh and conductive elements are adapted to conduct the modulated waveform from the electrode to a position closer to a predetermined body part
Data Source
AI summary
A medial treatment device for treating at least first and second medical conditions is provided, as well as a method for using the same. The medical treatment device includes a stimulation device for treating the first medical condition with electrical stimulation, and an implantable mesh adapted for implantation within the patient to treat the second medical condition. The implantable mesh has a plurality of incorporated electrically conductive elements adapted to conduct electrical stimulation from the stimulation device to a position closer to a predetermined body part the stimulation of which at least partially treats the first medical condition.