Curved Implantable Neuromodulation Device for Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable closed-loop neuromodulation devices face challenges in precision due to compounded nerve signals and off-target stimulation, limiting their ability to control specific nerves effectively with minimal risk and side effects.
Innovation Solution
An implantable closed-loop neuromodulation device with curved members that partially circumscribe nerves, equipped with electrode pads and an ultrasonic transducer to convert energy into electrical signals, allowing for targeted detection and stimulation of nerve fibers using a computational circuit for on-board processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If long leads are used to connect electrodes to external or bulky implanted devices, then the device can be less invasive, but the leads can be displaced or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode, lead, and pulse generator into a single integrated implantable unit. The electrodes are directly mounted on the housing of the pulse generator, eliminating the need for separate leads that could displace or break. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining low invasiveness while ensuring lead stability through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are nested onto the housing of the pulse generator, with the electrodes positioned on the external surface of the housing that can contact the nerve. This nesting configuration allows the complete functional unit to be implanted as a single small device, eliminating external leads while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Productivity
If broad electrical pulses are emitted to stimulate a nerve, then the stimulation coverage is increased, but off-target downstream nerves are also stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electrode pads positioned at different locations and orientations around the nerve. Each electrode pad can be independently activated to deliver stimulation locally to specific regions of the nerve. This allows selective stimulation of target nerves while avoiding off-target nerves, resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation function is segmented into multiple independent electrode pads rather than using a single broad pulse. Each electrode pad can be controlled separately to target specific nerve fibers or fascicles. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of stimulation, achieving both adequate coverage and avoidance of off-target effects.
3Extent of automation
If closed-loop devices detect signals from a nerve, then the neuromodulation control is improved, but the devices cannot distinguish between benign and targeted action potentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple electrode pads positioned at different locations along the nerve to detect action potentials. By analyzing the spatial distribution and temporal characteristics of signals detected at different electrode locations, the system can distinguish between benign and targeted nerve signals. This local measurement approach enables precise signal discrimination while maintaining closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring neural signals through the electrode pads and adjusting stimulation parameters in real-time based on the detected activity. The computational circuit analyzes the feedback signals to distinguish targeted from benign activity, enabling precise discrimination while maintaining automated control.
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
Enables precise detection and stimulation of specific nerve subsets, reducing risks and side effects by accurately distinguishing between targeted and off-target signals, thereby improving control over physiological functions.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves and convert energy from the ultrasonic waves into an electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are implantable closed-loop neuromodulation devices, systems that includes such devices and an interrogator configured to emit ultrasonic waves that power the device, methods of using such devices and systems, and methods of modulating neural activity. The implantable device can include one or more curved members extending from a body. The curved members are configured to at least partially circumscribe a nerve, and include one or more electrode pads. The body includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves and convert energy from the ultrasonic waves into an electrical energy; and a computational circuit configured to receive a detection signal based on a detected electrophysiological signal, generate a stimulation signal based on the detection signal, and operate the electrode pads of to emit an electrical pulse to the nerve based on the stimulation signal.