Intervertebral Disc Electrode System for Fluid Pressure Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic electrical techniques for treating intervertebral discs fail to effectively address the abnormal fluid distribution and pressure issues in degenerative discs, leading to inadequate shock absorption and disc degeneration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves implanting multiple intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces within the nucleus pulposus and extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces outside the disc, with control circuitry configuring them to apply electroosmotic currents to drive fluid into the disc, correcting abnormal potential distribution and increasing pressure by setting cathodes and anodes at specific potentials relative to their distances from the disc's center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical treatment methods are used, then the treatment process is simple, but the fluid distribution and pressure correction is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple intra-pulposus electrodes positioned at different locations within the nucleus pulposus and extra-pulposus electrodes positioned outside the disc. This segmentation allows independent control of electroosmotic flow in different regions, enabling precise correction of abnormal fluid distribution and pressure patterns in degenerative discs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the disc are treated with different electroosmotic forces by applying voltages to specific electrode pairs. The control circuitry configures the electroosmotic currents to target specific areas with abnormal fluid distribution, applying localized treatment to correct pressure abnormalities in specific zones of the nucleus pulposus.
2Reliability
If single electrode insertion is used, then the procedure is simple, but the potential distribution correction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes are inserted into the nucleus pulposus at different locations, with at least one electrode extending through the annulus fibrosus to the exterior. This segmented electrode arrangement enables creation of multiple electroosmotic flow paths simultaneously, effectively correcting abnormal potential distribution throughout the entire disc structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode arrangement extends from the internal nucleus pulposus region through the annulus fibrosus to the external environment, creating a three-dimensional electroosmotic flow pattern. This multi-dimensional electrode configuration enables comprehensive potential distribution correction by establishing voltage gradients in multiple spatial directions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If electroosmotic current is not applied, then the disc structure remains stable, but fluid pressure and hydration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Electroosmotic currents are applied to change the physical state of fluid distribution within the disc. By controlling the voltage parameters and current magnitude, the system increases fluid pressure and hydration in the nucleus pulposus, reversing the dehydration and pressure loss characteristic of disc degeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electroosmosis (which can cause fluid loss in normal discs) into a beneficial effect by carefully controlling the voltage polarity and magnitude. The controlled electroosmotic flow is directed to increase fluid pressure and hydration in degenerative discs, transforming a potentially harmful mechanism into a therapeutic benefit.
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
This approach enhances fluid distribution and pressure within the disc, promoting hydration and preventing further degeneration by electroosmotically driving fluid into the nucleus pulposus, thereby treating and preventing disc degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
control circuitry configured to drive the exposed electrode surfaces to electroosmotically drive fluid into the nucleus pulposus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes at least three intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted within a nucleus pulposus of the disc, at different respective locations; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the disc. Control circuitry is configured to (a) configure the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to be cathodes, and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to be one or more anodes, and (b) drive the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to electroosmotically drive fluid into the nucleus pulposus to increase pressure in the disc.