Flexible Stretchable Electrodes for Gastrointestinal Implants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable electrodes for gastrointestinal stimulation are rigid and prone to fatigue failures due to mechanical stresses from peristaltic contractions, leading to ineffective treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and stretchable multiple electrode and sensor array is designed to adhere to the gastrointestinal tract, with an electronic controller that delivers phased electrical stimulation and senses peristaltic activity to regulate movement, using a closed-loop system to adjust stimulation based on detected contractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rigid electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then energy distribution over large surface area is improved, but fatigue failures and separation occur due to mechanical stresses from peristaltic contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid electrodes with flexible and stretchable electrodes that can conform to the gastrointestinal tract surface. The flexible electrode structure allows it to withstand mechanical stresses from peristaltic contractions without fatigue failures, while maintaining adequate surface area for energy distribution through the use of multiple electrodes arranged in an array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single large rigid electrode into multiple smaller flexible electrodes arranged in an array. This segmentation allows each individual electrode to be more flexible and resistant to fatigue, while the collective array maintains sufficient total surface area for effective energy distribution across the gastrointestinal tract
2Use of energy by moving object
If large rigid electrodes are used, then energy distribution is improved, but electrode displacement and separation occur due to peristaltic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible electrode structure can conform to the gastrointestinal tract surface and move with peristaltic contractions rather than resisting them, preventing displacement and separation. The stretchable nature of the electrode allows it to maintain stable contact during dynamic physiological movements while preserving its functional surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and position in response to peristaltic movements. This dynamic capability allows the electrode to maintain stable contact with the gastrointestinal tract surface during contractions, preventing displacement while preserving energy distribution functionality
3Reliability
If flexible electrodes are used, then fatigue resistance is improved, but energy distribution over large surface area may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced surface area of individual flexible electrodes by segmenting the electrode system into multiple smaller electrodes arranged in an array. The cumulative surface area of all electrodes in the array provides sufficient total contact area for effective energy distribution, while each individual electrode maintains its flexible and fatigue-resistant properties
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 durable and effective electrical stimulation that mimics natural peristaltic movements, reducing fatigue and improving treatment outcomes for gastrointestinal disorders by accurately controlling intestinal contractions.
Implementation Method 1
Flexible and stretchable electrodes for gastrointestinal implants... the array preferably has multiple, stimulation electrodes, recording electrodes and optionally other sensors incorporated in a flexible structure that can be adhered to the inner or outer surface of sections of the gastrointestinal tract
Data Source
AI summary
A gastrointestinal stimulation apparatus and methods with an electronic controller and a flexible and stretchable electrode array with a central branch and orthogonal bilateral branches that wrap around a section of the gastrointestinal tract and can accommodate repetitive contraction and relaxation movements of the tract. Array branches have a flexible spring structure, stimulation electrodes, recording electrodes, sensors controlled by a controller and adhesion nodes that fix the branches to the tissue. The electrode array can sense the normal peristalsis from upstream tissue and produce a stimulus signal to stimulate the incapable intestine section to generate stimulation-induced contractions. Electrodes on the incapable intestine section can be used for stimulation or recording, the recorded signal from the incapable intestine section can be sent back to the electronics to form a closed loop control system. An impedance measurement using current stimulation can be used to capture low frequency contraction signals.