Endoscopic GI Electrode Catheter for Controlled Surface Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as medication, endoscopic procedures, and surgical operations, are often ineffective and costly with potential complications, necessitating the development of a noninvasive electrical gastrointestinal stimulation technology.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation device is integrated with an endoscope to apply electrical stimulation noninvasively to targeted gastrointestinal surfaces using a catheter with an elongated element and longitudinal members that deploy and retract, controlled by a controller to ensure precise application and contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional treatments (medication, endoscopic procedures, surgical operations) are used to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders, then treatment coverage is provided, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical operations and endoscopic procedures with an electrical stimulation system. The controller delivers electrical signals through electrodes to stimulate gastrointestinal tissue, substituting invasive mechanical interventions with non-invasive electrical fields to achieve therapeutic effects while avoiding surgical complications
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of treatment by applying controlled electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency, pulse duration) to gastrointestinal tissue. The controller adjusts these electrical parameters to achieve therapeutic stimulation without causing tissue damage, transforming the treatment approach from chemical/mechanical to electrical parameter control
2Ease of operation
If invasive procedures are performed to treat gastrointestinal disorders, then direct access to target tissue is achieved, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical fields as an intermediary between the controller and gastrointestinal tissue. Instead of direct mechanical contact or insertion, electrical signals serve as the mediator to transmit therapeutic energy through the catheter electrodes to the target tissue, enabling treatment without physical invasion that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical invasion with electrical field application. The controller delivers electrical stimulation through a catheter without requiring surgical cutting, drilling, or extensive mechanical manipulation of tissue, thereby achieving target access while maintaining patient safety
3Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to gastrointestinal tissue, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but precise control of stimulation parameters is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the electrical stimulation delivery and adjusts parameters based on tissue response. The system can detect electrical impedance changes or other physiological signals to optimize stimulation in real-time, ensuring therapeutic effectiveness while managing control complexity through automated feedback loops
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 device enables noninvasive electrical stimulation of gastrointestinal surfaces, allowing controlled application of electrical energy for therapeutic purposes without tissue damage, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a controller (12) configured to control the catheter (11). The electrical stimulator (120) may apply electrical stimulation to a desired portion on the surface of the inner cavity of the target
Implementation Method 2
The closely attached portion (114) may be configured to surround the opening (113) and be closely attached to the surface of the inner cavity of the target
Implementation Method 3
When the closely attached portion (114) is closely attached to the surface of the target, the controller (12) may suck air into the working channel (112) through the opening (113)
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment includes: an elongated element having working channels; a plurality of electrical stimulators each including a longitudinal member extending along the longitudinal direction of the working channel, and a tip which is installed at the distal end of the longitudinal member and configured to apply electrical stimulation to a subject; and a control unit that independently controls the plurality of electrical stimulators to vary the range of electric stimulation applied to the subject.