Helical Nerve Cuff With Integrated Wireless Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling abnormal physiological activity through the peripheral nervous system are invasive, prone to complications, and limited by the size and accessibility of existing nerve cuffs, which restrict their application to certain nerves and require external devices, leading to risks of infection and displacement.
Innovation Solution
A helical nerve cuff with integrated electrodes and a wireless communication system that can wrap around small or difficult-to-access nerves, allowing for both detection of electrophysiological signals and emission of electrical pulses, and is powered by ultrasonic or radiofrequency waves, enabling implantation in small spaces without external leads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrodes with long leads are implanted, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but the risk of infection and displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode structure directly into the nerve cuff, eliminating the need for separate long leads. The electrodes are integrated within the cuff assembly that wraps around the nerve, creating a unified implantable unit that reduces infection risk and displacement while maintaining nerve stimulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrode function from the traditional external device and relocates it within the implantable nerve cuff. By taking out the electrode concept and placing it directly in contact with the nerve within the cuff, the system eliminates the need for external leads and reduces the associated risks
2Ease of operation
If wholly implantable devices are developed, then invasiveness is reduced, but the device size becomes too large for many body locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, thin-walled cuff structure that can conform to small nerve diameters. The flexible material allows the device to be implanted in confined body spaces while maintaining the necessary electrode contact area for effective nerve stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional three-dimensional bulky device to a two-dimensional thin-film cuff structure. This dimensional change allows the implantable device to be compressed to fit within small body cavities and around thin nerves, reducing volume while preserving functional capabilities
3Ease of manufacture
If nerve cuffs are designed for larger or easily accessible peripheral nerves, then implantation is simplified, but they cannot be used on small or difficult-to-access nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable parameters including expandable cuffs with adjustable expansion ratios, variable electrode spacing, and configurable stimulation contact areas. These parameter changes allow the same basic cuff design to adapt to different nerve diameters and anatomical locations, maintaining ease of implantation while expanding versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal nerve cuff design that can function on multiple nerve types and sizes through adjustable features. The same basic cuff structure can be configured for different applications by modifying expansion ratios, electrode arrangements, and contact parameters, eliminating the need for nerve-specific custom devices
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 helical nerve cuff provides a more versatile and safer means of controlling nerve activity, reducing the risk of infection and displacement, and allowing for more precise stimulation of smaller nerves, enhancing treatment options for various medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless communication system is configured to receive ultrasonic waves or radiofrequency waves, and convert energy from the ultrasonic waves or radiofrequency waves into an electrical energy that powers the device
Implementation Method 2
the wireless communication system comprises a radiofrequency antenna
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A helical nerve cuff and an implantable device comprising the helical nerve cuff and a body comprising a wireless communication system are described herein. The implantable device can include a body having a wireless communication system: electrodes that can detect an electrophysiological signal transmitted by a nerve or emit an electrical pulse to the nerve; and a helical nerve cuff. Also described are methods of implanting the helical nerve cuff and the implantable device, as well as methods of making the helical nerve cuff and the implantable device.