High-Charge Electrodes for Direct Neural Conduction Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal cord stimulation methods for treating chronic pain are only about 50% effective due to indirect inactivation, leading to incomplete pain relief and potential electrochemical damage from high charge delivery during electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) procedures.

Innovation Solution

The use of high-charge capacity materials like platinum black, iridium oxide, and tantalum in electrode contacts to deliver ENCB without causing irreversible electrochemical reactions, allowing for direct block of neural activity in the spinal cord and reducing pain without damaging the nerve or body tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spinal cord stimulation is used to treat chronic pain, then electrical stimulation is delivered to nerves along the spinal column, but the treatment is only about 50% effective due to indirect inactivation of pain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain treatment effectivenessVSAvoidpain relief completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional SCS approach by using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to directly block pain signal transmission instead of indirectly modulating nerve activity. This is achieved by applying electrical current to depolarize nerve membranes and prevent action potential propagation, fundamentally changing the mechanism from indirect stimulation to direct conduction block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical stimulation parameters from mild stimulation levels used in traditional SCS to higher charge delivery levels required for ENCB. This involves using high-charge capacity electrode materials and delivering controlled amounts of electrical charge to achieve nerve conduction block, representing a significant parameter change from conventional SCS protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high charge delivery is used to achieve electrical nerve conduction block, then direct block of neural activity is achieved, but irreversible electrochemical reactions and tissue damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve conduction block efficacyVSAvoidelectrochemical damage to nerve and body tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces high-charge capacity electrode materials as intermediaries between the electrical current and the nerve tissue. These specialized electrode materials (such as platinum black, iridium oxide, or carbon-based materials) can store and release electrical charge without causing irreversible electrochemical reactions, thereby mediating the interaction between high charge delivery and sensitive neural tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite or specially treated electrode materials that combine high charge storage capacity with biocompatibility. These materials may involve coated electrodes (e.g., platinum black coating on platinum substrate) or composite structures that provide both the electrical properties needed for ENCB and the chemical stability required to prevent tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables safe and effective delivery of ENCB, reducing pain by blocking neural activity without generating harmful reaction products, thereby improving pain relief and minimizing side effects compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to the region of the subject's spinal cord through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity in the spinal cord with the ENCB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical nerve conduction block: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

capable of delivering a charge required to achieve the desired block of the nerve without the occurrence of irreversible electrochemical reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240299736A1Treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.