Hip Implant Nerve Stimulation for Post-Operative Pain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-operative pain management after joint replacement surgeries is challenging due to the high pain levels and side effects associated with narcotic medication, which can hinder patient recovery and rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A post-operative pain inhibitor system that integrates peripheral nerve inhibition using electrical leads and a controller to stimulate peripheral nerve fibers, reducing pain signals by blocking the propagation of pain signals through low-amplitude electrical pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If narcotic medication is used to control post-operative pain, then pain relief is achieved, but side effects such as nausea, vomiting, itching, ileus, confusion, respiratory problems, and depression occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of narcotic medications with an electrical stimulation mechanism. Electrical leads deliver controlled electrical impulses to peripheral nerves, blocking pain signal transmission through the nervous system rather than using chemical substances that cause systemic side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical leads and a control system as intermediaries between the pain source and the patient's perception. These devices act as mediators that intercept and block pain signals at the peripheral nerve level, preventing them from reaching the central nervous system, thereby avoiding the harmful side effects of narcotics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If narcotic medication is used for pain control, then pain relief is provided, but patient recovery is affected both short term and long term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical pain management with an electrical nerve stimulation system that blocks pain signals locally at the peripheral nerve level. This mechanical/electrical approach provides reliable pain control without the systemic effects of narcotics that impair patient recovery and rehabilitation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical leads are integrated into prosthetic components, then pain relief is provided through peripheral nerve stimulation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pain management function with the existing prosthetic joint replacement components. Electrical leads are integrated into the prosthetic components, combining orthopedic and neurological functions in a single implanted system, thereby managing pain at the source without requiring separate external 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 system provides effective pain relief, reducing the reliance on narcotic medications and minimizing side effects, thereby enhancing patient recovery and rehabilitation by offering a more consistent and higher level of pain reduction.
Implementation Method 1
stimulate peripheral nerve fibers, reducing pain signals by blocking the propagation of pain signals through low-amplitude electrical pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A post-operative pain inhibitor system comprises a controller and leads. Neuro-stimulator circuitry may be included within the patient controller or within one or more prosthetic components for generating a signal. In one example, a hip implant includes a prosthetic component having at least one electrode where the at least one electrode is configured to deliver energy pulses. Topical leads, percutaneous leads, subcutaneous leads, intraosseous leads, or leads can be placed in proximity to the operative field corresponding to the prosthetic component installation. The lead or electrodes can be coupled to neuro-stimulation circuitry to stimulate peripheral nerve fibers to affect body generated action potentials. A transmitter or power source can be housed in a prosthetic hip component. Controller can modify the pulse width, pulse shape, pulse repetition rate, and pulse amplitude of the signal thereby allowing the patient to adapt the signal to minimize their perceived pain.