Implantable Electroacupuncture Device for Dyslipidemia Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electroacupuncture devices are invasive and inefficient, requiring needles inserted through the skin and long insulated wires implanted into blood vessels, which is not suitable for treating dyslipidemia effectively.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) with a coin-sized housing, featuring a symmetrical electrode configuration and a primary battery with high internal impedance, delivers EA stimulation pulses wirelessly controlled, eliminating the need for external leads and providing a low-duty cycle stimulation regimen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electroacupuncture devices use needles inserted through the skin and long insulated wires implanted into blood vessels, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to treatment sites, but the procedure becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the invasive leads and wires from the electroacupuncture system. The implanted device contains all necessary electrical components including electrodes, pulse generator, and battery within a single housing, removing the need for external insulated wires and blood vessel implants while maintaining electrical stimulation delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components (electrodes, pulse generation circuitry, battery, and housing) into a single integrated implanted device. The symmetrical electrode configuration is incorporated directly into the housing structure, combining what were previously separate elements (leads, wires, electrodes, generator) into one unified device that simplifies the overall system
2Ease of operation
If traditional electroacupuncture uses external leads and percutaneous connections, then device functionality is maintained, but patient comfort and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external leads and percutaneous connections from the system. The device is implanted entirely beneath the skin with no external wires or connections required, allowing patients to receive electroacupuncture treatment without the discomfort and inconvenience of external leads or skin penetrations
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted device is self-contained with an integrated battery that provides power for the entire intended use period. The device autonomously generates and delivers electrical stimulation pulses without requiring external power sources or manual reconnection, making the system self-sufficient and easier for patients to use
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the implanted device uses a battery with high internal impedance, then battery life is extended, but the ability to deliver high current pulses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electrical stimulation rather than continuous current delivery. The pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation in discrete pulses at controlled frequencies and duty cycles, allowing the battery to be recharged between pulses. This periodic action enables extended battery life while maintaining effective treatment through concentrated pulse delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes battery performance by changing operational parameters including pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle. The pulse generator adjusts these parameters to match the specific treatment requirements while operating within the battery's current and voltage capabilities, enabling effective stimulation without requiring excessive peak currents that would deplete the battery rapidly
4Reliability
If electroacupuncture stimulation is applied superficially, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a symmetrical electrode configuration where two electrodes are positioned at equal distances from the treatment site on opposite sides of the housing. This symmetrical arrangement creates a focused electric field that penetrates deeply into the tissue at the treatment location while maintaining device simplicity and balanced current distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-sided superficial stimulation to dual-sided deep tissue stimulation by positioning electrodes on opposite faces of the housing. This dimensional change allows the electric current to pass through the tissue in a deeper path, enhancing treatment effectiveness without requiring complex multi-element electrode arrays
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 IEAD offers a less invasive, efficient, and cost-effective treatment for dyslipidemia by focusing EA stimulation deep into tissue with minimal heat generation and long battery life, making it suitable for outpatient use.
Implementation Method 1
a primary battery also located within the IEAD housing that provides the operating power for the IEAD to perform its intended function
Implementation Method 2
pulse generation circuitry located within the IEAD housing that delivers EA stimulation pulses to the patient's body tissue
Implementation Method 3
at least two electrodes, (2) pulse generation circuitry located within the IEAD housing that delivers EA stimulation pulses to the patient's body tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture Device (IEAD) treats dyslipidemia conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoint ST40, or its underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.