Totally Implantable Electroneuromodulation Device with Tissue Swelling Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable electric stimulation devices for tissues, such as the stomach, require surgical operations, visible subcutaneous pockets, and electrocatheters, which lead to complications like tissue erosion, increased surgical times, and the need for battery replacement, causing discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A totally implantable device with an internal microgenerator and piezoelectric energy harvesting, along with an implantation tool using a needle and fluid injection to create a localized tissue swelling for device placement, eliminating the need for electrocatheters and surgical operations, and providing independent energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implantable electric stimulation devices are used with electrocatheters and subcutaneous pockets, then electrical stimulation function is achieved, but surgical complexity and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electrocatheter component from the traditional implantable stimulation system. The device is implanted directly into the target tissue without requiring separate electrocatheter wires, thereby removing the source of many complications such as wire breakage, displacement, and tissue erosion while maintaining the essential electrical stimulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pulse generator and electrode functions into a single integrated device. Instead of having separate components (battery, pulse generator, and electrocatheter with electrodes), all functions are combined in one unit that is implanted directly into the tissue, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing implantation complexity.
2Reliability
If electrocatheters are used for connecting pulse generator and electrodes, then electrical connection is established, but tissue erosion and perforation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the electrocatheter component that causes tissue erosion and perforation risks. By implanting the device directly into the target tissue without requiring long electrocatheter wires to traverse through tissue, the harmful mechanical stresses and erosion risks associated with electrocatheters are eliminated while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct contact electrodes.
3Reliability
If subcutaneous pocket is created for pulse generator placement, then device housing is provided, but surgical time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the subcutaneous pocket creation step by implanting the device directly into the target tissue. This removes the need for extensive dissection and pocket formation surgery, significantly reducing surgical time and patient discomfort while the device itself provides its own housing and stabilization structures within the tissue.
4Use of energy by moving object
If traditional battery-powered devices are used, then continuous power supply is provided, but battery replacement surgery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy supply parameter from finite battery power to renewable body-heat-powered energy conversion. By utilizing the temperature difference between the body and the environment through thermoelectric generators, the device achieves continuous energy supply without the need for battery replacement, effectively extending the device lifespan to match the patient's lifetime.
5Ease of operation
If visible abdominal scar is created for implantation, then device access is achieved, but cosmetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the implantation approach from external abdominal access (requiring visible scars) to internal luminal access through the gastrointestinal tract. By delivering the device through the esophagus and stomach into the duodenum, the procedure utilizes the body's existing luminal pathways, eliminating the need for external incisions and visible scars while maintaining implantation accessibility.
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
Enables effective electric stimulation of nervous tissues without surgical intervention, reduces complications, and provides long-term operation without battery replacement, improving patient comfort and reducing surgical burdens.
Implementation Method 1
The device (1) has an independent production means of electrical energy necessary for the generation of electric pulses for stimulation and/or for other functions, preferably in the form of at least one piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The set comprises a totally implantable device (1) for electroneuromodulation for the electric stimulation of the nervous tissue of the wall of the stomach and/or another neuroreceptive biological tissue and an implantation tool (2) of the device (1), the tool (2) comprising an axially hollow longitudinal containment body (6) for said device (1) and a needle (12) incorporated into said containment body (6) and having a tip (13) that projects forwards to a sharp front end (7) of the containment body (6), said needle (12) being connected to a supply conduit (15) of a fluid injectable from said needle (12) into the tissue for the creation of a localised tissue swelling (4) in which said device (1) can be positioned.