Implantable Nerve Blocking System with Dynamic Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous neurostimulator implants face challenges in powering and calibrating nerve-blocking devices due to individual variations and movement of the implant, which affects the optimal parameters of the blocking current needed to effectively block action potentials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an implantable excitation unit to induce action potentials, a blocking unit to block these potentials, and a sensor unit, along with an extracorporeal controller that wirelessly drives the units and adjusts parameters based on detected action potentials, enabling automated or manual calibration to optimize the blocking current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the blocking current parameters are fixed for all subjects, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of blocking action potentials varies between individual subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of blocking current parameters through a calibration process. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters that adapt to individual subject characteristics. The controller adjusts amplitude, pulse width, and frequency based on detected action potentials and subject feedback, making the device dynamically adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the sensor detects action potentials and the controller receives subject feedback (e.g., paresthesia sensation). This feedback loop enables automatic or manual adjustment of blocking current parameters. The system continuously monitors the effect of blocking current and modifies parameters to maintain optimal blocking effectiveness for each individual subject.
2Reliability
If the blocking current is increased to ensure effective blocking, then the reliability of blocking is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering blocking current only when and where needed to achieve effective blocking. Through calibration, the system determines the minimum effective parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) required for each subject. This avoids excessive current delivery while maintaining reliable blocking, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to optimize the balance between blocking effectiveness and power consumption. The calibration process adjusts multiple parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to find the optimal combination that achieves reliable blocking with minimal power consumption. The system can dynamically modify these parameters based on detected action potentials and subject response.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is used to customize parameters for each subject, then the adaptability to individual variations is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated calibration. The sensor detects action potentials and the controller automatically adjusts blocking current parameters based on detected signals and predefined algorithms. This reduces or eliminates the need for manual calibration by the user, making the device easier to operate while maintaining high adaptability to individual subject variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the sensor detects action potentials and the controller receives subject feedback (e.g., paresthesia sensation). This feedback loop enables automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of blocking current parameters, reducing the burden on the user while achieving personalized calibration for each subject.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the implant position changes due to movement or migration, then the adaptability to movement is reduced, but the optimal blocking parameters change requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation to implant position changes through continuous monitoring and recalibration. The sensor detects action potentials and the controller adjusts blocking current parameters in real-time or periodically. This dynamic adjustment compensates for position changes due to movement or migration, maintaining effective blocking without requiring the implant to remain perfectly stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the sensor continuously detects action potentials and the controller adjusts parameters based on this feedback. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to implant position changes automatically, maintaining optimal blocking effectiveness even when the implant moves or migrates within the subject's body.
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 effectively blocks undesired action potentials, optimizing power consumption and ensuring the blocking current is calibrated to an effective yet non-excessive level, thereby improving the performance and reliability of nerve-blocking devices.
Implementation Method 1
an extracorporeal controller, including (i) at least one antenna, and (ii) circuitry configured: to wirelessly drive the excitation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an implant that includes circuitry and an elongate housing having a first half and a second half. A paresthesia-inducing electrode is disposed on the first half, and a blocking electrode is disposed on the second half. The circuitry has a first mode in which the circuitry simultaneously drives the paresthesia-inducing electrode to apply a paresthesia-inducing current having a frequency of 2-400 Hz, and the blocking electrode to apply a blocking current having a frequency of 1-20 kHz, and a second mode in which the circuitry drives the blocking electrode to apply the blocking current, but does not drive the paresthesia-inducing electrode to apply the paresthesia-inducing current. The implant is injectable into a subject along a longitudinal axis of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.