Intermittent Pituitary Electrode Stimulation with Reversible External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation systems for the pituitary gland and hypothalamus face challenges in providing intermittent power to electrodes without requiring additional surgery, large implants, or complex wireless connections, and are not suitable for intermittent treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving an electrode with a distal end implanted in the pituitary gland and a connection plug attached to adjacent bone, allowing for reversible connection to a wire for external power, and a deformable array for conformal contact with tissue, enabling intermittent electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a pulse generator with battery is implanted for intermittent electrical stimulation, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but additional surgery is required with discomfort and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (battery and pulse generator) from the implanted electrode system, leaving only the electrode in place. The electrode remains implanted in the organ, while the power source is removed and replaced with an external power delivery system that can be connected temporarily for intermittent stimulation sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two separate components: the implanted electrode that remains in the organ, and the external power source that is removed. This allows the electrode to stay in place without requiring removal and re-implantation, while the power source can be independently managed and connected only when stimulation is needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a pulse generator with battery is implanted for intermittent electrical stimulation, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but the patient requires replacement surgery when battery life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the implanted system and replaced with an external power source. This eliminates the need for surgical replacement of the battery, as the external power source can be replaced or recharged without surgical intervention, while the implanted electrode remains in place.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a pulse generator is implanted for intermittent electrical stimulation, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but adjustment of stimulation settings becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external power delivery system that acts as an intermediary between the control system and the implanted electrode. This external system provides easier access for adjusting stimulation settings, as it can be modified externally without requiring surgical intervention or complex programming of an implanted device.
4Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used for intermittent electrical stimulation, then electrical connection can be avoided, but large implants are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the implant, leaving only a small electrode in place. The complex wireless power transmission components (senders and receivers) are placed externally, eliminating the need for large implanted devices while still avoiding open electrical connections during stimulation sessions.
5Use of energy by moving object
If trans-sphenoidal insertion is used for every stimulation session, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but surgical intervention is required repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is implanted in advance and left in place permanently or for extended periods. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated surgical insertions for each stimulation session. The electrode remains ready for use, and only temporary connection to power is needed for intermittent stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the electrode implantation from the power connection. The electrode can be implanted once and remain in place, while power connection is a separate, temporary action that does not require surgical intervention. This segmentation allows the electrode to stay in place without requiring repeated surgical procedures.
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
Facilitates intermittent electrical stimulation of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus with reduced surgical intervention and simpler power delivery, enhancing treatment efficacy for conditions like chronic pain and central sensitization disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a distal end of an electrode is implanted in an organ, such as a pituitary gland, of a mammalian patient for intermittent electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method, in which a distal end of an electrode is implanted in an organ, such as a pituitary gland, for intermittent electrical stimulation thereof and a proximal end of the electrode is provided with a connection plug, a distal end of which can be attached to a bone adjacent the organ, such an anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus/vomer, and a proximal end of which can be reversibly connected electrically to a wire that is connected electrically to a source of electrical stimulation for the organ.