Intermittent Electrical Stimulation System with External Recharging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems often require long-term implantation, which may not be desirable for patients with sporadic or mild pain, and they typically use large power sources that necessitate bulky control modules and discomfort during implantation.

Innovation Solution

An electrical stimulation system with a lead and control module that provides intermittent stimulation using a rechargeable power source, such as a capacitor, allowing for short-term implantation and quick recharging external to the patient, enabling stimulation for up to three hours before depletion and recharging in under 15 minutes, facilitating smaller, more versatile device design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems use large power sources, then continuous long-term stimulation is enabled, but the control module becomes bulky and causes patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation durationVSAvoidcontrol module volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses intermittent stimulation with periodic recharging. The capacitor is charged for short intervals (e.g., 10-15 minutes) through wireless power transfer and then provides stimulation for extended periods (e.g., 2-3 hours), creating a periodic cycle that enables long-term therapy without requiring a large continuous power source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts the power source from the implantable control module and places it externally. A wearable or external power pack contains the rechargeable battery and wireless power transfer components, allowing the implantable device to be small while still providing extended stimulation through periodic recharging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional systems use large power sources, then continuous operation is maintained, but implantation locations are restricted due to device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation durationVSAvoidimplantation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power source from the implantable control module. The implantable portion contains only the capacitor and stimulation circuitry (small components), while the power source resides in a separate external or wearable unit, enabling flexible implantation at various body locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If long-term implantation is used for sporadic pain, then continuous therapy is provided, but unnecessary discomfort and intervention are imposed on the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy availabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static continuous implantation to dynamic intermittent use. Patients can activate stimulation only when needed for pain episodes, and the system automatically manages charging cycles, providing reliable therapy availability while minimizing unnecessary presence of the device in the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a rechargeable capacitor that can be rapidly recharged externally. After depleting its energy during stimulation, the capacitor is recovered and recharged through wireless power transfer, enabling the implant to be used intermittently without requiring permanent continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 short-term stimulation with prolonged efficacy, reducing patient discomfort and allowing for more flexible implantation locations, while maintaining long-term treatment benefits through intermittent procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The power source includes at least one capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a power-source recharger configured and arranged for recharging the implanted power source subsequent to depletion of the stored energy in the power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9901737B2Systems and methods for providing therapy to a patient using intermittent electrical stimulation

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A method for providing therapy to a patient using intermittent electrical stimulation includes advancing a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal portion of a lead to a target stimulation location within a patient. A proximal portion of the lead is coupled to an electrical stimulator disposed external to the patient. Patient tissue at the target stimulation location is stimulated for a first duration of time that is no greater than one day using the plurality of electrodes. The stimulation provides efficacious treatment to the patient for a second duration of time that is at least twice as long as the first duration of time. Stimulation is ceased after completion of the first duration of time. The lead is removed from the patient after ceasing stimulation and prior to an end of the second duration of time.