Laparoscopic Nerve Root Electrode Implantation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for stimulating nerves to restore body functions or reduce pain, such as neuroprosthetics, face challenges including high energy requirements, precise placement issues, and the inconvenience of being connected to wires, especially with transdermal approaches, and the complexities of implanting electrodes and energy sources.

Innovation Solution

Laparoscopic implantation of electrodes at specific nerve roots, allowing for safe and effective electrostimulation of nerves to restore functions like bladder control, leg movement, and pain modulation, with the option of external or internal power sources and control systems to minimize surgical risks and maximize convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If transdermal electrode approach is used, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases and placement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces transdermal mechanical electrode placement with laparoscopic surgical implantation, substituting a simple external application method with a controlled surgical procedure to achieve better overall system performance despite increased procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laparoscopic surgical procedure as an intermediary method between external transdermal application and direct internal implantation, providing controlled access to nerve roots while minimizing the harmful effects of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If transdermal electrode approach is used, then ease of operation is improved, but placement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidplacement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces transdermal mechanical electrode placement with laparoscopic surgical implantation, substituting a simple external application method with a controlled surgical procedure to achieve better overall system performance despite increased procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laparoscopic surgical procedure as an intermediary method between external transdermal application and direct internal implantation, providing controlled access to nerve roots while minimizing the harmful effects of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If implantation of electrodes and energy sources is performed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the neurostimulation system into separate implantable electrode components and external energy source/control unit, allowing the complex energy management functions to be externalized while maintaining reliable electrical connection to the implanted electrodes through lead wires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laparoscopic surgical procedure as an intermediary method between external transdermal application and direct internal implantation, providing controlled access to nerve roots while minimizing the harmful effects of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If laparoscopic implantation is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a laparoscopic surgical procedure as an intermediary method between external transdermal application and direct internal implantation, providing controlled access to nerve roots while minimizing the harmful effects of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method provides a safe and effective means to restore bladder function, leg movement, and pain management by precisely targeting nerve roots, reducing the need for radical surgery and minimizing side effects, while allowing for convenient and reliable operation of implanted electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

operating the electrode to electrostimulate the nerve root and alter operation of the nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS8019423B2Laparoscopic implantation of neurostimulators

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 NEUROGYN AG

AI summary

A method for altering operation of a nerve related to a given body condition includes the steps of identifying at least one nerve root of a nerve related to the given body condition; laparoscopically implanting at least one electrode on the nerve root; and operating the electrode to electrostimulate the nerve root and alter operation of the nerve.