Laparoscopic Neurostimulator Electrode Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stimulating nerves to restore body functions or reduce pain are inefficient due to high energy requirements, precise placement needs, and invasive procedures, particularly for transdermal approaches, and implantation complications.
Innovation Solution
Laparoscopic implantation of electrodes at specific nerve roots, allowing for safe and effective electrostimulation of nerves to restore functions such as bladder control, leg movement, and pain management, using external or internal power sources and control systems to minimize invasive risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transdermal electrode approach is used, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and placement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrode implantation from the transdermal approach and relocates it to the pelvic region through laparoscopic surgery. This allows the electrode to be positioned closer to the target nerves (sacral nerves, pudendal nerve, etc.), reducing the distance for electrical signal transmission and thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining acceptable placement precision through surgical guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the pelvic region as an intermediary location between the external power source and the target nerves. By placing electrodes in the pelvic cavity near the sacral nerves and other target nerves, the system creates an optimal intermediary position that minimizes energy loss during signal transmission while avoiding the precision challenges of transdermal placement
2Reliability
If implantation of electrodes with power sources is performed, then nerve stimulation effectiveness improves, but surgical complexity and implantation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the neurostimulation system into separate components: electrodes implanted in the pelvic region and a controllable power source that may be external or implanted. This segmentation allows the electrode implantation to be performed through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining effective nerve stimulation through the implanted electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (transdermal electrode placement) to a multi-dimensional approach by utilizing the pelvic cavity space. This allows electrodes to be positioned in three-dimensional space near multiple target nerves simultaneously, improving stimulation effectiveness while using standard laparoscopic surgical techniques to manage complexity
3Ease of operation
If transdermal electrode placement is used, then continuous connection to wires is required, but patient convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrode from the transdermal position and relocates it to the pelvic region through surgery. This eliminates the need for external wire connections and transdermal electrodes, thereby improving patient convenience by removing the burden of continuous wire attachment while enabling more efficient energy utilization through direct neural stimulation
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 reliable and safe access to nerves for stimulation, reducing pain and restoring functions like bladder control and leg movement without the need for extensive surgery, offering a more efficient and safer alternative to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
operating the electrode to electrostimulate the nerve root and alter operation of the nerve
Data Source
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.