Leadless Implantable Electroacupuncture Device for Cardiovascular Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemia, often involve invasive methods like spinal cord stimulation and external electroacupuncture devices that are cumbersome or ineffective, leading to patient discomfort and complications.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) with a coin-sized, leadless design that delivers electroacupuncture stimulation pulses to the PC6 acupoint in the forearm, using a primary battery with high internal impedance and electronic circuitry to manage power, allowing for efficient and safe long-term treatment without major surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive treatments like spinal cord stimulation are used, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of electroacupuncture stimulation and removes the invasive spinal cord component, placing the electrode directly at the acupoint location. This extraction eliminates the need for complex spinal implantation while maintaining the core therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical spinal cord stimulation system with a simplified electroacupuncture device that delivers electrical pulses directly through the skin at the acupoint. This substitution uses electrical field transmission through tissue rather than mechanical spinal implantation, reducing invasiveness while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If external electroacupuncture devices are used, then treatment is less invasive, but the devices are cumbersome and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode and pulse generation components into a single integrated implantable device. The electrode is incorporated directly into the device housing, eliminating the need for separate external electrodes and complex wiring. This integration creates a compact, effective device that can be implanted permanently at the acupoint location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pulse generation capabilities with adjustable frequency and amplitude parameters. The device can adapt stimulation parameters based on treatment requirements, providing effective electroacupuncture therapy. The pulse generation circuitry dynamically adjusts electrical output to optimize treatment effectiveness while maintaining safety.
3Device complexity
If leadless coin-sized design is used, then device complexity and surgery requirements are reduced, but power management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power management parameters by using a high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery with optimized charge-discharge characteristics. The battery is designed to provide sufficient energy for long-term operation with low current draw. The pulse generation circuitry operates at optimized power consumption levels, enabling extended operational life from a single implantation without frequent recharging or battery replacement surgery.
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 IEAD provides effective, long-term relief for cardiovascular diseases with minimal patient discomfort and reduced risk of complications, offering a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A battery adapted to provide power to the electroacupuncture device
Implementation Method 2
generate and deliver electroacupuncture stimulation pulses at an acupoint
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia or angina through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoints GV20 and/or EXHN3. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio of T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.