Leadless Flexible Nerve Stimulator for Stable Sleep Apnea Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nerve stimulation devices for treating sleep apnea are prone to displacement and require lead wires, which can be damaged by muscle movement, leading to instability and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, leadless implantable device with stimulator units and a receiving antenna that receives power and stimulation signals from an external RF magnetic field, allowing for stable positioning and independent control of stimulation, using biocompatible materials and suture holes for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead wires are used to connect the stimulator to the nerve, then electrical connection is established, but the lead wires are subject to fatigue and damage from muscle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lead wire component entirely from the system. The stimulator is implanted directly adjacent to the target nerve without any external lead wires, eliminating the source of mechanical fatigue and connection failures that plagues traditional nerve stimulation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator housing is directly positioned against the nerve tissue, merging the electrical stimulation function with the positioning structure. This direct contact eliminates the need for separate lead wire components while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If the stimulator is designed for easy injection implantation, then implantation is simplified, but the device cannot maintain stable positioning in the required location
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator housing incorporates flexible elements that allow the device to adapt its shape and conform to the contours of the injection site and surrounding tissue. This flexibility enables easy implantation while maintaining stable positioning once deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator housing utilizes flexible materials and thin-film construction that allow the device to be injected through small incisions while maintaining structural integrity and stable positioning at the target site. The flexible housing can deform during implantation and then maintain its position once deployed.
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 device provides durable and accurate nerve stimulation, minimizing part fatigue and ensuring consistent positioning, enabling advanced stimulation strategies for effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one stimulator unit comprises a receiving antenna, a plurality of passive electric components encapsulated in a hermetically sealed enclosure
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implantable device (10) configured for implantation in a body of subject (50), the device comprising: a flexible body (20) and at least one stimulator unit (30) attached to the flexible body (20), wherein the at least one stimulator unit (30) comprises a plurality of electric components (31) encapsulated in a hermetically sealed enclosure (32), a receiving antenna (33), and at least one electric conductor (34) in electrical connection with the plurality of electric components (31).