Leadless Nerve Stimulation via Ultrasonic Energy Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nerve stimulation systems rely on invasive lead connections, which are prone to complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement, and face limitations in power transfer efficiency, especially for deeper implantations.

Innovation Solution

The use of vibrational energy, specifically ultrasonic frequencies, to transmit energy and stimulate nerves without the need for lead connections, employing a controller-transmitter device that converts vibrational energy into electrical energy for nerve stimulation, allowing for leadless stimulation of nerves and nerve bundles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lead/electrode systems are used for nerve stimulation, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but the system is prone to complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of nerve stimulation systemVSAvoidcomplications from invasive leads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lead component entirely from the nerve stimulation system. The implantable pulse generator is positioned remotely from the nerve site, and wireless power and data transmission eliminate the need for physical lead connections between the generator and the nerve electrodes, thereby eliminating lead-related complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic field transmission as an intermediary medium to transfer power and data between the implantable pulse generator and the nerve electrodes. This wireless intermediary replaces the physical lead connection, allowing energy and control signals to be transmitted through tissue without invasive wiring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If lead connections are used for power transfer to implanted devices, then power can be delivered to the stimulation site, but power transfer efficiency is limited especially for deeper implantations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddepth of implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lead-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. This substitution allows power to be transmitted through tissue without the resistance and energy loss associated with physical leads, significantly improving power transfer efficiency for deep implantations where leads would be particularly lossy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nerve sites are stimulated simultaneously, then treatment flexibility and effectiveness are improved, but lead complexity and number of connections increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidlead system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lead system entirely, replacing it with wireless communication between the implantable pulse generator and multiple independent stimulator units at different nerve sites. This eliminates the complexity of managing multiple leads and connections while maintaining the ability to stimulate multiple sites simultaneously or sequentially with full treatment flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 approach eliminates the need for invasive leads, enhances power transfer efficiency, and enables simultaneous or sequenced stimulation of multiple sites, reducing complications and improving treatment flexibility and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration to electrical energy conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8494643B2Systems and methods for implantable leadless nerve stimulation

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 EBR SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate nerves to treat medical conditions such as pain, and other conditions, such as, CHF, obesity, incontinence, etc., that could be controlled by the stimulation of the vagal nerves. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the nerve, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined nerve site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on or around the nerve that needs to be stimulated. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different nerves and regions of a nerve to provide therapeutic benefit.