Leadless Neurostimulation Device with Integrated Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neurostimulation systems require separate leads for electrical stimulation, which can be invasive and less robust compared to leadless systems.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive, leadless neurostimulation device with a unitary structure, featuring a housing with a secondary electrode and a header unit with primary electrodes, configured to provide electrical stimulation therapy to the tibial nerve without the need for separate leads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate leads are used for electrical stimulation, then the device can provide stimulation at a location separated from the housing, but the system becomes more invasive and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lead and housing into a single integrated unitary structure. The header unit with primary electrodes is directly coupled to the housing containing the secondary electrode, eliminating the need for separate leads. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing stimulation capability while improving robustness through the integrated design that eliminates lead-related vulnerabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate leads are used for electrical stimulation, then the device can be configured with electrodes at different locations, but the implantation becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional configuration of electrodes within the unitary structure to achieve positioning flexibility. The primary electrodes on the header unit and secondary electrode on the housing are arranged in specific spatial relationships that enable effective stimulation without requiring separate leads to extend to distant locations. This dimensional arrangement provides adaptability while minimizing invasiveness.
3Reliability
If a unitary leadless structure is used, then the device becomes more robust and less invasive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unitary structure into distinct functional segments: the header unit containing primary electrodes and the housing containing the secondary electrode and neurostimulator components. This segmentation allows for manageable assembly and maintenance of the integrated structure, reducing the practical complexity despite the advanced unitary design. The modular segments are coupled together to form the complete leadless device.
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 leadless neurostimulation device provides effective and efficient electrical stimulation therapy to the tibial nerve, reducing invasiveness and improving robustness compared to traditional lead-based systems, while maintaining a compact size and secure anchoring to patient tissue.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one primary electrode and the secondary electrode are configured to transmit an electrical stimulation signal therebetween to provide electrical stimulation therapy to a target nerve of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A leadless neurostimulation device having a header unit including at least one primary electrode having a contact surface that defines an external surface of the leadless neurostimulation device, a housing including a secondary electrode positioned on the same side of the leadless neurostimulation device as the at least one primary electrode, and a anchor device including at least one suture point for securing the leadless neurostimulation device to patient tissue or at least one protrusion nub configured to create mechanical resistance that impedes relative movement between wherein the leadless neurostimulation device and the patient tissue when implanted, where the at least one primary electrode and the secondary electrode are configured to transmit an electrical stimulation signal therebetween to provide electrical stimulation therapy to a target nerve of a patient.