Leadless Tissue Stimulation via Ultrasonic Energy Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical tissue stimulation systems, such as those for bone, spine, and nerve stimulation, face issues like infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement due to the use of implanted electrode/lead wire systems, which complicate long-term treatment and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
The use of vibrational energy, particularly at ultrasonic frequencies, to deliver electrical stimulation without the need for leads connected to a stimulation controller/pulse generator, allowing for direct electrical stimulation of tissues through an implanted receiver-stimulator and external controller-transmitter system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implanted electrode/lead wire systems are used for electrical tissue stimulation, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to target tissues, but complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lead wire system from the implantable device, extracting the problematic component that causes infections and failures. The external controller-transmitter communicates wirelessly with the internal receiver-stimulator, eliminating the need for physical lead wires that connect the external and internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lead wire connection system with a wireless communication system. The external controller-transmitter uses electromagnetic or acoustic signals to communicate with the internal receiver-stimulator, substituting the mechanical/physical connection with a field-based communication method.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If implanted electrode/lead wire systems are used, then electrical stimulation is delivered, but long-term implantation is limited due to lead failure and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The lead wire system is extracted and replaced with wireless communication, removing the component that limits long-term implantation duration due to lead failure and infection risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic or acoustic fields as intermediaries to transfer control signals and power from the external controller to the internal stimulator, eliminating the need for physical lead wires that degrade over time.
3Ease of operation
If lead-connected systems are used, then stimulation control is provided, but patient compliance is reduced due to therapy complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The complex lead wire connection and management system is extracted, simplifying the overall therapy system. Patients no longer need to manage lead wires, connection points, or potential dislodgement issues, improving ease of operation and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal receiver-stimulator automatically receives control signals wirelessly from the external controller, eliminating the need for manual lead wire connections or adjustments by the patient. The system self-manages the stimulation delivery without requiring patient intervention in complex procedures.
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 reduces complications associated with leads, enables longer implantation periods with minimal energy consumption, and allows for patient-controlled therapy adjustments, enhancing treatment efficacy and compliance.
Implementation Method 1
an implanted receiver-stimulator that is capable of receiving the transmitted vibrational energy and converting it into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate tissue to treat medical conditions involving tissues such as the bone, spine, stomach, nerves, brain and the cochlea. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the tissue, where vibrational (or acoustic) 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 tissue sites. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located at or close to the stimulation site.