Endoscopic LES Electrode Fixation for Precise GERD Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as drugs, endoscopic procedures, and surgical operations, are not effective and pose significant burdens and risks, necessitating a safer and more effective alternative.

Innovation Solution

An electrical stimulation system with a catheter and electrode designed for non-invasive insertion through an endoscope, featuring movable fixing members to secure the electrode to the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing precise electrical stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drugs and behavioral therapies are used for treating GERD, then treatment is non-invasive, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidweak acid or non-acid reflux persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with direct electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter using a catheter and electrode system. The electrical stimulator generates electrical pulses that are delivered through the electrode to the target portion, mechanically stimulating the sphincter muscle to improve closure function and prevent reflux, thereby achieving treatment effectiveness without relying on acid-suppressing medications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If surgical operations are performed for reflux prevention, then reflux prevention is achieved, but patient burden and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflux preventionVSAvoidsurgical complications and patient burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes invasive surgical procedures with a minimally invasive electrical stimulation system. Instead of performing surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, the system uses a catheter inserted through the endoscope to deliver electrical pulses directly to the sphincter, achieving reflux prevention without surgical incisions, anesthesia risks, or postoperative recovery requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical stimulator as an intermediary device between the external controller and the lower esophageal sphincter. The stimulator generates and regulates electrical pulses that are transmitted through the electrode to the target portion, enabling precise control of sphincter function without direct mechanical intervention or surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If an electrical stimulation system is inserted through an endoscope, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but precise target portion stimulation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive insertionVSAvoidtarget portion stimulation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary positioning actions using the endoscope to navigate and position the catheter tip at the lower esophageal sphincter before electrical stimulation is activated. The endoscope provides visual guidance and mechanical positioning, ensuring the electrode is correctly placed on the target portion before the electrical stimulator begins delivering pulses, thereby achieving both non-invasive insertion and precise stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates both the non-invasive insertion of the catheter and the precise positioning of the electrode at the target portion. The endoscope's imaging and manipulation capabilities enable the operator to accurately place the electrode on the lower esophageal sphincter without invasive surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate and non-invasive electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter, providing a safer and potentially more effective treatment for GERD.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical stimulator for generating electrical stimulation to be applied onto the target portion by the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12569674B2Electrical stimulation system

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

An electrical stimulation system according to an embodiment may comprise: a catheter having a long and thin tubular shape; an electrode disposed at one end of the catheter and inserted into a target portion; an electrical stimulator for generating electrical stimulation to be applied onto the target portion by the electrode; and a control part for controlling an electrical pulse of the electrical stimulator to change the electrical stimulation applied onto the target portion, wherein the electrode applies electrical stimulation in a state where a distal end of the electrode is enlarged and fixed to a target portion.