Electrical Stimulation Extending LES High Pressure Zone for GERD
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation systems for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not effectively address the anatomical factor of a shortened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) high pressure zone, which is a key contributor to the disease, and they often require long-term medication or invasive procedures with risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising electrically stimulating electrodes positioned proximate to the LES, a waveform generator, and a controller to increase the length of the LES high pressure zone, reducing GERD symptoms by generating specific pulse streams that enhance muscle contractions and extend the high pressure zone beyond baseline lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current electrical stimulation systems are used to treat GERD, then GERD symptoms can be managed, but the shortened LES high pressure zone anatomical factor is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical stimulation parameters (pulse duration, frequency, amplitude) to specifically target and extend the LES high pressure zone length. The system varies stimulation parameters over time to achieve both symptom management and anatomical correction of the shortened LES zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by applying electrical stimulation before reflux events occur to proactively extend and maintain the LES high pressure zone length, creating a stronger barrier against future reflux rather than merely responding to symptoms after they occur.
2Reliability
If long-term medication is used to manage GERD, then GERD symptoms can be controlled, but patients require ongoing pharmacological treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pharmacological system (medication) with an electrical stimulation system that directly作用于 the LES muscle. This mechanical/electrical approach aims to provide long-lasting anatomical correction and symptom control without the need for ongoing pharmacological intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by training the LES muscle through electrical stimulation to maintain its own high pressure zone length and function independently, reducing reliance on external pharmacological agents for ongoing symptom control.
3Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to treat GERD, then GERD symptoms can be addressed, but patients face procedural risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical stimulation system that non-invasively or minimally invasively delivers energy to the LES, avoiding the direct physical intervention and risks associated with surgical procedures while still achieving effective treatment of the shortened LES high pressure zone.
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 system effectively increases the length of the LES high pressure zone, creating a stronger barrier against reflux, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms without the need for long-term medication or invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A waveform generator is coupled to the at least one electrode and produces a pulse stream having a desired shape and duration to produce muscle contraction
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include at least one electrically stimulating electrode coupled to a pulse generator. Individuals with GERD are treated by implanting a stimulation device within and/or proximate the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, gastric fundus, or other nearby gastrointestinal structures and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and/or fundus, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. Electrical stimulation provided by the disclosed systems results in an increase in the length of the high pressure zone of the LES and/or modulation of the receptive relaxation response of the fundus to decrease gastric pressure, creating a longer barrier to the reflux of gastric contents or increasing functional lower esophageal pressure respectively, thereby treating GERD.