Longitudinal Electrode Cuff for Selective Nerve Stimulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems with radial wrap electrodes struggle to selectively stimulate specific nerve fibers or groups of fibers, often resulting in unwanted side effects due to the stimulation of multiple fibers.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrical stimulation lead with a cuff having longitudinal electrodes arranged circumferentially around the cuff body, allowing for selective stimulation of specific nerve fibers or groups of fibers, along with radial electrodes for enhanced control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If radial wrap electrodes are used in conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems, then the coverage area of the nerve is increased, but the selectivity for specific nerve fibers is reduced leading to unwanted side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of nerveVSAvoidunwanted side effects from non-selective stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrodes arranged longitudinally along the cuff body. Each electrode can be activated separately or in specific combinations, allowing selective stimulation of particular nerve fiber groups while maintaining comprehensive nerve coverage through the distributed electrode arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode array are activated with different electrical parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to create localized stimulation zones. This allows specific nerve fiber populations to be targeted with optimized stimulation parameters while leaving other regions inactive or using different parameters, thereby achieving selective stimulation without compromising overall coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If conventional radial wrap electrodes are used, then simple electrode configuration is achieved, but precise targeting of specific nerve fibers is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configuration simplicityVSAvoidtargeting precision of nerve fibers

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode arrangement transitions from simple radial wrap to a two-dimensional array with both circumferential and longitudinal positioning. This additional longitudinal dimension enables precise spatial targeting along the nerve's length while maintaining the circumferential wrap configuration, achieving both simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple electrodes are activated simultaneously for broad nerve coverage, then comprehensive stimulation is achieved, but selectivity for specific fiber groups is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive stimulation coverageVSAvoidselectivity of fiber group stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stimulation pattern is made dynamic through sequential or alternating activation of different electrode pairs. The system can switch between different electrode combinations over time, allowing comprehensive coverage to be achieved through temporal summation while maintaining selectivity within each time window. This dynamic approach enables both broad coverage and precise targeting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different electrode pairs are activated in periodic sequences, with each pair targeting specific nerve fiber groups. By cycling through multiple electrode pairs with appropriate timing and parameters, the system achieves comprehensive stimulation of all nerve fibers over time while maintaining selectivity for specific fiber groups during each activation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration enables precise targeting and selective stimulation of specific nerve fibers or groups of fibers, reducing unwanted side effects and improving the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapies.

Implementation Method 1

conductors extending through the lead body and the cuff with the conductors electrically coupled to the longitudinal electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4240472B1Electrical stimulation cuff devices and systems with directional electrode configurations

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An electrical stimulation lead includes a cuff having a cuff body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a circumference; longitudinal electrodes disposed on the interior surface of the cuff body, where the longitudinal electrodes are divided into at least one set with each set including at least sixteen of the longitudinal electrodes spaced apart from each other in a circumferential arrangement round the circumference of the cuff body; and a longitudinal slit extending through the cuff body and further extending along an entire length of the cuff body. The electrical stimulation lead also includes a lead body coupled to the cuff and conductors extending through the lead body and the cuff with the conductors electrically coupled to the electrodes.