Lumbar NMES Implant for Dynamic Spinal Stability Restoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for low back pain, such as spinal fusion and dynamic stabilization implants, face challenges including difficulty in achieving uniform load sharing, cyclic loading failures, surgical complications, and interference with the spinal stabilization system, while existing neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) systems are not optimized for anatomically intact neuromuscular systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising implantable electrodes, an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a handheld activator, and an external programmer, configured for wireless communication, to provide neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to tissues associated with the lumbar spine, allowing programmable control of stimulation parameters like pulse amplitude, frequency, and rate to rehabilitate local segmental muscles and improve spinal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion or dynamic stabilization implants are used to treat low back pain, then spinal stability is improved, but surgical complications and interference with the spinal stabilization system occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidsurgical complications and interference with spinal stabilization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stabilization systems (spinal fusion and dynamic stabilization implants) with a neuromuscular electrical stimulation system. The IPG delivers electrical stimulation to the dorsal ramus nerve, activating local segmental muscles to provide dynamic spinal stabilization through physiological muscle contraction rather than mechanical implants, thereby avoiding surgical complications and interference with the natural spinal stabilization system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion or dynamic stabilization implants are used, then spinal stability is improved, but cyclic loading failures and difficulty in achieving uniform load sharing occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidcyclic loading failure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical load-bearing structures with a physiological muscle activation system. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal ramus nerve produces coordinated muscle contractions that dynamically support spinal loads, distributing forces uniformly through physiological muscle mechanics rather than rigid implant structures, thereby eliminating cyclic loading failures associated with mechanical implants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing NMES systems are used, then muscle stimulation is provided, but the systems are not optimized for anatomically intact neuromuscular systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle stimulation capabilityVSAvoidoptimization for anatomically intact neuromuscular systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting the dorsal ramus nerve, which innervates local segmental muscles of the lumbar spine. The IPG is configured to deliver stimulation parameters optimized for this specific anatomical location and muscle group, enabling precise rehabilitation of spinal stabilizing muscles without affecting other muscle groups, thus optimizing the NMES system for anatomically intact neuromuscular systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs programmable stimulation parameters (pulse amplitude, frequency, pulse duration) that can be adjusted to optimize muscle activation in anatomically intact neuromuscular systems. The IPG allows modification of electrical stimulation parameters to achieve threshold activation of dorsal ramus nerve and associated local segmental muscles, providing tailored therapy for rehabilitation without the constraints of existing fixed-parameter NMES systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 restores muscle function and reduces back pain by rehabilitating local segmental muscles, improving spinal stability, and minimizing discomfort through controlled neuromuscular stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

The IPG is configured to provide neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the tissue in accordance with the programming data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeuromuscular electrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260054070A1Systems and methods for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 MAINSTAY MEDICAL

AI summary

A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include electrodes coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters.