Magnetic Spinal Cord Stimulation for Sexual Dysfunction After SCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for sexual dysfunction following spinal cord injury, such as oral medications, penile implants, and implanted epidural stimulation, are either ineffective, risky, or invasive, and there is a need for a safer and more effective method to restore sexual function.
Innovation Solution
Magnetic and transcutaneous stimulation of the spinal cord at specific frequencies and intensities to improve or restore sexual function, including the use of magnetic stimulators and transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oral medications or pills are used to treat erectile dysfunction, then sexual function is improved, but serious side effects and medication interactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment (chemical system) with electrical stimulation (electrical/mechanical system). Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord at specific frequencies and intensities activates neural pathways to improve erectile function without using medications, thereby eliminating side effects and drug interactions while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If penile implants are used to create an erection, then sexual function is restored, but surgical complications and permanent implant risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical mechanical implants with non-invasive electrical stimulation. By applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, the treatment activates natural neural pathways to produce erections without requiring surgical implantation of mechanical devices, thereby eliminating surgical complications, infection risks, and permanent implant-related hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the body's own neural system to perform the function of creating an erection through electrical stimulation. The spinal cord's intrinsic neural circuits are activated to produce the physiological response needed for sexual function, eliminating the need for external mechanical implants and their associated risks
3Reliability
If vacuum pumps and tension rings are used to achieve an erection, then sexual function is improved, but penile tissue damage and bruising occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical vacuum devices with electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. By activating neural pathways through transcutaneous electrical stimulation, the treatment produces natural physiological erections without applying mechanical suction or compression forces to the penile tissue, thereby eliminating bruising, tissue damage, and vascular injury risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical stimulation as an intermediary to activate the neural pathways that naturally control erectile function. Instead of directly applying mechanical force to the penis, the treatment uses electrical signals to the spinal cord as a mediator to trigger the body's own erectile mechanism, avoiding direct mechanical trauma to penile tissue
4Reliability
If implanted epidural stimulation is used to improve sexual function, then sexual function is restored, but invasive surgery and implantation risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive electrical stimulation with non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation. By applying electrical signals through the skin to the spinal cord, the treatment achieves the same neural activation and sexual function improvement without requiring surgical implantation of electrodes, thereby eliminating all risks associated with invasive procedures including infection, bleeding, and implant-related complications
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 method effectively initiates and maintains sexual function by improving erectile function and enhancing the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score, offering a non-invasive and safer alternative to existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Implanted epidural stimulation has been shown to improve sexual function in research studies of SCI subjects
Implementation Method 2
transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord at frequencies and intensities sufficient to improve or restore sexual function
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments methods and devices are provided for facilitating sexual function in a subject with a neuromotor disorder. In certain embodiments the methods involve providing magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord at a location, frequency and intensity sufficient to facilitate sexual function.