Implantable Microstimulator Inductive Charging for Deep Vagus Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neurostimulation devices face challenges in deep body placements, such as sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation, due to difficulty in alignment and stable positioning, and require cumbersome recharging methods that involve wearing external coils around the neck.
Innovation Solution
Implantable microstimulators with integrated coils and high magnetic permeability materials for efficient inductive charging, combined with a recharging pillow that generates a concentrated electromagnetic field for wireless charging, and methods for sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation using nerve cuffs and abdominal belt charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If implantable microstimulators are placed deep within the body (e.g., sub-diaphragmatic), then fewer adverse events occur, but alignment and stable positioning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A nerve cuff is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate precise positioning and stable fixation of the microstimulator on the vagus nerve. The cuff acts as a mediator that holds the microstimulator in the correct orientation and location, making implantation and positioning significantly easier while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of deep placement
2Reliability
If a neck coil is used for inductive charging, then deep implants can be recharged, but the recharging process becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is moved from the neck region to the abdominal region by utilizing the abdominal belt worn by the patient. This dimensional change in the charging location allows for more convenient operation while maintaining effective electromagnetic coupling with the deep abdominal implant through the belt's positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is located deep within the body, then sub-diaphragmatic stimulation is achieved, but inductive charging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The abdominal belt serves as an intermediary charging device that bridges the gap between the external environment and the deep abdominal implant. The belt's positioning against the abdomen provides a reliable electromagnetic coupling interface that overcomes the challenges of deep implant charging
Solution Approach 2:
The charging approach transitions from superficial neck placement to deep abdominal placement by using the abdominal belt. This dimensional change in charging location aligns with the deep implant position, improving electromagnetic coupling efficiency and charging reliability
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
Provides stable, efficient, and less invasive sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation with reduced adverse events and fewer recharging inconveniences, allowing for larger energy storage and less frequent charging.
Implementation Method 1
Charging and/or communication with an implant by electrical induction (e.g., via one or more inductive coils) may be well suited for use with implantable microstimulators
Implementation Method 2
Implantable microstimulators with integrated coils and high magnetic permeability materials for efficient inductive charging
Data Source
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Figure 6~7B
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be inductively charged and/or communicated with using the external charger. The implant may include a receiving antenna wrapped around the battery and/or the housing of the microstimulator/microregulator and/or may include a high magnetic permeability material in order to serve as a magnetic core for the antenna coil. Wearable inductive chargers/communication devices for inductively communicating with (including charging) an implanted microstimulator are described herein, which may include magnetically conductive material to enhance communication with an implant, including sub-diaphragmatic implants. Also described herein are inductive chargers/communication devices, including belts, and pads (e.g., mattresses) able to recharge an implanted neurostimulation device.