Separated Interface Nerve Electrode for Continuous Partial Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for electrical nerve block, such as direct current (DC), struggle to achieve a continuous partial nerve conduction block for extended periods due to challenges in maintaining a stable partial block and managing harmful reaction products.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a waveform generator and feedback device to deliver direct current (DC) waveforms through electrodes, including a separated interface nerve electrode (SINE) and charge balance polarizing current (CBPC) waveforms, with feedback mechanisms to maintain a stable partial nerve conduction block for an extended period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct current (DC) is used to deliver nerve conduction block, then immediate block and real time modulation are achieved, but continuous partial block for extended periods cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using alternating current (AC) at specific frequencies (e.g., 50 Hz) to achieve nerve conduction block. The AC waveform is delivered in continuous cycles, with each cycle producing a brief block period followed by a recovery period. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the AC signal, the patent maintains continuous partial block for extended periods while allowing the nerve to recover between cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between immediate block and sustained duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the AC waveform to optimize nerve block duration and intensity. By varying these parameters in real-time based on feedback from the nerve response, the system achieves both immediate block response and extended continuous partial block, resolving the temporal contradiction in nerve conduction block delivery.
2Stability of the object's composition
If kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) is used to produce nerve conduction block, then steady state depolarization is achieved, but spurious activity is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful spurious activity component from the KHFAC waveform by using lower frequency AC signals (e.g., 50 Hz) that do not generate spurious firing. The solution separates the beneficial steady state depolarization effect from the harmful spurious activity by selecting appropriate frequency parameters, thus achieving nerve block without the unwanted side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of AC-induced spurious activity into a benefit by carefully selecting AC frequencies and waveforms that produce steady state depolarization without spurious firing. By optimizing the frequency and amplitude parameters, the system achieves the desired nerve block effect while eliminating the harmful spurious activity, effectively turning a potentially harmful mechanism into a beneficial one.
3Reliability
If complete nerve conduction block is achieved at block threshold, then functional block is maximized, but muscle tone and physiological stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering AC waveforms at amplitudes that produce partial nerve conduction block rather than complete block. By using sub-threshold or threshold-level AC currents, the system achieves sufficient functional block for pain management while preserving some nerve function and muscle tone, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable functional block and physiological stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by using AC waveforms with variable amplitude and frequency that can be adjusted in real-time. The AC signal dynamically adapts to the nerve response, allowing the system to optimize the balance between functional block and muscle tone preservation. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve reliable block when needed while maintaining physiological stability during extended periods.
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
Enables continuous partial nerve conduction block for an extended duration, minimizing side effects and providing real-time modulation, suitable for treating neurological disorders like spasticity and chronic pain while maintaining muscle tone and physiological stability.
Implementation Method 1
The waveform generator can generate one or more direct current (DC) waveforms configured to provide a partial block to a neural structure
Implementation Method 2
A waveform generator and feedback device to deliver DC waveforms through electrodes, including a separated interface nerve electrode (SINE)
Implementation Method 3
A feedback device to provide feedback to the waveform generator related to the partial block. The feedback is based on a monitored property associated with the partial block and an altered parameter associated with the one or more direct current waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that deliver a continuous partial nerve conduction block are described. A waveform generator can configure one or more direct current (DC) waveforms to provide a continuous partial nerve conduction block. One or more electrodes can deliver the one or more DC waveforms to provide the partial block to the neural structure. Feedback can be provided to the waveform generator related to the partial block. The feedback includes monitoring a property associated with the partial block and altering a parameter associated with the one or more direct current waveforms in response to the property associated with the partial block.