Nerve Modulation Electrode With Resistance-Based Tube Diameter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode apparatuses struggle to accurately and safely perform nerve denervation or modulation by delicately locating and enclosing the outer wall of tubes with varying diameters in the body, particularly arteries, without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
An electrode apparatus with a shaft and an electrode unit that includes a base layer, electrodes, current and temperature sensors, and a controller to measure current and resistance, allowing for precise diameter calculation and regulated energy application based on tube diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode apparatus is designed to enclose tubes with varying diameters, then the adaptability to different tube sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable and delicate positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode unit is designed with expandable structures that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The electrodes can be expanded or contracted to match different tube diameters, allowing the same device to adapt to various sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size components. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates sensors that detect tube diameter parameters and automatically adjust operational parameters such as electrode spacing, contact pressure, and energy delivery settings. This parameter-based adaptation allows the system to handle varying tube sizes through software control rather than mechanical complexity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device simplicity.
2Productivity
If the electrode is rapidly attached to the tube outer wall, then the productivity of the procedure is improved, but the risk of damaging the tube increases due to external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
Before the electrode apparatus makes full contact with the tube, preliminary actions are taken including positioning verification, diameter measurement, and adjustment of attachment force parameters. The system performs preliminary scanning and alignment to ensure correct placement, then gradually applies contact force rather than sudden attachment. This preliminary action sequence enables rapid overall procedure while preventing tube damage through controlled, staged engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms with sensors that monitor contact force, temperature, and tissue response during attachment. When the electrode approaches the tube, the system continuously adjusts attachment parameters based on feedback signals to maintain safe force levels. This closed-loop control enables fast attachment while preventing excessive force that could damage the tube, resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
3Measurement precision
If the electrode apparatus includes multiple sensors and control mechanisms for precise diameter measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses multi-functional sensor elements that perform multiple measurement tasks simultaneously. For example, the same sensor array used for diameter measurement also provides contact force monitoring and temperature sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision through a unified sensor system rather than separate dedicated sensors for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
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 accurate nerve denervation by identifying tube diameter and adjusting temperature and voltage application, ensuring safe and effective nerve modulation without damaging the tube.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor unit formed in a region between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to measure a current generated from the first electrode or the second electrode; and a controller configured to calculate a resistance based on the current measured by the current sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of temperature sensor units spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to measure a temperature
Implementation Method 3
an electrode unit formed to protrude from one end of the shaft, configured to denervate or modulate at least a part of nerves on a tube in a body
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode apparatus for nerve denervation or modulation in vivo includes: a main body including a shaft; and an electrode unit formed to protrude from one end of the shaft, configured to denervate or modulate at least a part of nerves on a tube in a body, and including a base layer and an electrode layer disposed on the base layer. The electrode unit includes: a first electrode disposed along a longitudinal direction of one side of the base layer; an electrode layer including a second electrode disposed along a longitudinal direction of the other side of the base layer; a current sensor unit formed in a region between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to measure a current generated from the first electrode or the second electrode; a plurality of temperature sensor units spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to measure a temperature; and a controller configured to calculate a resistance based on the current measured by the current sensor unit and calculate a diameter of the tube in the body based on the calculated resistance.