Nerve Regeneration Stimulation Device With Continuous Percutaneous Leads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical treatments for nerve injuries do not provide immediate restoration of function due to the slow growth rate of nerve fibers, and existing methods lack effective means for initiating electrical stimulation during or after surgery without interrupting the process.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a stimulation device with a housing, control circuitry, electrodes, and a percutaneous lead that allows for electrical stimulation of nerve tissue during and after surgery, enabling continuous nerve regeneration therapy without the need for repeated electrode replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical intervention is performed to repair nerve injuries, then the likelihood of regaining motor control or sensation is improved, but the recovery time is extended due to the slow growth rate of nerve fibers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelikelihood of regaining motor control or sensationVSAvoidrecovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary electrical stimulation to be applied during surgery before the nerve repair is completed and before the patient leaves the operating room. This preliminary action initiates the regeneration process early, potentially reducing the overall recovery time while maintaining the improved reliability of surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If electrical stimulation is initiated during surgery and continued post-operatively, then the continuity of nerve regeneration therapy is improved, but the complexity of maintaining stimulation across different settings is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of stimulation therapyVSAvoidcomplexity of maintaining stimulation across settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stimulation device is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple settings (operating room and post-operative environments) without requiring interruption or replacement. The device can function with different power sources and maintain continuous operation across different locations, simplifying the transition from surgical to post-operative care while maintaining therapy continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If repeated electrode replacements are required for each stimulation period, then the ability to deliver multiple stimulation courses is improved, but the time loss and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to deliver repeated stimulation coursesVSAvoidtime loss from electrode replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous electrical stimulation therapy without interruption or electrode replacement. The device maintains functional operation throughout the entire recovery period, eliminating the time loss and procedural complexity associated with repeated electrode replacements while preserving the ability to deliver multiple stimulation courses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Facilitates accelerated nerve regeneration by allowing electrical stimulation to begin in the operating room and continue post-operatively, reducing delays and enhancing functional outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

control circuitry disposed within the housing and configured to generate a stimulation signal and apply the stimulation signal to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3641877B1Nerve regeneration system
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CHECKPOINT SURGICAL LLC
  • EP3641877B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3641877B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3641877B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A stimulation device includes an adaptor component. The adaptor component couples a percutaneous lead to the stimulation device. The stimulation device may apply a stimulation signal to target tissue via the adaptor. A surgeon may place the stimulation device in a container and the adaptor component may be disposed outside of the container. Methods describe prolonged stimulation of target tissue via a stimulation device. The prolonged stimulation may be applied during and after a surgical procedure.