Nerve Stimulation Cuff with Segmented Electrode Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively stimulating specific nerve bundles within complex nerves, such as the vagus nerve, are invasive and lack specificity, leading to potential damage and off-target effects, while existing electrode designs are inadequate for precise stimulation of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers.
Innovation Solution
A nerve stimulation system comprising a cuff with multiple pairs of electrodes, each pair capable of receiving distinct electrical signals, allowing for selective stimulation of specific nerve fibers and minimizing side effects by targeting specific physiological responses without damaging the nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If penetrating electrodes are inserted into the nerve to selectively stimulate specific fiber types, then stimulation specificity is improved, but nerve fiber damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nerve interface device segments the nerve interface into multiple independent electrode pairs arranged in rings around the nerve. Each electrode pair can be independently controlled to stimulate specific fascicles or fiber types without physical penetration, achieving selective stimulation while avoiding nerve damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode pairs are positioned at specific locations around the nerve circumference to target specific fascicles. The device applies local quality by configuring electrode pairs with different geometries (e.g., different spacing, sizes, or orientations) to selectively stimulate myelinated versus unmyelinated fibers or different fascicular bundles based on their anatomical positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple neural stimulation systems are implanted to treat multiple diseases on the same nerve, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nerve interface device provides multi-functionality by incorporating multiple independently controllable electrode pairs that can deliver different stimulation patterns to different fascicles. A single device can treat multiple diseases (e.g., epilepsy, depression, pain, cardiovascular conditions) by selectively activating different nerve pathways, eliminating the need for multiple separate implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple stimulation functions into a single integrated nerve interface device. Multiple electrode pairs are combined in one cuff that surrounds the nerve, allowing simultaneous or sequential stimulation of different fascicles for multiple therapeutic indications, thereby reducing overall system complexity and invasiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single neural stimulation system is used to treat multiple diseases on the same nerve, then device complexity is reduced, but stimulation specificity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the stimulation capability into multiple independent electrode pairs, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the single device to achieve high stimulation specificity by activating only the electrode pairs that target the relevant fascicles for each specific disease, while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 system enables precise stimulation of multiple nerve bundles within a complex nerve, reducing off-target effects and allowing for the treatment of various diseases with increased specificity and minimal invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
first and second rings of electrodes mounted on the at least one cuff portion, each ring of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes... stimulation device in electrical communication with the first and second pairs of electrodes and configured to generate first and second electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
AI summary
A nerve stimulation system including at least one nerve interface device is disclosed. The device comprises a cuff portion having an assembled position in which the cuff portion forms at least part of a passageway for receiving a nerve along a longitudinal axis passing through the passageway; and first and second rings of electrodes mounted on the cuff portion, each ring of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes, and wherein each electrode in the first ring has a corresponding longitudinally-aligned electrode in the second ring so as to form a plurality of pairs of electrodes spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The system includes a stimulation device in communication with the pairs of electrodes to generate different electrical signals for the pairs of electrodes and a control system that causes the different signals to causes different physiological responses.