Nerve Stimulation Apparatus with Multi-Electrode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation techniques for diagnosing spinal cord and peripheral nerve disorders are invasive and lack accuracy due to interference from surrounding tissues, making it difficult to apply stable stimulation currents and select optimal electrodes for nerve stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A nerve stimulation apparatus with multiple electrodes and a selection circuit that supplies current percutaneously to the body, accompanied by a measurement apparatus to determine the most effective electrode for stimulating nerves, improving electrode selection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive catheter electrodes are inserted into the extradural or subarachnoid space to measure spinal cord evoked potential, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedure requirements and skill needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast agent or magnetic resonance agent) that enhances the signal from neural structures without requiring invasive electrode insertion. This mediator allows non-invasive imaging techniques to achieve diagnostic precision previously only obtainable through invasive methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion of physical electrodes into the spinal space with a non-invasive imaging-based detection system. Instead of mechanically inserting catheter electrodes through the skin and into the extradural or subarachnoid space, the system uses external sensors combined with contrast agents to detect neural activity electrically or magnetically through intact tissue.
2Reliability
If multiple stimulation electrodes are used to select the best electrode for nerve stimulation, then reliability of nerve stimulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes and selection circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of optimal electrode positions and stimulation parameters before actual nerve stimulation therapy begins. By pre-mapping the neural structures and testing different electrode configurations in advance, the system establishes reliable stimulation protocols that can be executed with simpler hardware during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the response to stimulation and automatically adjusts electrode selection and parameters. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high reliability by dynamically selecting the best-performing electrodes based on real-time measurements, reducing the need for complex manual selection circuits.
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
Enhances the accuracy of nerve stimulation by selecting the appropriate electrode, reducing invasiveness and discomfort, and allowing for precise nerve stimulation with minimal interference from surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a current supply unit which supplies a current to the electrodes, which stimulation apparatus provides the current to a living body percutaneously
Implementation Method 2
when currents flow, magnetic fields are generated around the currents in accordance with the right-handed screw rule. The magnetic field has a property of receiving almost no influence from the biological tissue
Implementation Method 3
an information processing apparatus which determines, based on a measurement result of the nerve activities obtained from the measurement apparatus, which electrode is capable of providing the target nerve activities equal to or greater than a desired value
Data Source
AI summary
A nerve stimulation apparatus is provided. The nerve stimulation apparatus detects nerve activities from a body surface and applies stimulation. The nerve stimulation apparatus includes a stimulation apparatus with multiple electrodes which are arranged on skin and a current supply unit which supplies a current to the electrodes, which stimulation apparatus provides the current to a living body percutaneously to stimulate a target nerve; a measurement apparatus which measures activities of muscles governed by the nerve according to the stimulation from the stimulation apparatus; and an information processing apparatus which determines, based on a measurement result of the nerve activities obtained from the measurement apparatus, which electrode is capable of providing the target nerve activities equal to or greater than a desired value.