Nerve Stimulation Feedback via Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
External nerve stimulating devices face challenges in accurately targeting the correct nerve due to improper alignment or positioning, leading to non-target nerve stimulation, and may cause discomfort or tissue damage from excessive current, while also being inefficient if the current is too small.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an implantable transmitting coil near the target nerve to detect action potential firing, generating a magnetic field which provides feedback to an external device to adjust stimulating signal parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and waveform, ensuring optimal therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amplitude of the stimulation current is increased to ensure effective stimulation of the target nerve, then the stimulation effectiveness is improved, but non-target nerve stimulation and tissue damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where an implantable coil detects action potentials fired by the target nerve and transmits this information to an external controller. The controller adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on detected nerve responses, ensuring effective target nerve stimulation while preventing excessive current that could damage tissue or stimulate non-target nerves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical measurement at the nerve site with magnetic field-based detection using implantable and external coils. This indirect measurement method allows for safe, non-invasive monitoring of action potentials while enabling precise control of stimulation parameters to avoid tissue damage and non-target stimulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the stimulation current amplitude is decreased to avoid tissue damage and non-target nerve stimulation, then safety is improved, but stimulation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system continuously monitors action potential firing in the target nerve and dynamically adjusts stimulation amplitude. This allows the system to use the minimum necessary current to achieve effective stimulation while maintaining safety, rather than relying on fixed high-amplitude stimulation that risks tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation parameters are made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the stimulation amplitude based on real-time detection of nerve responses, allowing optimal effectiveness at varying current levels and preventing both under-stimulation and over-stimulation scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If an implantable coil system is added to detect action potentials and provide feedback, then stimulation precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the implantable coil and the external controller. The implantable coil detects action potentials and converts them to magnetic signals that can be wirelessly transmitted to the external device. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without requiring complex wired connections or direct electrical contacts at the nerve site.
4Ease of manufacture
If external electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then noninvasive ability and manufacturing cost are improved, but alignment precision and target nerve specificity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrodes are enhanced with a feedback system that uses an implantable coil to detect whether the target nerve is actually being stimulated. This feedback allows the system to verify proper alignment and target nerve activation, compensating for the lack of precise alignment control inherent in external electrode placement.
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
This system enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of nerve stimulation by adjusting signal parameters based on real-time feedback, preventing non-target nerve stimulation and minimizing tissue damage, while ensuring effective targeting of the target nerve.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field is induced in an implanted transmitting coil disposed proximate the target nerve when the action potential is fired along an axon of the target nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for optimizing stimulation therapy of an external stimulating device. The stimulating signal for stimulation of a target nerve is produced using the external stimulating device. A magnetic field is induced in an implanted transmitting coil disposed proximate the target nerve when the action potential is fired along an axon of the target nerve. In turn, a feedback signal is generated in a receiving coil associated with the external stimulating device based on whether the target nerve fires an action potential. Stimulating signal parameters of the stimulating signal are adjusted based on the feedback signal.