Nerve Stimulator Probe for Precise Pain Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain management methods for nerve injuries and impingements, such as TENS devices, provide only short-term relief and are inefficient in targeting specific nerve sources of pain, leading to a need for more effective and long-lasting pain management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe and graphical user interface that identifies and applies electrical current to specific nerves causing pain, using a probe with a conductive tip and switch to selectively deliver electrical stimulation, allowing for precise nerve targeting and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If TENS devices are used to provide electrical stimulation for pain relief, then short-term pain relief is achieved, but the duration of relief is limited to 10 minutes to an hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the treatment approach into two distinct phases: a detection phase using a probe to identify the specific nerve source of pain, and a treatment phase using electrodes to deliver therapeutic electrical stimulation. This segmentation allows for targeted long-term treatment of the identified nerve while avoiding broad-area short-term relief methods like traditional TENS devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of the specific injured or impinged nerve using a probe before applying treatment. The graphical user interface guides the practitioner through the detection process, identifying the precise nerve source of pain before treatment begins, ensuring that subsequent electrical stimulation is targeted at the correct location for lasting relief.
2Ease of operation
If broad area electrical stimulation is applied through multiple TENS pads, then short-term numbing effect is achieved, but precise targeting of the pain source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a graphical user interface that provides real-time feedback during the detection phase, displaying electrical current measurements as the probe is moved across the skin. This feedback mechanism guides the practitioner to the precise nerve source of pain through objective measurement, eliminating the need for broad-area trial-and-error application while maintaining ease of operation through digital guidance.
3Reliability
If surgery is performed on spinal nerve problems, then definitive treatment is achieved, but the risk of drastic injury and death is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces invasive mechanical surgery with non-invasive electrical detection and treatment methods. The probe and electrode system delivers therapeutic electrical stimulation through the skin to treat spinal nerve problems without requiring incisions, thereby achieving definitive treatment while eliminating the extreme risks of surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces electrical current as an intermediary medium to treat nerve pain without direct physical contact or cutting of the nerve. The electrical stimulation acts as a mediator that can modulate nerve activity and provide relief without the need for surgical intervention, bridging the gap between non-invasive and definitive treatment approaches.
4Measurement precision
If a probe is used to detect specific nerve sources of pain, then precise nerve identification is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional probe that can both detect nerve locations through electrical current measurement and deliver therapeutic electrical stimulation. The same basic device structure serves dual purposes: identification during the detection phase and treatment during the therapy phase, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement 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
The system provides objective measurement and long-lasting pain relief by accurately identifying and treating the source of nerve pain, potentially offering relief for days, weeks, or months without the need for invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The probe applies electrical current to a nerve in a living body. The graphical user interface identifies a location of injury or impingement of a nerve in the living body.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates to a device, method, and system for diagnosing and treating nerve injuries with electrical stimulation. A probe is provided which connects to a nerve stimulator system which measures voltage and electrical current applied to a living body to detect a nerve injury location. A processor within the nerve stimulator system may adjust the voltage and current output to numb or deaden an injured nerve.