Neuromodulation System With Feedback-Optimized Electric Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation techniques for treating neurological and non-neurological conditions, such as pain, are limited by their inability to provide long-term, non-destructive, and reversible solutions that do not induce tolerance or cause tissue damage, and often require frequent and burdensome device maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system with feedback-optimized electrical field generation using an implantable electrode, sensor, and electrical signal generator to deliver electrical noise stimulation signals, optimizing the electric field to maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing tissue damage and discomfort, by automatically adjusting the signal based on real-time sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If destructive methods (radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, chemical ablation) are used to treat chronic pain, then pain relief is achieved, but nerve functionality is immediately lost and long-term atrophy, neuropathy and more pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electrical current on nerve tissue into a beneficial therapeutic effect. By applying controlled electrical stimulation, the system achieves pain relief while preserving nerve functionality, reversing the traditional harmful outcome of nerve destruction into a protective and healing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of electrical current delivery by using high-frequency noise signals (50-100 kHz) instead of conventional low-frequency stimulation. This parameter change enables the electrical field to produce therapeutic effects without causing nerve damage, transforming the biological response from harmful to beneficial.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pharmaceutical interventions (opioids, local anesthetics) are used to treat pain, then pain relief is achieved, but unwanted side effects occur and addiction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-pharmaceutical system with an electrical-stimulation system. By substituting drugs with electrical noise signals delivered through implantable electrodes, the system achieves pain relief without the metabolic side effects and addiction potential inherent in pharmaceutical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation system provides self-regulating pain management through feedback control. The system monitors tissue response and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for pharmacological substances that require dosing adjustments and carry inherent safety risks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If local anesthetic injections are used to treat pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the effective duration is short (only a few hours) and continued daily maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable electrical stimulation system provides continuous pain management by delivering high-frequency noise signals continuously or in extended sessions. This continuous action eliminates the short duration limitation of injectable anesthetics, providing sustained relief without requiring repeated daily injections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies excessive action by using high-frequency noise signals (50-100 kHz) that are more intense than conventional stimulation. This excessive action produces stronger and longer-lasting therapeutic effects, overcoming the rapid wear-off of local anesthetics and reducing the frequency of maintenance treatments.
4Duration of action of moving object
If continuous infusion of local anesthetics is used for long-term treatment, then pain relief is maintained, but an external device must be tethered to the patient and daily device maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pain management function from external infusion devices and relocates it to an implantable system. By taking out the requirement for external pumps, catheters, and daily maintenance, the system provides long-term relief through a self-contained implant that eliminates the operational burden on patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable system provides self-service pain management through automated feedback control. The device monitors tissue impedance and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and daily maintenance procedures required by continuous infusion systems.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional electrical stimulation (low frequency periodic waveforms) is used to treat pain, then some pain attenuation is achieved, but neurological tolerance develops after a few years and therapeutic efficacy reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamics by using random noise signals with continuously varying frequencies and amplitudes instead of static periodic waveforms. This dynamic stimulation pattern prevents the nervous system from adapting to a fixed rhythm, thereby eliminating tolerance development and maintaining therapeutic efficacy over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action in an unconventional way by applying high-frequency noise signals that contain periodic components within the random waveform. This periodic structure at high frequencies (50-100 kHz) produces consistent therapeutic effects without the tolerance issues of traditional low-frequency periodic stimulation.
6Speed
If electrical stimulation signals with low frequency (less than 100 KHz) are used, then therapeutic effects begin within minutes-to-hours, but the effects are short-lived and continuous or frequent stimulation sessions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter from conventional low frequency (less than 100 Hz) to high frequency noise signals (50-100 kHz). This parameter change extends the duration of therapeutic effects while maintaining rapid onset, eliminating the need for frequent repeated sessions and reducing overall treatment time requirements.
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 approach enables long-term plastic functional changes in target tissues with shorter, less frequent treatments, reducing the need for continuous device maintenance and minimizing the risk of tolerance and tissue damage, providing effective and sustained therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical signal generator adapted to generate an electrical noise stimulation signal for stimulating or modulating target tissue of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an implantable electrode adapted to receive the electrical noise stimulation signal and deliver it to the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system and method with feedback optimized electrical field generation for stimulating target tissue of a patient to treat neurological and non-neurological conditions. The system generally includes implantable electrodes, implantable sensors, an implantable or external electrical signal generator, and an implantable or external controller. The controller controls the electrical signal generator to generate electrical noise stimulation signals that are delivered to the target tissue via the electrodes and that produce an optimized electric field having maximized voltage with low current density. The sensors produce temperature and impedance data for the target tissue and the controller automatically responds to values of the sensor data that indicate potential damage to the target tissue to reduce the strength of the electric field.