Neuromodulation System Using Passive Conductive Element for Selective Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving selective activation of specific neural targets with minimal activation of non-targeted tissue, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy and increased side effects due to invasive procedures and limited long-term viability of implanted systems.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system with an external electrical generator and an implanted, electrically conductive member positioned near the target nerve tissue, using complementary configurations of external and subcutaneously implanted passive elements to modulate nerve signals, thereby reducing stimulation spillover and enhancing selective nerve activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used to provide a non-invasive approach, then ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but selective nerve activation becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implanted passive conductive element as an intermediary between the external stimulator and the target nerve. This element focuses the electrical field locally at the nerve site, enabling selective activation while maintaining transcutaneous application. The intermediary element concentrates the diffuse electrical field from the external source into a focused field at the target location.
2Manufacturing precision
If implanted neurostimulation systems are used to achieve selective nerve activation, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but device complexity and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active electronic components (power source, control circuitry) from the implanted element, leaving only a simple passive conductive element to be implanted. This simple element can be easily positioned near the target nerve and works passively with an external stimulator, significantly reducing the complexity of the implanted portion while maintaining selective activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted passive conductive element is designed to be simple, inexpensive, and easy to replace if needed. It does not contain complex electronics or power sources that would require sophisticated recovery or replacement procedures. The simplicity of the implanted element reduces surgical risk and facilitates potential revision if therapeutic goals are not met.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between stimulating electrode and nerve target is minimized to improve selectivity, then selective activation is improved, but invasiveness and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted passive conductive element serves as a mediator that can be positioned close to the target nerve with minimal invasiveness. It focuses the electrical field from a transcutaneous electrode, allowing the external electrode to remain at a safe distance from the nerve while achieving selective activation through the intermediary element's field-focusing property.
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 improves therapeutic efficacy by selectively stimulating specific nerve branches with reduced activation of non-targeted tissue, decreasing side effects, and offering a less invasive and cost-effective treatment option with improved long-term clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an implanted, electrically conductive member positioned on, or contiguous to, a target nerve tissue for modification of the electrical field signals
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system includes a conductive element, a magnetic field generator, a power module and a computer processor. The conductive element located internal a patient's body. At least a portion of the conductive element is positioned adjacent to a target tissue. The magnetic field generator is positioned external to the patient's body. The magnetic field generator generates a time varying magnetic field for inducing stimulation of the target tissue in combination with the conductive element to produce stimulation that is larger than that which would occur in the absence of the conductive element. The power module supplies power to the magnetic field generator. The computer processor controls the time varying magnetic field provided by the magnetic field generator according to at least one set of stimulation parameters.