Neuromodulation Electrode Placement Using Resistance Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional neuromodulation systems face issues with inaccurate electrode placement, leading to nerve damage and reduced efficiency due to the need for invasive needles and non-invasive methods relying on pre-set intensity settings, which can cause discomfort and ineffective treatment.

Innovation Solution

A neuromodulation apparatus with electrodes that measure resistance and current-voltage characteristics to guide precise placement, using detectors for patient response feedback to adjust pulse shape and intensity, and provide real-time positional guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive needle electrodes are inserted into the immediate vicinity of the nerve, then the neuromodulation efficiency is improved, but the risk of incorrect placement and nerve damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuromodulation efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (resistance and current-voltage characteristic measurements) that acts as a mediator between the electrode and the nerve. This intermediary provides real-time feedback about electrode proximity to the nerve, enabling precise placement without direct contact or insertion into the nerve vicinity, thus maintaining high neuromodulation efficiency while eliminating nerve damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical insertion method (needle electrodes physically inserted into the nerve vicinity) with an electrical field-based measurement and control system. By using resistance and current-voltage characteristic measurements, the system determines optimal electrode placement electrically rather than mechanically, avoiding the harmful mechanical insertion while achieving the same therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive bipolar electrodes are placed on the skin, then the risk of nerve damage is reduced, but the placement accuracy and treatment efficacy decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of nerve damageVSAvoidelectrode placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where resistance and current-voltage characteristics are measured in real-time during electrode placement. These measurements provide continuous feedback about the electrode's proximity to the target nerve, allowing dynamic adjustment of electrode position to achieve optimal placement accuracy while maintaining non-invasive safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (resistance and current-voltage characteristics) as the electrode approaches the target nerve. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system can precisely determine when optimal placement is achieved, transforming the non-invasive electrode into an accurately positioned therapeutic tool without mechanical insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the intensity of neuromodulation pulses is set high to compensate for inaccurate electrode placement, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment coverageVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of resistance and current-voltage characteristics before delivering therapeutic neuromodulation pulses. This preliminary action enables pre-positioning and pre-optimization of electrode placement, ensuring accurate targeting before treatment begins. As a result, lower intensity pulses can be used effectively, providing adequate treatment coverage without causing patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures accurate electrode positioning, enhances treatment efficacy by optimizing pulse parameters based on patient-specific data, reducing discomfort and improving treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

The control unit is adapted to measure a resistance and/or a current-voltage characteristic between at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a pulse generator electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes for transmitting electrical pulses to the plurality of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Pulse: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS12533505B2Neuromodulation apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 STIMVIA SRO

AI summary

A neuromodulation apparatus and method of using the same. The neuromodulation apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes each of the plurality of electrodes having an electrically conductive element applicable to or under a skin of a patient, a pulse generator electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes for transmitting electrical pulses to the plurality of electrodes and a control unit coupled to the pulse generator and adapted to measure a resistance and/or a current-voltage characteristic between at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The control unit is adapted to control a shape of the electric pulses based on the measured resistance and/or current-voltage characteristic.