Neuromodulation Device with Sensor Feedback for Nerve Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation treatments for conditions like incontinence and overactive bladder face challenges due to pain, infection risk, nerve damage, and inaccurate targeting of nerves, particularly with invasive methods requiring medical professionals and relying on subjective patient feedback.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation medical device with a control unit, electrodes, and response detectors that adjust electrical pulse parameters based on patient movement data, using sensors like accelerometers and optical sensors to ensure precise nerve stimulation without invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive needle stimulation is used to treat incontinence, then nerve stimulation effectiveness is improved, but pain and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a transcutaneous electrode system with sensor feedback - that mediates between the patient's skin and the target nerves. This intermediary approach allows effective nerve stimulation without direct needle insertion, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while eliminating pain and infection risks associated with invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive needle insertion method with a non-invasive electrical stimulation system. By using electrical fields delivered through transcutaneous electrodes, the system substitutes the mechanical penetration approach with a field-based method, achieving nerve stimulation without physical invasion of the skin.
2Measurement precision
If invasive needle stimulation is used, then nerve targeting capability is improved, but risk of nerve damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the stimulation effect and patient response. This feedback loop enables precise adjustment of stimulation parameters and electrode positioning, ensuring accurate nerve targeting while monitoring for any adverse effects, thereby eliminating nerve damage risk while maintaining targeting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on real-time feedback. The system continuously adapts voltage, current, and pulse duration to optimize nerve targeting while preventing excessive stimulation that could cause damage. This dynamic control replaces the static, fixed-parameter approach of invasive methods.
3Ease of operation
If subjective patient feedback is used for nerve targeting, then treatment simplicity is improved, but targeting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective patient feedback with objective sensor-based feedback systems. These sensors directly measure physiological responses and nerve activation, providing quantifiable data for precise targeting. This objective feedback maintains treatment simplicity by automating the targeting process while dramatically improving accuracy beyond what subjective reporting can achieve.
4Power
If transcutaneous electrode with small surface area is used, then current density for effective stimulation is improved, but skin irritation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of electrical parameters including voltage, current, and pulse duration. By adjusting these parameters in real-time based on feedback, the system achieves effective stimulation current density while preventing excessive current that would cause skin irritation. The dynamic adaptation allows optimization of the power-delivery profile to balance effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsed stimulation rather than continuous current delivery. This periodic action allows tissue recovery between pulses, preventing cumulative thermal effects and chemical changes that could lead to skin irritation. The pulsed delivery maintains effective current density during stimulation phases while providing rest periods that prevent tissue damage.
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 device provides a non-invasive, safer, and more effective method for stimulating peripheral nerves, improving treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of complications by using sensor feedback to optimize electrical pulse parameters and ensure accurate nerve targeting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode connected to the pulse generator... generating electrical pulses
Implementation Method 2
using sensors like accelerometers and optical sensors to ensure precise nerve stimulation
Implementation Method 3
using sensors like accelerometers and optical sensors to ensure precise nerve stimulation
Implementation Method 4
The control unit is configured to adjust the at least one parameter of generated pulses... set the flow of current of electrode pulses automatically, depending on information about the frequency value of movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a neuromodulation medical treatment device and a medical treatment neuromodulation method for stimulating peripheral nerves. The device comprises a pulse generator and at least one active electrode connected to the pulse generator. The at least one active electrode has an electrically conductive surface of less than or equal to 0.3100 square inch and the electrically conductive surface is attachable to a patient's skin in a proximity of branches of peripheral nerves. The at least one active electrode is adapted to stimulate via the electrically conductive surface the peripheral nerves by electrical pulses generated by the pulse generator. The control unit controls the pulse generator and sets at least one parameter of generated electrical pulses.