Neuroprosthesis Electrodes for Axon Regrowth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal cord injuries and pathologies disrupt communication between the brain and nerve roots, leading to permanent or partial paralysis, loss of sensation, and equilibrium, as existing treatments fail to effectively regenerate and reconnect axons to their target neurons.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laparoscopic implantation of neuroprothesis electrodes on endopelvic nerve roots, followed by electrostimulation and mental concentration on the desired body function to guide axon re-growth and reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments are used to address spinal cord injuries, then some basic care can be provided, but axon regeneration and reconnection to target neurons cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing laparoscopic implantation of neuroprothesis electrodes on nerve roots before axon regeneration can occur. This preparatory step establishes the electrical stimulation infrastructure in advance, enabling subsequent guided axon regrowth to reach target neurons. The electrodes are positioned upstream of the injury site to facilitate downstream axonal regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical stimulation as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the gap between injured axons and target neurons. The neuroprothesis electrodes deliver electrical signals that act as a mediator to guide and energize axon regrowth, facilitating reconnection without direct physical intervention at the injury site. This intermediary electrical field enables axons to find their proper targets.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation alone is applied to nerve roots, then some neural activity can be induced, but directed axon re-growth to specific target neurons cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical stimulation with patient mental concentration on desired body functions to achieve directed axon regrowth. This combination therapy integrates physical electrical signals with psychological focus, creating a synergistic effect that guides axons to specific target neurons more effectively than either modality alone. The merging of these two approaches enables precise functional recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback by instructing patients to mentally concentrate on performing specific body functions during electrical stimulation. This creates a feedback loop where the patient's intentional focus provides real-time directional guidance to the regenerating axons, allowing them to recognize and connect to the appropriate target neurons. The mental concentration acts as a feedback signal that enhances target recognition.
3Ease of operation
If complete paralysis is present due to spinal cord injury, then no voluntary motion can occur, but recovery of voluntary function is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by requiring patients to actively participate through mental concentration on desired body functions during treatment. This self-directed approach allows patients to guide their own neural recovery by focusing their intent on restoring specific movements or functions. The treatment empowers patients to actively reconstruct their own neural pathways rather than passively receiving therapy.
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 the recovery of voluntary motion, bladder, intestinal, and sexual functions, as well as sensation and equilibrium, by facilitating axon re-growth and proper connection between the brain and nerve roots, as demonstrated in spinal cord injury cases.
Implementation Method 1
electrostimulating the nerve root with the electrode for a predetermined time period to induce a body function of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating an impaired body function in a patient, including the steps of (a) laparoscopically implanting at least one neuroprothesis electrode on a least one endopelvic nerve root of a patient; (b) electrostimulating the nerve root with the electrode for a predetermined time period to induce a body function of the patient; and (c) during the predetermined time period, instructing the patient to mentally concentrate on performing the body function.