Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Patch for Chronic Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain treatment methods, such as peripheral neurostimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, often require invasive procedures and may not provide sustained relief for acute and chronic pain, particularly for conditions like gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous system disorders.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive patch with firm, insulating support and metallic studs that apply pressure and deliver electrical stimulation to the skin, allowing for external neuromodulation without penetration, enabling patients to control the treatment with adjustable parameters set by a medical professional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peripheral neurostimulation devices are implanted adjacent to nerves, then pain relief is achieved, but invasive surgical procedures are required and accurate location is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical implantation system with an electrical field-based system. Instead of physically implanting electrodes adjacent to nerves, the invention uses externally applied electrical fields to modulate nerve activity, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while maintaining pain relief effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by placing electrodes on the skin surface rather than directly on nerves. This intermediary layer (skin) allows electrical stimulation to be applied externally, avoiding direct nerve contact and invasive procedures while still achieving the desired neuromodulation effect
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is applied, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but effectiveness is frequently challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing acupressure points and specific pressure application methods. By targeting specific anatomical locations and applying controlled mechanical pressure combined with electrical stimulation, the system enhances the effectiveness of transcutaneous treatment compared to conventional approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the treatment approach by combining multiple modalities (acupressure, electrical stimulation, and targeted pressure application) rather than relying on a single method. This segmented, multi-component system addresses the limitations of conventional transcutaneous stimulation by integrating complementary techniques
3Duration of action of stationary object
If implanted electrodes are used, then sustained pain relief is achieved, but surgical procedure and accurate location are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing patients to apply the treatment device themselves without requiring surgical intervention or specialized medical procedures. The external, non-invasive design permits patient self-administration while maintaining sustained pain relief through consistent application at acupressure points
4Power
If skin penetration is used for electrode placement, then electrical stimulation delivery is improved, but discomfort and risk to delicate tissues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the skin surface as an intermediary medium for electrical stimulation delivery. Instead of penetrating the skin, the system applies electrodes to the external surface, utilizing the skin as a conductive medium that maintains electrical connection while protecting delicate underlying tissues from direct electrode contact and mechanical trauma
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 patch provides significant and prolonged pain relief, improving function and mobility, with results comparable to percutaneous implants, allowing for self-administration and reduced discomfort, especially for sensitive areas and delicate tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a firm, inelastic or semi-elastic, insulating support having one or more rounded or substantially hemispherically- or parabolically-shaped electrically-conducting metallic studs projecting from one side of the support, which support is arranged in use to be held firmly against a patient's skin by mechanical means as herein defined so that the studs indent the patient's skin
Implementation Method 2
the studs being arranged for connection to a power source and a generator of electrical stimulating signals which in use apply stimulating signals to the patient's skin whilst pressure of the studs on the skin is maintained
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a patch for treating a patient for chronic pain and for cosmetic treatment. As consistent with one or more embodiments, neurostimulation is carried out via stimulating electrodes and one or more reference electrodes applied externally to a region of pain (e.g., by applying current between 0.2 and 60 mA to skin). The area to be treated is located either by a stimulating device, or by using at least one of the stimulating electrodes on the device itself to locate the pain prior to treatment. The electrodes are applied to the patient's skin as located using firm pressure while a stimulating pulse is applied as treatment. This action produces a remarkable and unexpected level of pain relief over a wide area. Aspects of the disclosure extend to a method for the treatment of chronic pain using the above-mentioned parameters and procedures.