Optical Modulation Cuff With Reflective Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable neuromodulation systems, particularly those providing optical modulation, face challenges in efficiently delivering light to target tissues while minimizing heat and unwanted effects on surrounding tissues, and in accommodating nerves of varying sizes, with limited options for safe and easy replacement and continuous energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical lead with a cuff body that includes a reflective element to enhance light absorption in target nerves, a self-sizing spiral arrangement, and a system for intermittent light delivery, combined with electrical stimulation capabilities, to improve energy efficiency and reduce mechanical strain on nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is delivered to target tissues using conventional optical fibers, then optical modulation is achieved, but heat is generated and surrounding tissues are exposed to unwanted light effects
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff body incorporates reflective elements at specific locations (interior surface) to concentrate light locally at the nerve interface while minimizing light propagation to surrounding tissues. This creates a localized high-intensity zone exactly where needed without exposing adjacent areas to harmful light levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective elements convert potentially harmful stray light that would otherwise dissipate into surrounding tissues into beneficial directed light that reinforces the optical modulation effect at the target nerve, improving efficiency while reducing harmful exposure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size optical cuff is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate nerves of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff body is designed with a dynamic, expandable structure featuring a spiral arrangement that can adapt its circumference to match different nerve diameters. This allows a single fixed-manufacturing specification to produce a cuff that dynamically conforms to various nerve sizes through mechanical expansion rather than requiring multiple size-specific manufacturing processes.
3Strength
If the lead body and cuff body are permanently coupled, then structural integrity is improved, but replacement and adjustment are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lead body and cuff body are segmented into separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured, implanted, and replaced. The coupling mechanism allows for secure attachment during operation while enabling dissociation when replacement or adjustment is needed, combining the benefits of structural integrity with ease of repair.
4Reliability
If continuous light delivery is used, then therapeutic effect is maximized, but energy consumption increases and heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic or pulsed light delivery rather than continuous illumination. This allows the nerve to receive sufficient optical modulation therapy while providing intervals that reduce cumulative energy consumption and minimize heat generation, maintaining therapeutic efficacy while managing energy and thermal constraints.
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 solution increases the probability of photon absorption in target tissues, reduces heat and unwanted effects on surrounding tissues, allows for flexible fitting over nerves of different diameters, and supports continuous and intermittent energy delivery models, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for pain management and other neural disorders.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective element disposed on, within, or beneath the interior surface of the cuff body, wherein the at least one reflective element is configured to reflect light emitted from the at least one light emitter
Implementation Method 2
at least one light emitter disposed on or within the cuff body or the lead body
Data Source
AI summary
An optical lead can include a cuff body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the cuff body defines a nerve channel for receiving a portion of a nerve; a lead body coupled, or coupleable, to the cuff body; at least one light emitter disposed on or within the cuff body or the lead body; and at least one reflective element disposed on, within, or beneath the interior surface of the cuff body, wherein the at least one reflective element is configured to reflect light emitted from the at least one light emitter. Alternatively or additionally, the cuff lead can include a receptacle for removably receiving a distal end portion of the lead body. Another system includes a cuff body with at least one light emitter, an electronic subassembly for operation, and an antenna to receive power from an external source.