Stimulation Adapter Integrating Optical and Electrical Modalities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable electrical stimulation systems lack the capability to provide simultaneous optical stimulation, which could enhance therapeutic outcomes for various diseases and disorders.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adapter and kit that integrates optical stimulation by incorporating a light source and fiber optic into the electrical stimulation system, allowing for both electrical and optical stimulation through a connector or adapter that produces light, enabling optical stimulation to be delivered to patient tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical stimulation system is used, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to treat diseases and disorders, but the system lacks the capability to provide optical stimulation which could enhance therapeutic outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical stimulation and optical stimulation capabilities into a single integrated system. The adapter incorporates both a light source for optical stimulation and electrical contacts for electrical stimulation, allowing both modalities to be delivered through the same lead and connector assembly, thereby enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a multi-functional component that can deliver both electrical and optical stimulation through a single device. The connector body includes both electrical contacts and a light source, enabling the system to perform multiple therapeutic functions through one integrated adapter rather than requiring separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light source and fiber optic are integrated into the electrical stimulation system, then both electrical and optical stimulation can be delivered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic is positioned within the connector body structure, nested alongside the electrical contacts. The light source is integrated into the connector body, and the fiber optic extends from the light source through the connector lumen, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall system complexity compared to separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component that bridges the electrical stimulation system and optical stimulation delivery. By incorporating both electrical contacts and optical components within the adapter, it mediates between the existing electrical stimulation infrastructure and the new optical stimulation capability, allowing integration without requiring complete system redesign
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 integration enables the delivery of both electrical and optical stimulation, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy for conditions treated by electrical stimulation systems, such as chronic pain and paralysis, by adding a new modality for tissue stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes a light source and a fiber optic extending from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a fiber optic extending from the light source to or through the connector lumen
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter to add optical stimulation to a stimulation system includes an adapter body and a connector disposed on the distal end of the adapter body. The connector includes a connector body defining a port and a connector lumen; connector contacts disposed in the connector body and arranged along the connector lumen; and a light source disposed in the connector body. The adapter also includes terminals disposed along the proximal end of the adapter body and conductors extending along the adapter body and electrically coupling the connector contacts and the light source to the terminals. The adapter may be used with an optical stylet that fits into a stimulation lead which is, in turn, coupled to the connector of the adapter. Alternatively, the adapter can include a fiber optic coupled to the light source and configured to extend into the stimulation lead.