Percutaneous Lead Electrode Configuration for Nerve Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating pain by blocking nerve conduction, such as high-frequency electrical stimulation, often result in transient activation of nerve fibers (onset response) and co-excitation of nearby tissues, leading to uncomfortable sensations or motor contractions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a percutaneous lead with electrodes placed in parallel to a peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region, allowing for electrical stimulation to block nerve conduction without direct contact, thereby minimizing onset response and co-excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency electrical stimulation is used to block nerve conduction, then pain sensation is effectively blocked, but transient activation of nerve fibers (onset response) occurs causing uncomfortable sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by gradually ramping up the stimulation amplitude from zero to the target level over a period of time before delivering the full high-frequency stimulation. This gradual increase allows nerve fibers to adapt without experiencing the abrupt depolarization that causes onset response, thereby eliminating uncomfortable sensations while maintaining effective pain block
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the use of high-frequency alternating current stimulation delivered in controlled cycles. The stimulation is applied periodically at frequencies above 1 kHz, creating a rhythmic pattern that effectively blocks nerve conduction while the controlled duration and intensity modulation prevent sustained uncomfortable sensations or motor contractions
2Reliability
If high-frequency electrical stimulation is applied to block nerve conduction, then pain transmission is interrupted, but co-excitation of nearby excitable tissues occurs causing motor contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a multi-electrode array configuration where different electrodes can deliver stimulation at different amplitudes and frequencies. This allows selective targeting of the peripheral nerve while adjusting parameters locally to avoid co-excitation of nearby motor tissues, thereby preventing unwanted motor contractions while maintaining effective pain block at the target nerve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting stimulation frequency, amplitude, and pulse width based on real-time monitoring of nerve response and patient feedback. By optimizing these parameters specifically for sensory nerve block while keeping motor threshold higher, the system effectively interrupts pain transmission without causing motor contractions
3Reliability
If electrodes are placed in direct contact with target nerve for high-frequency stimulation, then nerve block efficacy is improved, but surgical complexity and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using a percutaneous lead as a mediator that delivers electrical stimulation through the skin to the peripheral nerve without requiring open surgical exposure. The lead acts as an intermediate device that bridges the external stimulator and the target nerve, enabling effective nerve block while avoiding the complexity and risks of open surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical procedure of open nerve exposure with a minimally invasive percutaneous approach. Instead of mechanically exposing and directly contacting the nerve through surgery, the system uses electrical fields delivered through a percutaneous lead to achieve the same therapeutic effect with significantly reduced surgical complexity and patient risk
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 method achieves a complete or near-complete block of nerve conduction, effectively arresting pain sensation from downstream regions without eliciting unwanted motor or sensory activity, and can be delivered without open surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
delivering electrical stimulation to one or more exposed conductive regions of a percutaneous lead defining one or more electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.