Perineal Probe With Segmented Lateral Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perineal probes lack the ability to precisely select and stimulate specific muscle groups, leading to ineffective treatment of incontinence issues.
Innovation Solution
A perineal probe design with a main body featuring a continuous lower and upper surface and lateral surface, equipped with two opposite main portions and strategically positioned lateral electrodes, allowing for selective stimulation of muscles through independent control of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional circularly symmetric probes with metal electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ability to precisely select and stimulate specific muscle groups is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The probe's lateral surface is divided into multiple distinct portions (first lateral portion, second lateral portion, third lateral portion) with electrodes strategically positioned on each. This segmentation allows independent stimulation of different muscle groups (pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, coccygeus) that would otherwise be stimulated simultaneously by a traditional circular electrode, thereby achieving precise muscle group selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the probe's lateral surface are equipped with electrodes of varying positions, shapes, and sizes tailored to specific anatomical targets. For example, the first lateral portion has electrodes optimized for pubococcygeus muscle stimulation, while the second and third portions have electrodes configured for iliococcygeus and coccygeus muscles respectively. This local customization enables precise targeting of specific muscle groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flat probes with unilateral electrodes are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the treatment effectiveness and adaptability to different muscle structures are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe integrates multiple electrode configurations on a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions: stimulating different muscle groups (pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, coccygeus), detecting EMG signals from various muscles, and adapting to different patient anatomies. This multi-functionality is achieved through the strategic arrangement of electrodes across three lateral portions with different orientations and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe transitions from traditional two-dimensional electrode arrangements (flat surfaces) to a three-dimensional configuration wrapping around the perineal region. The lateral surface portions are positioned at different angles and depths, allowing electrodes to target muscles in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, thereby enhancing treatment adaptability.
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
Enables precise and localized muscle treatment, allowing for tailored stimulation programs based on the patient's anatomy and muscle structure, improving treatment efficacy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least two lateral electrodes arranged along the main portions of the lateral surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a perineal probe including a main axis coinciding with the direction of insertion of said probe and a main body, the main body including: a lower surface, an upper surface, opposite said lower surface, a lateral surface, extending between the lower surface and the upper surface and including two opposite main portions substantially parallel to the main axis, at least two lower electrodes, arranged on the lower surface and reciprocally separated along said main axis, at least two lateral electrodes arranged along said main portions of said lateral surface.