Non-Invasive Peroneal Nerve Stimulation for Urinary Dysfunction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neuromodulation treatments for conditions like incontinence and overactive bladder face challenges due to pain, infection risk, nerve damage, and inaccurate targeting of nerves, particularly with invasive needle methods that require medical professionals and rely on subjective patient feedback.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive neuromodulation medical device with a control unit, electrodes, and response detectors that adjust electrical pulse parameters based on patient movement frequency, using sensors like accelerometers and optical sensors to ensure precise nerve stimulation and minimize side effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive needle methods are used for nerve stimulation, then nerve targeting can be achieved, but pain, infection risk, and nerve damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve targeting accuracyVSAvoidpain and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces surface electrodes as an intermediary method between the patient and the nerve stimulation system, eliminating the need for invasive needle insertion. These electrodes deliver electrical stimulation through the skin to target peripheral nerves, achieving effective neuromodulation without causing pain, infection risk, or nerve damage associated with percutaneous methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical needle insertion process with an electrical field-based stimulation system. Instead of physically penetrating the skin with needles, the system uses electrical pulses delivered through surface electrodes to stimulate nerves, substituting a mechanical invasive approach with a non-invasive electrical approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is used, then incontinence treatment can be achieved, but subjective patient feedback leads to inaccurate targeting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidnerve targeting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates response detectors that provide objective feedback about patient responses to nerve stimulation. These detectors monitor physiological responses and provide real-time information to the control unit, enabling accurate assessment of nerve targeting effectiveness without relying on subjective patient feedback. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise targeting and optimal treatment delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If repeated needle insertion sessions are performed, then bladder function improvement can be achieved, but treatment complexity and time requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebladder function improvementVSAvoidtreatment session requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables patients to perform neuromodulation treatment at home using a portable device with surface electrodes, eliminating the need for repeated visits to medical facilities. The device includes all necessary components (electrodes, pulse generator, response detectors, control unit) in an integrated portable system that patients can operate independently, making treatment convenient and accessible without requiring medical professional presence for each session

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides effective and safer neuromodulation treatments by reducing pain and infection risks, improving targeting accuracy, and allowing for non-invasive, patient-controlled therapy with adjustable pulse parameters for enhanced efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a pulse generator configured to generate electrical pulses, at least one electrode connected to the pulse generator... stimulating via the electrically conductive surface the peripheral nerves by electrical pulses generated by the pulse generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a response detector connected to a control unit for transmitting information on the frequency of movement of at least a part of the patient's body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11896824B2Method for neuromodulation treatment of low urinary tract dysfunction

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 STIMVIA SRO

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for a neuromodulation treatment of a low urinary tract dysfunction. The neuromodulation method comprises attaching at least one active electrode to at least one leg of the patient in the back of the knee area in an expected location of a peroneal nerve of the at least one leg. Attaching a grounding electrode to the patient's body. Generating electrical pulses by a pulse generator connected to the at least one active electrode and the grounding electrode. Controlling via a control unit a flow of the generated electrical pulses to the at least one active electrode and stimulating by the at least one active electrode the peroneal nerve of the at least one leg of the patient.