Phase-Contingent Pudendal Nerve Stimulation for Selective Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving selective activation of specific neural targets with minimal unintended activation of non-targeted tissue, often requiring invasive surgery and risking complications such as neural or vascular damage, and long-term viability issues with implanted systems.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system using an external electrical generator and implanted conductive members to modulate nerve signals, providing selective nerve stimulation with reduced activation of non-targeted tissue, and avoiding invasive implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive surgery is used to implant electrodes close to nerve targets, then selective nerve activation is improved, but surgical risks and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling member that is implanted in the patient's body and couples to the external stimulator. This intermediary serves as a bridge that allows transcutaneous stimulation to achieve selective nerve activation without requiring direct invasive electrode implantation near the nerve targets, thereby reducing surgical risks while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive implantation system with a transcutaneous stimulation system. Instead of surgically implanting electrodes near nerves, the system uses external stimulators coupled with implanted intermediaries to deliver stimulation through the skin, substituting a less invasive mechanical approach for the traditional invasive surgical approach
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used to avoid invasive surgery, then surgical risks are reduced, but selective nerve activation is not readily achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted coupling member acts as an intermediary that enhances the selectivity of transcutaneous stimulation. By being positioned within the patient's body near the target nerve, it focuses the electrical field and improves selective nerve activation while maintaining the non-invasive transcutaneous approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by implanting the coupling member within the body rather than keeping all components external. This internal placement creates a more focused stimulation field at the target site, achieving selective activation that pure transcutaneous stimulation cannot accomplish alone
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanently implanted neurostimulation systems are used, then long-term therapy is provided, but mechanical movement of lead wires causes lead fracture and component migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable lead wires and pulse generator from the implanted system, leaving only a small, robust coupling member implanted in the patient's body. The external stimulator handles all complex functions, eliminating the reliability issues associated with implanted lead wires and electronic components that are subject to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted coupling member is designed as a simple, durable structure without complex electronics or fragile connections. It serves as a passive intermediary that can remain implanted long-term without the reliability concerns of complex implanted systems, while the external stimulator can be replaced or upgraded if needed
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
Enhances therapeutic efficacy, reduces side effects, and improves long-term clinical therapy by selectively stimulating specific nerve branches with lower stimulation amplitude and shorter pulse width, while minimizing spillover to non-targeted nervous tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical generator external to a patient, a stimulator electrically coupled to the electrical generator and positioned on the surface of the patient's skin, and an implanted, electrically conductive member positioned on, or contiguous to, a target nerve tissue for stimulation of the target nerve tissue to modify the electrical field signals
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system includes a conductive element, a magnetic field generator, a power module and a computer processor. The conductive element located internal a patient's body. At least a portion of the conductive element is positioned adjacent to a target tissue. The magnetic field generator is positioned external to the patient's body. The magnetic field generator generates a time varying magnetic field for inducing stimulation of the target tissue in combination with the conductive element to produce stimulation that is larger than that which would occur in the absence of the conductive element. The power module supplies power to the magnetic field generator. The computer processor controls the time varying magnetic field provided by the magnetic field generator according to at least one set of stimulation parameters.