Proximal and Distal Return Electrodes for Tissue Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue stimulation systems lack the flexibility to configure electrodes for precise electrical stimulation, particularly in varying anatomical conditions, limiting the ability to concentrate or diffuse electrical fields as needed.
Innovation Solution
A tissue stimulation system with proximal and distal return electrodes, controlled by a ratio controller, allows for a transverse electric field configuration, providing concentrated or diffuse energy distribution based on the positioning of proximal and distal return electrodes relative to stimulation electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single return electrode configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to control current density and electric field distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode is divided into multiple segments (first return electrode proximal to the stimulation electrode and second return electrode distal to the stimulation electrode). This segmentation allows independent control of current flow paths, enabling flexible configuration of electric field distribution and current density patterns in different tissue regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic switching between different return electrode configurations (proximal, distal, or combined). This dynamic adaptability allows the stimulation system to adjust current distribution in real-time based on treatment requirements, anatomical variations, and tissue response, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and control versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximal return electrode is used alone, then transverse electric field is concentrated, but the stimulation coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of proximal and distal return electrodes, allowing them to be used individually or in combination. When both are activated, they work together to extend stimulation coverage along the longitudinal axis while maintaining precise transverse field concentration through the proximal component, thus achieving both broad coverage and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual return electrode configuration provides multi-functionality: the proximal return electrode can be used for concentrated transverse stimulation, the distal return electrode for extended longitudinal coverage, or both together for combined effects. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and reduces positioning precision requirements through flexible configuration options.
3Measurement precision
If multiple return electrodes are implemented, then current distribution control is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple return electrodes and the stimulation source, enabling precise control of current distribution. This intermediary component manages the complexity by providing automated or programmable selection of electrode configurations, thereby achieving high measurement precision in current density control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 the ability to precisely control current density and distribution, ensuring effective electrical stimulation across extended longitudinal dispositions and reducing the risk of electrode misalignment with target tissues.
Implementation Method 1
one or more stimulation electrodes, comprised in the second surface and configured to transmit energy, in use, to human or animal tissue
Implementation Method 2
By providing an implantable end with one or more proximal return electrodes proximate the one or more stimulation electrodes, a substantially transverse electric field may be provided
Data Source
AI summary
Typically, stimulation therapy is provided using one or more implanted stimulation electrodes. Anatomy and treatment protocols can vary greatly—it is therefore advantageous to provide a highly configurable stimulation system.A tissue stimulation system is provided including an implantable end and a stimulation energy source, the implantable end including: an elongated substrate; one or more stimulation electrodes; and one or more proximal return electrodes; the stimulation energy source including: one or more distal return electrodes, disposed distantly from the one or more stimulation electrodes; and a pulse energy controller including a ratio controller, wherein: the proximal return electrodes and the distal return electrodes are configured as an electrical return for the stimulation electrodes; the ratio controller modifying the electrical potential and/or current ratio of the first part to the second part.A substantially transverse electric field may be provided. In addition, a ratio controller may also be provided.