Pulsed High-Frequency Stimulation for Neuroma-Free Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for alleviating nerve pain, such as Continuous Radiofrequency (CRF), often lead to the formation of neuromas, which can cause more severe pain due to the body's self-repair mechanisms, and result in significant paresthesia sensations during treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electronic stimulation device using high-frequency electrical signals with specific parameters (100 V/m to 1000 V/m, 200 KHz to 1000 KHz, and pulse frequencies) applied through electrodes to target zones like the dorsal root ganglion, vertebral column, or spinal dorsal horn to block neurotransmission and reduce pain without inducing paresthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous high-frequency signal is applied to create high temperature to destroy nerve tissue, then nerve pain is alleviated, but neuroma is formed causing more serious pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of electrical stimulation from continuous high-frequency signals (CRF) to pulsed high-frequency signals with specific pulse widths (e.g., 200 microseconds) and frequencies (e.g., 2-10 Hz). This parameter modification allows pain relief while preventing the thermal damage and neuroma formation associated with continuous high-temperature treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed stimulation instead of continuous stimulation. The pulsed regime with specific duty cycles allows nerve tissue to recover between pulses, preventing cumulative thermal damage and neuroma formation while maintaining pain relief effectiveness through repeated intermittent stimulation.
2Reliability
If continuous radiofrequency ablation is used to destroy nerve tissue, then pain is reduced, but paresthesia sensations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies stimulation parameters by using pulsed high-frequency signals with controlled pulse widths (e.g., 200 microseconds) and low pulse frequencies (e.g., 2-10 Hz), rather than continuous high-frequency signals. This parameter change reduces paresthesia sensations while maintaining effective pain relief through selective nerve fiber modulation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If high-frequency electrical stimulation is applied to block neurotransmission, then pain relief duration increases, but treatment frequency requirements decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary pulsed high-frequency stimulation to modify nerve tissue properties before pain becomes chronic or severe. This preliminary action creates long-lasting effects that reduce the need for frequent subsequent treatments, addressing both extended pain relief duration and reduced treatment frequency requirements.
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 effectively reduces nerve pain with minimal paresthesia sensations, potentially offering longer-lasting pain relief by blocking neurotransmission in the target zones, thus reducing the frequency of treatments needed.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic stimulation unit receives a high-frequency electrical stimulation signal to impel the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field. The range of the electric field covers the target zone
Implementation Method 2
The high-frequency electrical stimulation signal is adapted to block the neurotransmission in the target zone
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic stimulation device is adapted for electrically stimulating a target zone of an organism with relative low pain sensations without generating relative much sensations of paresthesia. The electronic stimulation device comprises at least one electronic stimulation unit. The electronic stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The electronic stimulation unit receives a high-frequency electrical stimulation signal to impel the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field. The range of the electric field covers the target zone, and the electric field strength ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m. The frequency of the high-frequency electrical stimulation signal ranges from 200 KHz to 1000 KHz.