Residual Limb Electrode Liner for Phantom Pain Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amputees suffer from phantom limb pain, phantom limb syndrome, residual limb pain, and muscular atrophy, which are often debilitating and difficult to manage with existing treatments that have negative side effects and limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A polymer substrate with embedded electrodes and conductive ink is used to stimulate nerve fibers in the residual limb, modulating nerve activation through electrical current to alleviate symptoms by creating somatic sensations that simulate the presence and functionality of the missing limb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pain medications (NSAIDs, opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, muscle relaxants) are used to manage phantom limb pain and related symptoms, then temporary pain relief is achieved, but negative side effects occur and effectiveness decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological interventions with a physical/electrical stimulation system. The substrate with embedded electrodes delivers electrical currents to the residual limb to stimulate nerve fibers, substituting chemical pain management with a physical neuromodulation approach that avoids medication side effects while providing reliable long-term symptom management
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as an intermediary device between the external world and the residual limb's nerve fibers. It translates electrical signals into neural stimulation, mediating the interaction between the amputee's nervous system and the prosthetic or environment, thereby providing pain relief without direct pharmacological intervention
2Ease of operation
If complementary therapies (acupuncture, massage, mirror box therapy, biofeedback, psychological therapy) are used to improve functional outcome and well-being, then quality of life is enhanced, but the underlying neural mechanisms driving the pain are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect psychological and physical therapies with direct electrical neuromodulation. By applying electrical currents through the substrate to stimulate nerve fibers directly, the system addresses the underlying neural mechanisms of phantom limb pain rather than merely managing symptoms through behavioral or physical interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed to be applied directly to the residual limb before prosthetic use, establishing baseline neural stimulation that prevents or reduces phantom limb pain onset. This preliminary neural modulation creates a foundation for subsequent prosthetic interaction and rehabilitation
3Reliability
If a substrate with embedded electrodes and conductive ink is used to stimulate nerve fibers in the residual limb, then phantom limb pain and related symptoms are effectively reduced or resolved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated substrate. The substrate combines electrodes, conductive ink traces, and flexible polymer layers into one unified structure that can be applied directly to the residual limb, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining effective neural stimulation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate utilizes flexible polymer layers and thin film structures to create a conformable, wearable interface with the residual limb. This flexible construction allows the electrode array to adapt to the limb's shape and movement, providing effective stimulation without rigid or complex structural support
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 system effectively reduces or resolves phantom limb pain and related symptoms by stimulating nerve fibers, providing temporary to long-term relief without the side effects of traditional medications and therapies.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electrical current through the residual limb, with a controller in electrical communication with each electrode via the conductive ink, stimulates nerve fibers in the residual limb
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a layered polymer substrate with electrodes and conductive ink embedded in the substrate. In some embodiments, a prosthetic liner may be bonded onto the polymer substrate. The substrate may include an interconnect coupled to the electrodes via the conductive ink. The system may include a controller (e.g., an electrode controller) in communication with the electrodes via the conductive ink. The electrodes may be activated such that they may stimulate nerve fibers in a user's residual limb.