Retrievable Electrode Apparatus for Continuous Tissue Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode apparatuses require re-opening of the surgical site for removal after electrical stimulation therapy, increasing procedure duration and infection risk.
Innovation Solution
An electrode apparatus with a cannula and extendable/retractable electrode wire and hook, allowing for electrical stimulation during and after surgery without requiring site re-opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the electrode apparatus is left inside the patient after surgical site closure to continue electrical stimulation therapy, then the duration of electrical stimulation therapy can be extended, but the surgical site requires re-opening to remove the electrode apparatus, increasing procedure duration and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrieval tool as an intermediary device that can access and retrieve the electrode apparatus through the closed surgical site without requiring re-opening. The retrieval tool serves as a mediator between the closed surgical site and the implanted electrode, enabling removal while maintaining site closure benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate components: the electrode apparatus for electrical stimulation and the retrieval tool for removal. This segmentation allows the electrode to be implanted and removed independently through the same surgical access point, enabling therapy continuation without compromising surgical site integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the surgical site is re-opened to remove the electrode apparatus after therapy expiration, then the electrode can be retrieved, but the overall procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool is designed and prepared in advance during the initial surgical procedure. The tool's retrieval mechanism is pre-configured to access the electrode apparatus through the closed surgical site, eliminating the need for future surgical re-opening and reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval tool acts as an intermediary instrument that can interact with the implanted electrode apparatus through minimally invasive access. This mediator enables electrode removal without requiring surgical site re-opening, significantly reducing procedure duration.
3Ease of operation
If the surgical site is re-opened for electrode apparatus removal, then the electrode can be extracted, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool serves as a sterile intermediary that can access and remove the electrode apparatus through the closed surgical site without exposing the internal environment to external contamination. This mediator maintains the integrity of the closed surgical site throughout the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval tool is designed to extract the electrode apparatus through the existing closed surgical incision rather than requiring re-opening. This extraction method maintains the protective barrier of the closed site, preventing infection while enabling electrode removal.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~5
Figure 6A~6E
AI summary
An electrode apparatus may include a handle, a cannula extending from a distal end of the handle and having at least one lumen, a ground wire extending through the cannula, and an electrode wire extending through the handle and the cannula, the electrode wire being extendable and retractable relative to a distal end of the cannula. The apparatus may also include a hook, provided in the cannula, and being extendable and retractable relative to the cannula.