Rotary Electrode Assembly for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostimulation systems for nervous tissue, such as those used for heart treatment, face challenges in efficiently applying electrical stimuli to specific nerves like the vagus nerve without direct contact, which can lead to inefficient energy transmission and potential damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
The electrostimulation system employs a sheathed conducting wire with an electrostimulation block and rotary member that allows the electrode pair to be rotated and urged against the vein wall, enabling indirect stimulation of the vagus nerve through a convex electrode design and elastic or balloon-like urging members, ensuring efficient energy delivery and minimizing tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conducting wire is implanted to bring into close contact with the stimulation target, then electrical stimulus can be applied to the biological tissue, but the risk of damage to surrounding tissues increases due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (rotatable electrode assembly with insulating sheath) between the conducting wire and the biological tissue. The electrode can be rotated to make contact with the tissue only when needed, while the insulating sheath protects surrounding tissues during insertion and when not in use. This intermediary structure allows controlled electrical stimulus transmission while minimizing harmful contact with surrounding tissues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an electrode is directly implanted into the biological tissue, then efficient electrical stimulus delivery is achieved, but insertion and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic electrode assembly where the electrode can be rotated into and out of contact with the biological tissue. The electrode is mounted on a rotating mechanism that allows it to be positioned against the tissue wall when electrical stimulus is needed, and retracted when not needed. This dynamic configuration enables efficient stimulus delivery during operation while facilitating easy insertion and removal of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is nested within a protective insulating sheath that can be advanced over or retracted from the electrode. During insertion, the sheath protects the electrode and surrounding tissue. When the electrode needs to contact the tissue, the sheath is retracted or rotated away. This nested structure allows the electrode to be easily inserted and removed while still achieving efficient electrical stimulus delivery when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed electrode structure is used, then stable electrical connection is maintained, but adaptability to different tissue positions and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable electrode assembly that can be dynamically adjusted to different angular positions while maintaining stable electrical connection. The electrode rotates around an axis that passes through or near the tissue, allowing it to be oriented toward different tissue locations. This dynamic rotation capability provides adaptability to different tissue positions and orientations while maintaining stable electrical contact during each positioned state.
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
This approach allows for precise and efficient electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, reducing unnecessary stimulation of other tissues and minimizing the risk of damage, while facilitating easy insertion and removal of the electrode without obstructing blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode urging member urging the electrode pair toward the inner wall of the vein
Implementation Method 2
a sheathed conducting wire member which has a terminal portion to be connected to an electrostimulation device, a conducting wire pair electrically connected to the terminal portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostimulation system includes a connector connected to an electrostimulation device, a conducting wire pair electrically connected to the connector, an electrical stimulation lead having a sheathing body configured to insulate the conducting wire pair and installed to be inserted into the vein, an electrical stimulus block portion installed at a leading end side of the electrical stimulation lead and having an electrode portion electrically connected to the conducting wire pair and a fixing block configured to bias the electrode portion to the inner wall of the vein, and a rotary member having an engaging groove detachably engaged with the electrical stimulus block portion and configured to rotate the electrical stimulus block portion disposed in the vein about a central axis of the vein disposed in the vein via the engaging groove.