Targeted Sacral Nerve Stimulation via Patient-Specific Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sacral nerve stimulation methods lack a methodology to determine the most effective location for electrode placement, as the variation in nerve fiber distribution between individuals and sides within an individual is not considered, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes for conditions like overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves electrically stimulating peripheral nerves, recording electrical activity, and determining the target nerve with the strongest representation or subject perception to guide optimal electrode placement for sacral nerve stimulation, thereby personalizing the treatment based on individual anatomy and perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are placed at a fixed location (S3 on one side), then the procedure is simple and standardized, but the therapeutic effectiveness is suboptimal due to not accounting for individual nerve fiber distribution variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing nerve mapping and identification before electrode placement. The system conducts electrical stimulation and recording to identify the specific sacral nerve location with the strongest representation of target organs, then uses this information to guide electrode placement, ensuring optimal therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining a systematic approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the electrode placement location to match the individual patient's nerve anatomy and target organ representation. Instead of using a standardized location for all patients, the system identifies and targets the specific sacral nerve location that provides the strongest therapeutic effect for that particular patient, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If electrode placement is customized based on individual nerve anatomy, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating electrical stimulation and recording during the surgical procedure to identify the optimal electrode placement location in real-time. The system uses the recorded electrical activity to determine which sacral nerve location has the strongest representation, providing immediate feedback that guides the electrode placement decision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mapping system that creates a preoperative map of the patient's nerve anatomy and target organ representation. This map serves as an intermediary guide between the surgical procedure and the final electrode placement, allowing the surgeon to visualize and select the optimal location without requiring complex real-time decision-making
3Productivity
If standardized electrode placement is used, then the procedure is quick and consistent, but it fails to account for variations in nerve fiber distribution between individuals and sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary nerve mapping and anatomical assessment before the surgical procedure using imaging and electrical stimulation. This preoperative characterization of the patient's unique nerve anatomy allows the surgical team to plan the optimal electrode placement in advance, minimizing intraoperative time while achieving personalized results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the electrode placement location to be adjusted based on real-time electrical recording data during the procedure. The system can identify the optimal sacral nerve location with the strongest target organ representation and adapt the placement accordingly, combining procedural efficiency with personalized precision
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 personalized electrode placement that maximizes therapeutic benefit by identifying the location with the strongest nerve representation or perception, potentially improving treatment outcomes for conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders.
Implementation Method 1
electrically stimulating at least one peripheral nerve and recording electrical activity in at least one target nerve, electrically stimulating at least one target nerve and recording electrical activity in at least one peripheral nerve, and/or electrically stimulating at least one target nerve and recording at least one subject perception
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for targeted nerve stimulation. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining the location of electrode placement providing the most therapeutic benefit for a particular subject. The various embodiments disclosed herein include methods for identifying a target nerve having the strongest representation and/or the strongest subject perception associated with a peripheral nerve in a patient-specific manner.