Saphenous Nerve Stimulation via Implanted Conductive Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving selective activation of specific neural targets with minimal activation of non-targeted tissue, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy and increased side effects due to invasive procedures and limited long-term viability of implanted systems.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system with an external electrical generator and an implanted, electrically conductive member positioned near the target nerve tissue, using complementary configurations of external stimulation elements and subcutaneously implanted passive elements to enhance neural excitability and reduce stimulation spillover, allowing for more precise and effective nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used, then the procedure is simpler and less invasive, but selective nerve activation is not readily achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implanted, electrically conductive member as an intermediary between the external stimulator and the target nerve. This mediator enhances the electrical field at the nerve location, enabling selective activation while maintaining transcutaneous application simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the stimulation function into two separate components: an external stimulator that generates the electrical field and an implanted conductive member that focuses it at the target nerve. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently.
2Manufacturing precision
If implanted nerve stimulation systems are used, then selective nerve activation can be achieved, but long-term viability is complicated by mechanical movement of lead wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable lead wires and pulse generator from the implanted portion, extracting the mechanical failure sources. Only a small, passive conductive member remains implanted, while the complex active components stay external.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted conductive member is designed as a simple, passive, and potentially replaceable component without complex electronics. This simplifies long-term maintenance and reduces the risk of device failure compared to permanently implanted active systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between stimulating electrode and nerve target is minimized, then selective activation is improved, but highly-invasive surgery with significant risk is required
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted conductive member serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the external electrode and the deep nerve target. It focuses the electrical field at the nerve location without requiring direct contact or highly invasive placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial arrangement by placing the conductive member in subcutaneous tissue rather than directly on the nerve. This creates a new dimensional configuration that reduces surgical invasiveness while maintaining field focus.
4Manufacturing precision
If multi-polar electrodes with multiple contacts are used, then stimulation selectivity can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex multi-contact electrodes, the patent employs a simple conductive member that passively focuses the electrical field. This intermediary achieves selectivity through its electrical properties and positioning rather than through multiple active contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical complexity of multi-contact electrode positioning with an electrical field focusing mechanism. The conductive member shapes the electrical field to achieve selectivity without requiring precise mechanical alignment of multiple contacts.
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 provides improved selective nerve stimulation with reduced activation of non-targeted tissue, increased therapeutic efficacy, and decreased side effects, while offering a less invasive and cost-effective treatment option with enhanced long-term clinical therapy.
Implementation Method 1
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system includes an external electrical generator and at least one stimulator that is electrically coupled to the external electrical generator and that is positioned on a surface of a patient's skin. An implanted, electrically conductive member is positioned on, or contiguous to, a target nerve tissue for stimulation of the target nerve tissue to modify the electrical field signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method to treat a patient having a pelvic floor dysfunction by establishing a neurostimulator having a processor and a signal generator to generate a stimulation signal. The processor is set to one or more parameters effective in the treating of the patient's pelvic dysfunction when the stimulation signal is applied to a saphenous nerve of the patient. The neurostimulator is configured to provide the stimulation signal to a stimulator in accordance with a stimulation protocol. At least one stimulator is positioned next to a portion of the saphenous nerve of at least one lower limb of a patient. The processor is operationally activated to provide the stimulation signal to the stimulator for treatment of the patient.