Segmented Electrode Array for Nerve Root Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurological damage, such as spinal cord injuries, lack precision in electrical stimulation, leading to incomplete recovery of motor functions, muscle damage, and adverse effects like pain and autonomic dysreflexia, with existing methods failing to provide full mobility and independence for paraplegics and quadriplegics.

Innovation Solution

A motor device with an electrode array and programming mechanism that applies electric current to nerve roots above the area of damage, allowing for precise stimulation and bypassing or bridging of neurological damage to restore muscle function, using a combination of electrodes and 3D printing technology for customized nerve mapping and electrode construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical stimulation is applied to treat neurological damage, then muscle function can be stimulated, but precision is insufficient leading to incomplete recovery and adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of electrical stimulationVSAvoidcompleteness of motor function recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical stimulation system into multiple independently controllable electrode contacts arranged in arrays, allowing selective stimulation of specific nerve root territories. This segmentation enables precise targeting of affected muscle groups while avoiding stimulation of unrelated areas, thereby improving both precision and reliability of motor function recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different electrical parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to be applied to different electrode contacts simultaneously. This enables customized stimulation patterns tailored to specific neurological deficits, improving the completeness of recovery by addressing local tissue needs while maintaining overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If electrical stimulation is applied to treat neurological damage, then muscle function can be stimulated, but adverse effects such as pain and autonomic dysreflexia occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of muscle stimulationVSAvoidadverse effects including pain and autonomic dysreflexia

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented electrode array allows isolation of stimulatory effects from harmful effects by selectively activating only the electrode contacts that produce therapeutic muscle contraction while avoiding those that trigger pain or autonomic dysreflexia. This spatial segmentation enables effective separation of beneficial and harmful physiological responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor patient response to electrical stimulation in real-time, allowing immediate adjustment of stimulation parameters to eliminate adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Feedback enables dynamic optimization of the stimulation protocol to avoid pain and autonomic dysreflexia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If existing treatment methods are used, then some functional improvement can be achieved, but full mobility and independence cannot be regained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevel of functional recoveryVSAvoidmobility and independence of patient

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic stimulation patterns that can be adjusted in real-time based on patient needs and recovery progress. Multiple electrode contacts can be activated in different sequences and combinations to facilitate complex motor functions required for mobility and independence, enabling the system to adapt to evolving therapeutic goals and improve overall functional productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables natural muscle movement and pain reduction by precisely targeting nerve roots, minimizing tissue damage and adverse effects, and allowing individuals to regain mobility and independence, with the potential for coordinated muscle group stimulation and improved muscle bulk and strength.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode for generating electric current operatively attached to an electrode array and exposed on an inner surface of an array body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS11311723B2Motor devices for motor nerve root stimulation

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 SHAH JAWAD A

AI summary

A motor device for stimulating muscle, including at least one electrode for generating electric current operatively attached to an electrode array and exposed on an inner surface of an array body, and a programming mechanism of a computer that executes an algorithm stored on non-transitory computer readable medium and includes an information storage mechanism and a user-operated interface in electrical connection with said at least one electrode for programming operation of said at least one electrode, said motor device being implanted in an individual and applying electric current to nerves at an area above an area of neurological damage.