Selective Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation via Time-Slot Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis, and fecal incontinence are often invasive, have significant side effects, or provide constant and non-selective stimulation, affecting multiple body areas and requiring lifelong therapy.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous electrical stimulation device that uses multiple waveform generators to create a modulated signal package, allowing selective stimulation of specific nerves or body parts without invasive procedures, using a patch with electrodes positioned externally to target specific frequencies and phases for different body parts, such as the bladder and genitals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sacral nerve stimulation is applied continuously through needle insertion, then nerve stimulation effect is achieved, but invasiveness and unwanted stimulation of other body areas occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nerve stimulation into separate time slots, dedicating specific periods for stimulating each individual nerve (sacral, pudendal, etc.) rather than continuous simultaneous stimulation. This segmentation allows selective targeting of single nerves while avoiding unwanted effects on other body areas during each time slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic stimulation by cycling through different nerves in repeated time slots. Each nerve receives stimulation during its designated period, followed by other nerves in subsequent periods. This periodic approach maintains therapeutic effectiveness while enabling selective targeting and avoiding continuous unwanted stimulation of multiple areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nerves are stimulated simultaneously, then multiple conditions can be treated, but selectivity and control over specific body parts are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation protocol into distinct time slots, with each slot dedicated to stimulating a specific nerve. This temporal segmentation enables the system to treat multiple conditions by cycling through different nerves while maintaining high selectivity during each individual stimulation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which nerve is being stimulated at any given time by cycling through different nerves in sequential time slots. This dynamic switching allows the system to adaptively target different nerves based on treatment requirements while maintaining precise control and selectivity during each stimulation phase.
3Ease of manufacture
If behavioral modification and drug therapy are used for incontinence, then treatment can be applied, but lifelong therapy is required with significant side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes systems that can be controlled by the patient themselves, allowing them to initiate and manage their own nerve stimulation therapy. This self-service capability empowers patients to administer treatment without continuous medical supervision, potentially reducing lifelong dependency on medical interventions and their associated side effects.
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 device provides direct, selective, and controlled stimulation of multiple body parts, reducing side effects and the need for invasive procedures, enabling simultaneous treatment of various conditions like stress urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis, and fecal incontinence with improved patient comfort and reduced surgical risks.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode electrically coupled to the modulation device and positioned substantially adjacent to the skin of the mammal, and adapted to apply the modulated signal package thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method is provided for transdermally stimulating selected body parts of a mammal. The device includes a first waveform generator adapted to generate a first waveform having a first frequency capable of stimulating a first predetermined body part, a second waveform generator adapted to generate a carrier waveform having a second frequency capable of passing through tissue of the mammal, and a third waveform generator adapted to generate a third waveform having a third frequency different from and out of phase with that of the first waveform, and capable of stimulating a second predetermined body part. The device further includes a modulation device electrically coupled to the first, second and third waveform generators and adapted to modulate the carrier, first, and third waveforms to create a modulated signal package, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the modulation device and positioned substantially adjacent to the skin of the mammal, and adapted to apply the modulated signal package thereto.