Sensorized Prosthetic Cover With Electrode Liner for Phantom Limb Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for phantom limb syndrome, such as mirror therapy, have not demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain, and there is a need for effective non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic cover with an array of sensors and electrodes that modulate neural activity in the residual limb through electrical stimulation, creating a new topographic map in the somatosensory cortex to associate specific symptoms with specific interactions, thereby reducing phantom limb pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mirror therapy is used to treat phantom limb syndrome, then visual representation of missing limb is provided, but statistically significant pain reduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (prosthetic cover with sensors and electrodes) that mediates between the amputee's residual limb and the nervous system. This intermediary provides both tactile feedback through sensors and electrical stimulation through electrodes, creating a multi-sensory intervention that goes beyond visual representation alone to effectively treat phantom limb pain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely visual/mechanical mirror therapy system with an electro-stimulatory system. Instead of relying solely on visual illusions, the system uses electrical fields to directly modulate neural activity in the residual limb, providing a more direct physiological intervention that achieves statistically significant pain reduction
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to residual limb, then neuroplasticity is induced and phantom limb pain is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic cover is designed as a multi-functional device that combines tactile sensing, visual feedback display, and electrical stimulation capabilities in a single integrated system. This allows the device to provide comprehensive neural feedback and treatment while reducing the need for multiple separate components, thereby managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by using sensors to detect interactions with the prosthetic cover and automatically triggering corresponding electrical stimulation patterns. This automated feedback mechanism reduces the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining effective treatment delivery
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 effectively reduces phantom limb pain by inducing neuroplasticity, allowing amputees to manage symptoms through specific interactions with the prosthetic cover, providing relief and improving proprioceptive senses.
Implementation Method 1
an array of electrodes in a liner that fits over a residual limb of an amputee. Different interactions with the prosthetic cover cause different activation of the electrodes to transmit electrical current through different areas of the residual limb and modulate neurons differently within the residual limb
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a prosthetic cover comprising an array of sensors, which transmit signals to an array of electrodes in a liner that fits over a residual limb of an amputee. Different interactions with the prosthetic cover cause different activation of the electrodes to transmit electrical current through different areas of the residual limb and modulate neurons differently within the residual limb.