Separated-Interface Nerve Electrode Tissue Damage Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic coupling electrodes cause tissue damage due to the mismatch between electron-based current delivery and ion-based current conduction in nerve tissues, leading to sub-optimal results and tissue damage in nerve blocking and stimulating applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of ionic coupling electrodes, specifically the Separated-Interface Nerve Electrode (SINE), which separates the electron current flow from the ion current flow and uses an ionically conductive medium to deliver single-phase current to nerve tissues, mitigating tissue damage by preventing harmful electrochemical reactions and allowing for prolonged use without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electronic coupling electrodes are used to deliver current to nerve tissues, then current delivery is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to the mismatch between electron-based current delivery and ion-based current conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent delivery effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ionically conductive medium as an intermediary between the electronic coupling electrode and the nerve tissue. This medium allows electron-to-ion transduction, enabling current delivery while preventing direct electron-tissue interaction that causes damage. The medium acts as a buffer zone where electrochemical reactions occur away from the sensitive nerve tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the electronic coupling electrode, the ionically conductive medium, and the nerve tissue interface. This segmentation separates the harmful electrochemical reactions in the medium from the vulnerable nerve tissue, allowing current delivery while protecting the tissue from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If prolonged single phase current is applied to nerve through conventional electrodes, then nerve blocking is achieved, but tissue damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of nerve blockingVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ionically conductive medium serves as a protective intermediary that enables prolonged current application. It absorbs the burden of electrochemical reactions, allowing extended nerve blocking durations without transferring the harmful effects to the nerve tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potentially harmful electrochemical reactions into a beneficial process by directing them to occur in the ionically conductive medium rather than at the nerve tissue interface. The medium transforms the harmful electron-tissue interaction into a controlled ion-mediated process that protects the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If high frequency alternating current is delivered through conventional electrodes, then motor fiber blocking is achieved, but sub-optimal results occur due to electrode design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve blocking efficacyVSAvoidblocking effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters at the electrode-medium interface by using an ionically conductive medium with specific ionic conductivity properties. This parameter change enables more effective HFAC delivery by matching the impedance characteristics and reducing signal loss, thereby improving blocking efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 SINE effectively blocks or stimulates nerve impulses without causing tissue damage, enabling safer and more effective chronic use by maintaining a benign interface between the electrode and nerve tissue, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving the efficacy of nerve blocking and stimulating procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an ionically conductive medium that contacts the nerve tissue and transduces a current into an ionic current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron-to-ion transduction:

Implementation Method 2

mitigating nerve damage associated with conventional approaches by preventing harmful electrochemical reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction prevention:

Data Source

PatentUS9498621B2Separated-interface nerve electrode

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

Example ionic coupling electrodes are described. One example ionic conducting electrode includes a first portion that can be coupled to a single phase current source. The first portion carries current flow via electrons. The electrode includes a second portion to apply a current to a nerve tissue. The second portion carries current flow via ions. The second portion is positioned between the nerve tissue and the first portion to prevent the first portion from touching the nerve tissue. The current applied to the nerve tissue is produced in the second portion in response to a current that is present in the first portion. The current present in the first portion is provided from a single phase current source. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications and nerve stimulation applications.